Former rugby league tough guy Mark Geyer has expressed the view that the Dragons should hold off on dismissing Shane Flanagan during the current season but should clarify that this will be his final year in charge.
Flanagan is under contract until the end of 2028, yet St George Illawarra has endured a dismal run, losing their last 10 games encompassing both last season and the current one. There is a growing chorus of voices advocating for Flanagan’s removal, the coach who led the Dragons to a premiership in 2016.
In a further blow, Queensland State of Origin forward Jaydn Su’A has opted to leave the club at the season’s conclusion instead of exercising a player option. Meanwhile, young prospect Loko Pasifiki Tonga, who is contracted until the end of 2027, has recently sought permission to negotiate with rival teams immediately.
Tonga’s frustration has mounted due to his repeated exclusion from the first-grade squad, yet his request to negotiate was denied.
Geyer shared his thoughts on the turmoil facing Flanagan and the Dragons on The Continuous Call Team’s Mark My Words podcast.
“I would aim for minimal disruption this year,” Geyer commented on the 2GB podcast.
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan. Getty
“As an interim coach seeking a position, I wouldn’t take that role because I would prefer to be evaluated based on my capabilities next season, not the current situation.
“Therefore, I wouldn’t dismiss him; I’d be telling him, ‘You have the whole year ahead of you, and although you might surprise us by making the finals, this is your last year as head coach. Go out and do your thing’.
“If you’re Dean Young, Ben Hornby, or Ben Te’o, and you’re eyeing a full-time position, you wouldn’t want to step in as interim coach for the Dragons at this moment. You might make a minor impact, but a significant change isn’t on the cards.”
Former rugby league cult hero Mark “Piggy” Riddell, who played 92 of his 251 NRL matches with the Dragons, echoed Geyer’s sentiments.
“It’s too much of a gamble,” Riddell stated.
“If you’re aiming to become a head coach, the likes of Dean Young, Ben Hornby, and Te’o are all the names in the conversation for the next roles available.
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“The risk is that if they take that interim role and don’t perform well, it could tarnish their reputation and hinder their future opportunities.
“It’ll certainly be intriguing to see how this situation unfolds in the coming weeks.
Geyer remarked, “It seems as though they are playing with constraints.”
The last-placed Dragons are set to clash with the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium on Saturday night.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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