NRL legends Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns have pinpointed two potential coaching candidates they believe the Dragons should pursue to elevate the struggling merger club out of its current predicament.
St George Illawarra is searching for its fifth head coach since Wayne Bennett departed the Red V in 2012, prior to leading the team to premiership glory in 2010.
Since Bennett’s exit, Steve Price, Paul McGregor, Anthony Griffin, and Shane Flanagan have all been unable to fulfil their contracts, while Ryan Carr and Dean Young have stepped in as interim head coaches.
Among the frontrunners is former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, who has been recently associated with Roosters head honcho Trent Robinson following his extensive tenure in rugby union.
“The Dragons have struggled for quite a while now,” Fittler commented on Nine’s Freddy and the Eighth.
Kyle Flanagan (right) of the Dragons and teammates appear downcast. Getty
“Dean Young is a local favourite, and Ben Hornby is another name being considered, as he’s currently the frontrunner for the role.
“There are also other candidates like Trent Barrett, a former Dragon, who I’ve always thought would be a good fit for the team.
“Then there’s Michael Cheika, who keeps coming up. While he may be untested in league, I believe he possesses the personality necessary to navigate the complex dynamics between Illawarra and St George.
“He fully understands the intricacies involved and is a strong character, so I wouldn’t hesitate to mention his name for the role.”
Cheika has frequently expressed his ambition to coach in rugby league, though his lack of prior NRL head coaching experience makes him a risky choice. He currently serves as a senior assistant with the Roosters, working alongside Trent Robinson.
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Trent Robinson and Michael Cheika during a joint training session between the Waratahs and the Sydney Roosters in 2014. Getty
Johns has also suggested considering former Eels coach Brad Arthur, who led Parramatta for a decade and took them to a grand final in 2022.
Since his departure from the Eels in 2024, he has been at the helm of Leeds in the Super League.
Johns is confident that, like Cheika, Arthur would be able to manage any turbulence at the club’s board level.
The Dragons previously implemented a selection panel that made weekly team decisions instead of allowing head coach McGregor to do so.
“Perhaps the issue isn’t solely with the coach,” said Johns.
“It might be necessary to evaluate the entire club structure as the recruitment efforts have been inadequate.
“A strong personality is needed to manage the board effectively. There are stories about Paul McGregor’s time there when he enjoyed considerable success, yet was not allowed to select the team due to board members interfering. It’s key for those board members to stay in their area of expertise.”
Former Eels coach Brad Arthur. SMH
“Do you believe the coach participates in board meetings and makes decisions? No. It’s unacceptable for board members to dictate to the coach who should play.”
“Someone with fortitude like Brad Arthur, akin to Wayne Bennett, is necessary. Picture the scene if the board attempted that with someone like Wayne… I firmly believe Brad Arthur is the solution.
“He revitalised Parramatta; they were at the bottom when he took over and he led them to a grand final. Currently, he’s coaching Leeds, who are leading the Super League.
“He has considerable experience, knows how to overhaul a club, and will firmly confront stakeholders within the organisation. I think he’s the ideal candidate.”
Young has stepped in for a second term as interim head coach of the Dragons.
His first action in charge was a dramatic dismissal of fellow assistant coach Michael Ennis on Tuesday, who was still considered a contender for the permanent role next year.
The Dragons’ next challenge is against the Roosters on Anzac Day.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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