Anthony Seibold has parted ways with Manly Sea Eagles, and almost straight away, the spotlight shifts to Shane Flanagan and his struggling St George Illawarra Dragons.
The pressure is building on the Dragons coach just four rounds into the season, as the club finds itself languishing at the bottom of the NRL ladder.
Flanagan was appointed at the start of 2024, but results on the pitch haven’t improved, and in fact, appear to be deteriorating further.
Shane Flanagan, coach of the Dragons. Getty
During his inaugural season, the Dragons squandered a valuable chance at finals football and subsequently let go of their star players, Zac Lomax and Ben Hunt.
In the last campaign, the Red V faced numerous near-misses, dropping a series of tight contests, including three by a solitary point, before ending the season with four consecutive losses.
Shadows of their past torment still linger early on in Flanagan’s third year. A heartbreaking golden-point loss to the Canterbury Bulldogs, collapsing from a second-half lead against the Melbourne Storm, and a dismal attacking performance against Parramatta have all contributed to the growing discontent.
The latest defeat to fellow strugglers Gold Coast has highlighted the continuing decline of the team under Flanagan’s leadership.
Dragons players reflecting on their defeat to the Titans. Getty
Despite Flanagan being contracted until the end of 2028, that won’t hold much weight if results don’t improve soon, as noted by former player and respected commentator Josh Morris. Even with Flanagan’s previous success at Cronulla, he acknowledges the urgency.
“That’s now eight consecutive losses if you count the four from last season,” he remarked during this week’s Continuous Call Team Offload podcast.
“Dragons fans are every bit as passionate as Manly fans; they crave success, and if it’s not forthcoming, the calls for change will only grow louder each week.”
Tune in to watch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.
“One positive about Flanagan is his squad is relatively young, and he is likely the right person to instil toughness and competitiveness into them.”
“He has demonstrated an ability to lift clubs from the doldrums to premiership contenders, and that needs to be taken into account as well.”
Over the past decade, St George Illawarra has been one of the most underperforming teams in the NRL, making only one finals appearance in 2018 when coached by Paul McGregor.
In an effort to rejuvenate the franchise both on and off the field, the club has recently made key appointments, including Tim Watsford as CEO and Daniel Anderson as head of recruitment, alongside the major signing of Keaon Koloamatangi, who will join for the 2027 season.
However, veteran journalist Andrew Webster has indicated that discussions regarding Flanagan’s position may commence soon if the Dragons do not find a way to win.
Shane Flanagan addresses the media following the round four defeat. NRL Images
“They extended his contract to bring some stability, especially regarding recruitment, but that will only hold merit if games are won,” Webster commented on the Offload podcast.
“If the team isn’t performing well by Anzac Day and they don’t secure a win in that match, it will create turbulence at the club. If they fail to achieve at least one win in those three matches leading into the clash with the Roosters, then the Dragons’ management will have to engage in some serious discussions with Shane Flanagan.”
“I’ve talked to individuals associated with the club, and this began to surface.”
The Dragons have the opportunity to improve their early-season form over the next couple of weeks, with games against the Cowboys and Sea Eagles on the horizon.
However, the call for Flanagan to make alterations to the Dragons’ lineup is intensifying, with one name dominating the conversation — Kade Reed.
Kade Reed showing his skills for the Dragons. NRL Images
The young talent made an impression during the trials and is viewed as the club’s long-term halfback. However, doubts about whether Reed is ready physically and mentally for NRL persist, as Flanagan urges caution regarding his debut.
With Kyle Flanagan out of action following a serious concussion in round four, Reed may get the nod this week, with Lyhkan King-Togia also in contention.
“Dragons supporters are keen to see Kade Reed step up in the halves,” said Morris.
“They’ve been impressed with his performances in the trials, and with Kyle’s unfortunate injury, that will likely compel Shane to make a change.”
“If Kade performs well, the question remains: will he retain his spot when Kyle returns?”
Although smaller in stature, Reed has garnered respect for his tenacity while working through the junior ranks, potentially injecting some much-needed energy and enthusiasm into the squad’s spine.
Kade Reed showcases his skills with the Dragons. NRL Images
Three-time NRL premiership winner Luke Keary believes it’s time for the Dragons to gamble on the 19-year-old, seeing the potential for future success.
“I think Kade Reed should be thrown in; the moment has come,” Keary remarked on The Bye Round.
“He might not be fully prepared, but as interim Manly coach Kieran Foran said, when is one ever truly ready? Just get him in there. From what I’ve observed during the trials, he could provide an element they have been missing for a while.”
“I believe [Daniel] Atkinson has been steady enough to support him. They aren’t being completely outmatched, so it’s not like you’re throwing him into a hopeless situation.”
“I say just take that leap.”
Compiled by SportArena.au
Fanpage: SportArena.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
