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

According to Phil Gould, the troubles facing St George Illawarra extend beyond just the coaching staff and a potential change at fullback as the club aims to secure its first victory of the season.

The joint venture has endured a dismal start to the year, suffering six consecutive losses, and the pressure is intensifying on coach Shane Flanagan and the senior players.

Scott Drinkwater has emerged as a possible fullback target for the Dragons, especially with Clint Gutherson’s career nearing its conclusion.

However, Gould maintains that simply changing the coach or bringing in a new player will not rectify the club’s issues.

Over six years ago, Canterbury’s football chief performed an independent external review of the Dragons when Paul McGregor was at the helm, uncovering that the club was not financially equipped to implement the changes he recommended.

Fast forward to 2026, and the Red V remains entrenched in the same issues. It will fall upon club administrators to instigate the necessary changes.

“They can’t identify where their next victory will come from,” he remarked on Nine’s 100% Footy.

“That’s why supporters and club officials typically respond by dismissing the coach… and this occurs in sports worldwide.

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“But is that the answer for the Dragons? No – that’s not what led to their current predicament.

“This is the result of years of heading in the wrong direction across many facets of the club. They need to evaluate their circumstances and ask, ‘How did we reach this point and how can we alter our course?’

“It will require them five to ten years to truly emerge from this situation. Simply sacking a coach or acquiring a fullback won’t resolve the issue.

“That won’t deliver a genuine solution, it honestly won’t.”

Regarding the Dragons’ interest in Drinkwater, Gould remarked that the club seems “out front with a butterfly net trying to catch anyone who appears to be capable of playing football.”

The move for Drinkwater also hints that the club is considering transitioning Gutherson to a different position, a change that the player has indicated he is open to.

Gutherson remains under contract with the Dragons until the end of the following season.