Dragons suspend all contract talks as pressure builds on coach Shane Flanagan
A record nine-game losing streak has forced St George Illawarra into a drastic contract freeze - and it could have major ramifications for Shane Flanagan and Damien Cook.
2026 continues.
St George Illawarra have parked contract talks with co-captain Damien Cook as the under-siege club takes a drastic step to try and re-jig its roster by putting on hold negotiations with about $3 million worth of talent as pressure mounts on coach Shane Flanagan.
It is understood that Cook’s camp were informed on Sunday that the Dragons have shelved plans to give the veteran dummy half a new 12-month deal.
The parties had been in advanced talks about Cook’s future but will now put that on hold as they try to work out how to fix the situation.
The 34-year-old has been solid for the Dragons this year.
It comes as Flanagan finds himself in the firing line with the Dragons now in the midst of a record nine consecutive losses
The uncertainty surrounding Flanagan has led to the Dragons exploring every possibility when it comes to the coaching situation with their recruitment team told not to offer any extensions to any player given the uncertainty in their ranks.
Cook is not alone with the Dragons indicating they won’t enter any talks with any off-contract players which includes Blake Lawrie, Christian Tuipulotu, Emre Guler, Hame Sele, Luciano Leilua, Nathan Lawson and Tyrell Sloan.
All but Lawson and Sloan played in St George Illawarra’s 32-0 loss to North Queensland as the Dragons slumped to their fifth straight defeat this year.
They aren’t the only high profile players who could be squeezed out of the club as the Dragons undergo a significant roster revamp.
Back-rower Jaydn Su’A has an option in his favour which is yet to in-form the club if he plans to take-up a deal for next year.
As it stands Flanagan is expected to lead the Dragons in their Friday night clash against Manly in Wollongong on Friday.
The club is in no rush to sack Flanagan who is contracted for another two seasons. Flanagan has enjoyed support from the Dragons’ top brass but patience is now running out for the premiership-winning mentor.
However a loss to the Sea Eagles could prove fatal.
Out-of-favour Canberra centre Matt Timoko has been shopped to the Warriors – but the offer was quickly declined due to the club’s interest in Grant Anderson, another outside back. Warriors management is negotiating with Brisbane over player swap for Mitch Barnett, which could result in Anderson relocating to Auckland. Melbourne denied any interest in New Zealand-born Timoko
.
