The Dragons have reportedly paused all contract discussions, urging players to “take some bloody responsibility” as the pressure mounts on the faltering team.
St George Illawarra suffered their ninth consecutive defeat, with a 32-0 drubbing by the Cowboys on Saturday.
The Red V’s 0-5 start to the season marks their worst performance since the merger of St George and Illawarra in 1998.
Coach Shane Flanagan has faced significant criticism, particularly as he has largely constructed a squad that is currently underperforming in the NRL.
Frustration has also been directed at his decision to include his son Kyle in the lineup, even amidst lacklustre showings over the past year.
Clint Gutherson of the Dragons reacts after conceding a try. Getty
Even with Kyle out injured in round five, Flanagan’s Dragons failed to trouble the scoreboard against North Queensland, leaving fans at Kogarah Oval furious.
News Corp has reported that the club’s list management team has been instructed to halt all negotiations with current players, affecting co-captain Damien Cook, along with Blake Lawrie, Christian Tuipulotu, Emre Guler, Hame Sele, Luciano Leilua, Nathan Lawson, and Tyrell Sloan.
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In total, there’s around $3 million worth of unsigned talent for next season.
Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters offered a passionate defence of Flanagan on Fox League over the weekend, stating, “Take some ownership of your performances, take some bloody ownership and don’t throw that ridiculous pass.”
“Get up and play the ball correctly. Get onside, kick, and chase. All those effort areas in the game—they need to improve and show their coach they actually care.
On Nine’s Sunday Footy Show, rugby league legend Andrew Johns also backed Flanagan, highlighting that the Dragons’ roster is simply not cutting it. However, Broncos great Sam Thaiday disagreed, asserting the squad has the ability to secure wins.
“They really need to focus on the fundamentals and start playing simple football to win games,” Thaiday stated on Nine’s Today. “The roster is solid, but players must commit and follow their coach’s guidance.
“While there’s significant pressure on Shane Flanagan, I reckon he just needs to simplify the game plan. Let them play freely and have fun, and they’ll start seeing results.”
“It’s commendable that the Dragons have decided to pause negotiations for the time being and focus on winning games.”
The season has already seen one NRL coach sacked, with Manly letting go of Anthony Seibold after just three games—all losses.
Like Seibold, Flanagan signed a contract extension only last year.
The Dragons are set to face the Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, and Roosters in the coming weeks before a bye in round nine.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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