Phil Gould Advocates for Dragons ‘Overhaul’, but Dismissing Shane Flanagan Won’t Resolve Ongoing Issues

According to Phil Gould, the issues plaguing St George Illawarra extend beyond merely changing the coach and swapping out the fullback as the club seeks its first victory of the season.

The joint venture has kicked off the year with six consecutive losses, ramping up the pressure on head coach Shane Flanagan and the senior players.

Scott Drinkwater is being considered a potential fullback option for the Dragons, as Clint Gutherson’s career approaches its conclusion.

However, Gould firmly believes that neither a new coach nor a player will resolve the club’s problems.

Gould, who previously conducted an independent external review on the Dragons six years ago when Paul McGregor served as coach, noted that the club had been unable to financially implement the changes he recommended.

Now, as we look toward 2026, the Red V remains entrenched in the same predicament as before, placing the onus on the club’s leadership to initiate change.

“They can’t foresee where their next win will come from,” Gould remarked during a segment on Nine’s 100% Footy.

“That’s why fans and club executives typically react by dismissing the coach… and it’s a common practice in sport around the globe.

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“Is that the answer for the Dragons? Absolutely not—that’s not what landed them in this situation.

“This is the result of many years of steering down the wrong path in various aspects of their club. They need to undergo a clearout and reflect on how they arrived at this point and how to rectify it.”

“It will take them five to ten years to genuinely emerge from this. Sacking a coach or acquiring a new fullback won’t remedy the situation.

“Honestly, that’s not the solution.”

Regarding the club’s interest in Drinkwater, Gould remarked that the Dragons are “out the front with a butterfly net, trying to catch anyone who may have footballing talent.”

The pursuit of Drinkwater indicates a potential shift for Gutherson to a different position, which he has reportedly endorsed.

Gutherson is under contract with the Dragons until the conclusion of next season.