Shane Flanagan is undoubtedly conscious that his position at the Dragons might be precarious, yet Andrew Johns insists that dismissing him won’t solve the problems the club is facing.
A ninth consecutive defeat in the top grade has cast a shadow over the Dragons, leading to fans booing the team as they left the field and starting to demand immediate changes.
Among the changes suggested, appointing a new coach tops the list, with Flanagan issuing an apology to the Dragons supporters following a demoralising 32-0 defeat to the Cowboys last Saturday.
Damien Cook stated to the media that the responsibility lies with the players, while Flanagan refrained from offering any justifications for their performance.
However, the eighth Immortal believes Flanagan isn’t the central issue for the Dragons.
“Sacking him isn’t going to change anything,” Johns remarked on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
Andrew Johns addresses Shane Flanagan’s future. Nine
“Sadly, the players simply aren’t up to scratch.
“A team comprises three key components: the forwards who lay the groundwork, the strike force out wide, and the playmakers.
“Their performance was abysmal, particularly their kicking game. Players in the creative roles are underperforming … Daniel Atkinson is a natural five-eighth, not a halfback. Expecting him to fill that role is a tall order.
“I don’t believe changing the coach will improve matters. What they really need is to identify a genuine No.7; that’s the critical factor. Unfortunately, they’re scarce.”
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Billy Slater acknowledged that the simplest route for the Dragons’ board may be to part ways with Flanagan, but he concurred that the playing group is also part of the issue.
“Sadly, coaches often bear the brunt of the blame,” he noted.
“They are the quickest to let go in a bid to elicit a response from the players. It’s much harder to shift 13 players mid-season.”
Flanagan acknowledged in a recent media address that he couldn’t overhaul the squad halfway through the season.
However, Mark Riddell, a club legend now engaged as an NRLW and pathways recruitment lead, believes Flanagan needs to make bold decisions and give a junior talent the chance to address the glaring weakness in the halves.
“I understand my position at the club, but immediate change is crucial,” he stated on 2GB’s The Continuous Call Team on Sunday.
“We can’t just repeat the same approach and expect different results. Changes must be made to offer players a chance to shine and observe the outcomes. We’re at a critical juncture.
“There’s tremendous potential within the club. The name likely to emerge is Kade Reed. He’s a solid player with a strong character. The concerns surrounding him aren’t about his skills … He’s a genuine halfback with a good understanding of the game, but his fitness is a worry for the club.
“I think the club and Flanno are just ensuring that when they do bring him in, he’s fully prepared to contribute significantly for the next five or ten years.
“Given the current state of affairs, with him being a natural halfback, they should just take the plunge and give him a go.”
Reed re-signed with the club until the end of 2028 last November.
The 19-year-old has been part of the NRL pre-season training squad for the past three years.
He was named in the reserves for the Dragons’ clash against the Cowboys in round five.
Reed will compete with Lyhkan King-Togia and Atkinson for a starting position in the team’s round six showdown against Manly this Friday evening.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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