‘No More Hiding’: Shane Flanagan Stays Defiant in Loss as Dragons Reflect on Missed Chances

Shane Flanagan found himself on the sidelines during Friday night’s match, fully immersed in the action as uncertainty looms over his future at the Dragons.

The beleaguered coach opted to abandon his usual perch in the coach’s box at WIN Stadium, choosing a front-row seat beside general manager of football, Ben Haran. Unfortunately for Flanagan, his side faced yet another defeat, marking their tenth consecutive loss dating back to last season, this time at the hands of a revitalised Sea Eagles side benefiting from a change in coaching with Kieran Foran now at the helm.

Flanagan’s team was outplayed early on, trailing 16-0 within the first quarter. However, they regrouped and managed to seize an 18-16 lead shortly after the break.

Yet again, tragically for the Dragons, they squandered a second-half advantage, ultimately going down 28-18 to Manly in front of a restless home crowd.

While the hosts had numerous chances to either build on their lead or mount a late comeback, poor execution and a lack of finesse proved detrimental.

“It was certainly a step in the right direction,” Flanagan remarked during his post-match press briefing.

“We fought hard, and had a few things gone differently, we might have clinched a win. Just before half-time, we had a chance to score and we messed it up. There was another moment when Luch [Luciano Leilua] kicked the ball – if it bounces, we score, or if he passes, we score.”

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“We created several opportunities, but it seems that our confidence may be too low for things to go our way at the moment.”

“I thought our attitude and effort were commendable, but our execution could use some improvement.”

When questioned about his choice to observe from the bench rather than his usual elevated position alongside assistants Michael Ennis and Dean Young, Flanagan responded, “I don’t want to hide in the coach’s box.”

“I’m here to compete and win. I prefer being on the sidelines with the team, actively involved.” He added, “I didn’t want to be in the coach’s box while the cameras focused on me – they could capture me there for the full 80 minutes if they chose.”

Flanagan’s team has struggled this season, starting with a 0-6 record, leaving them as the only side in the NRL still seeking their first win.

With daunting fixtures against the Rabbitohs and Roosters looming ahead, and Flanagan’s position hanging in the balance, he was asked if he would consider making changes to his lineup.

His response suggests that the same team may feature again next weekend.

“The challenge, as with most NRL clubs, lies in finding suitable replacements. I have 28 of our top 30 players secured, but we are facing several injuries,” Flanagan stated.

“There’s not someone waiting in the wings who I can confidently put in; it’s complicated. If I had a stronger option, rest assured, I’d utilise them.”

Jacob Halangahu and Loko Pasifiki Tonga are two of the sport’s most promising young forwards but have seen only a total of 22 minutes of game time this season. Meanwhile, halves Kade Reed and Lyhkan King-Togia are also itching for their chance.

Flanagan believes that the halves partnership against Manly – featuring his son Kyle and talented recruit Daniel Atkinson – set things up adequately, but the squad failed to take advantage of created chances.

“They made progress – we generated sufficient opportunities, but unfortunately, we could not convert them, which has been our ongoing challenge this season,” he admitted.

If the struggling Dragons suffer consecutive losses in their upcoming games, Flanagan’s tenure as coach could be on the line. However, captain Damien Cook stressed that it is the players who must step up to turn the club’s fortunes around.

“His leash should be long; Flanagan is not the problem,” Cook asserted.