Shane Flanagan is still grappling with how to salvage the Dragons’ season, and the disheartened coach has shared a heartfelt message with the club’s supporters.
A defeat against the Cowboys has left the Dragons in an unprecedented position, marking them as the first team in 15 years to begin a season with five consecutive losses.
The mounting pressure on both the squad and Flanagan has been palpable over the past month as they seek to turn their fortunes around, yet a solution remains elusive.
This tension was evident on Saturday, as frustrated fans jeered the team off the field on two occasions.
Flanagan acknowledges the fans’ discontent, but he remains committed to finding a way forward.
“It’s simply not acceptable. I fully recognise that it’s not good enough,” he expressed.
“I have no excuses to offer. My responsibility over the next few days is to understand why this is happening. It simply wasn’t satisfactory.”
Shane Flanagan addresses the media. Fox Footy
When asked to elaborate on what went awry, Flanagan kept his answers brief.
“At times it seemed like the players didn’t even know one another, there were misdirected passes and a clear lack of cohesion. It was very disappointing,” the 60-year-old remarked.
“I’m not here to sugarcoat the situation. I am incredibly disappointed with the performance. I don’t have the answers right this moment, but I must find them quickly.
“I completely understand the frustrations. I share that frustration as well.”
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Co-captain Damien Cook told reporters that the playing squad will own up to the disappointing results, noting that everyone must conduct some serious self-reflection.
He also conveyed an apology to the fans.
“A heartfelt apology to the fans, I genuinely mean that,” said the Dragons co-captain.
“It falls on us players. We are the reason for this. We must work harder.
“We need to introspect and ensure that we are all striving for improvement. We’ve shown we can succeed at times, but what we delivered tonight was simply inadequate. It’s disappointing.”
Regarding the steps to correct the course, Flanagan found himself uncertain.
Unquestionably, calls for his dismissal are likely to grow louder; Flanagan himself acknowledged this earlier in the week when he asserted that he “cannot sack 30 players.”
The Dragons’ coach reaffirmed his commitment to the task at hand.
“All I know is that I’ll do my utmost,” he responded when asked what needs to occur next for the Dragons.
“That’s my focus every day when I head to work. I’ll prepare the team to the best of my ability. It hasn’t worked out thus far this year, but I won’t throw in the towel.
“Several tries should have been defended better. We’re simply not in sync right now. I must come up with answers and adjustments – that’s a challenge.
“This is not the standard expected from this club. I don’t accept it, I’m not satisfied, I’m extremely disappointed, and I’m sorry.”
The Dragons will face off against the Manly Sea Eagles next Friday in Wollongong.
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