The Mole: Major Player Exodus on the Horizon as Dragons Struggle with Management Issues

Shane Flanagan might be under scrutiny right now, but it’s the struggling Dragons players who risk facing the biggest fallout if they don’t turn their fortunes around this season.

Wide World of Sports has discovered that the St George Illawarra board is ready to make significant changes and a major overhaul is on the cards for next season.

Eleven players from the Dragons’ top 30 squad are set to come off contract this November, and most can expect to be informed that they are free to seek new opportunities.

This list includes prominent players such as Damien Cook, Jaydn Su’A, Luciano Leilua, Tyrell Sloan, Blake Lawrie, and Christian Tuipulotu.

“There’s no denying that the roster is one of our significant issues,” a source from the Dragons shared with Wide World of Sports.

“While we can’t rectify the situation now, we can certainly make changes for 2027.”

Flanagan has been granted a temporary reprieve by the board, in spite of the club’s dire start to the season, marking the worst in the joint venture’s history.

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However, if the Dragons continue their losing streak—which has now stretched to nine games and over 250 days—the board may soon buckle under public pressure, with fans from Wollongong to St George growing increasingly frustrated with the club’s decline.

“Everyone discusses the need for change, but no one is bold enough to take action,” a source with close ties to the board remarked to Wide World of Sports.

“The club is poorly managed at the top, and that incompetence is filtering down through the ranks.”

‘CONCERNING’ DECLINE FOR NRLW STAR

Controversial NRLW player Maddie Studdon has resigned from her position at Sydney Ferries after receiving a show-cause notice indicating potential dismissal.

The notice was issued following multiple missed shifts from Studdon, who was employed as a deckhand.

This incident marks another chapter in Studdon’s efforts to revive her career.

She is currently on a two-year intensive corrections order—an alternative punishment served in the community—stemming from a conviction for stalking her former partner.

Studdon has since claimed that her ex-partner assaulted her, with her case scheduled to be heard later this year.

Her former partner has pleaded not guilty and plans to contest the charges in a local court hearing on October 15.

WIGAN PLAYER FACING GRAVE ACCUSATIONS

Brad O’Neill, a player from Wigan, has been referred to the Super League’s match review panel following allegations of spitting at an opponent during a heated match against St Helens last weekend.

During the game, a melee erupted, prompting the referee to place O’Neill on report.

He is now under investigation after these serious allegations. It is important to note that O’Neill has not yet been found guilty of any wrongdoing.

St Helens have been requested to submit further evidence to support the claims made against O’Neill.

BEARS TURN THEIR FOCUS TO SPEEDY SIGNING

Former NRL player Charlie Staines is reportedly in the sights of the Perth Bears for a potential signing.

The 26-year-old, who previously played for the Panthers and Tigers, is currently showcasing his skills with the Catalans Dragons in the Super League.

As a versatile centre, winger, or fullback, Staines has notched six tries in eight matches for Catalans and is thriving in his new environment.

Although he is in the first year of a three-year contract, he possesses a clause allowing him to return to the NRL should a suitable opportunity present itself.