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A good article about our team and coach.

Veteran Dragon

Juniors
Messages
86
Two great old Sydney clubs that have fought their way back from the scrap heap.
St George Illawarra Dragons are NRL’s ‘Reject Shop’ team surging for finals.

Almost half the Dragons team that beat the Storm on Saturday night were unwanted or axed by their previous club. Remarkably, Shane Flanagan has put this team of misfits and cast-offs into finals contention, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD

The St George Illawarra team that is surging towards a finals berth is like a rugby league reject shop. Almost half the team that beat Melbourne Storm on Saturday night are discards who were either unwanted or axed by their previous clubs.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Kyle Flanagan got ditched by the Bulldogs and no one but Saints wanted them.

Jacob Liddle was even offloaded by the wooden spooners, the Wests Tigers.

Tom Eisenhuth was unwanted at Melbourne Storm and had to settle for a minimum-wage deal at Saints. Winger Christian Tuipulotu got axed by Manly and the Roosters.

Moses Suli had been previously punted by Wests Tigers and the Bulldogs before he went to Manly and then the Dragons.

It’s a remarkable story of how coach Shane Flanagan has pulled together a team of misfits and cast-offs that were $3.50 equal favourites with Wests Tigers for the wooden spoon at the beginning of the season.

Then you throw in a couple of stars who asked for releases and didn’t even want to be there – Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax – and it’s even more amazing that they jumped into eighth spot on the premiership ladder after Saturday night’s win.

Who would have thought they could knock off the Storm for the first time in 25 years in Melbourne on Saturday night in one of the boilovers of the year.

A team with little glamour but plenty of grit and guts.

This is a club that couldn’t land the signature of a big-name player, outside of Damien Cook —another player unwanted at South Sydney.

Addin Fonua-Blake, not interested. The same with Blaize Talagi, thanks, but no thanks. Stefano Utoikamanu wouldn’t go there for $200k more than Storm offered. Plus winger Sunia Turuva and Connor Tracey, who chose to go elsewhere.

All these knock-backs is why most of the ‘rejects’ got their start in the Red V jersey. Even the coach himself struggled to get a start before the opportunity came up at the Dragons. Wests Tigers showed no interest when they sacked Michael Maguire. Same with Phil Gould at Canterbury when he got rid of Trent Barrett. Only Manly would give him a job as an assistant coach. Before that he was doing TV and radio … and even wearing a hi-vis vest working on the tools for a signage company … just waiting for an opportunity like this one at the Dragons.

I asked Flanagan on Saturday night about coaching against the Bulldogs this week, the club where he couldn’t even get an interview.

“Let’s not go there,” he said. “It’s about players preparing for another big game, not me.”

Next Saturday these misfit Dragons meet the Bulldogs in a suburban ground blockbuster at Kogarah.

Such is the interest that it will be sold out in 24 hours.

Two great old Sydney clubs that have fought their way back from the scrap heap.

Flanagan spoke on Saturday night in Melbourne of the new-found belief in his side.

That his players no longer carry the scars of being on the outer at their previous clubs.

Slowly but surely they have rebuilt their footy careers in recent months.

“Beating Storm is definitely a shot in the arm for our belief,” Flanagan said.

“The more we do it consistently in tough and difficult circumstances the better.

“We’ve learnt that we can beat any team in the competition if we get ourselves right.

“I have always had confidence in this playing group.”
 

blue bags

First Grade
Messages
9,328
Two great old Sydney clubs that have fought their way back from the scrap heap.
St George Illawarra Dragons are NRL’s ‘Reject Shop’ team surging for finals.

Almost half the Dragons team that beat the Storm on Saturday night were unwanted or axed by their previous club. Remarkably, Shane Flanagan has put this team of misfits and cast-offs into finals contention, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD

The St George Illawarra team that is surging towards a finals berth is like a rugby league reject shop. Almost half the team that beat Melbourne Storm on Saturday night are discards who were either unwanted or axed by their previous clubs.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Kyle Flanagan got ditched by the Bulldogs and no one but Saints wanted them.

Jacob Liddle was even offloaded by the wooden spooners, the Wests Tigers.

Tom Eisenhuth was unwanted at Melbourne Storm and had to settle for a minimum-wage deal at Saints. Winger Christian Tuipulotu got axed by Manly and the Roosters.

Moses Suli had been previously punted by Wests Tigers and the Bulldogs before he went to Manly and then the Dragons.

It’s a remarkable story of how coach Shane Flanagan has pulled together a team of misfits and cast-offs that were $3.50 equal favourites with Wests Tigers for the wooden spoon at the beginning of the season.

Then you throw in a couple of stars who asked for releases and didn’t even want to be there – Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax – and it’s even more amazing that they jumped into eighth spot on the premiership ladder after Saturday night’s win.

Who would have thought they could knock off the Storm for the first time in 25 years in Melbourne on Saturday night in one of the boilovers of the year.

A team with little glamour but plenty of grit and guts.

This is a club that couldn’t land the signature of a big-name player, outside of Damien Cook —another player unwanted at South Sydney.

Addin Fonua-Blake, not interested. The same with Blaize Talagi, thanks, but no thanks. Stefano Utoikamanu wouldn’t go there for $200k more than Storm offered. Plus winger Sunia Turuva and Connor Tracey, who chose to go elsewhere.

All these knock-backs is why most of the ‘rejects’ got their start in the Red V jersey. Even the coach himself struggled to get a start before the opportunity came up at the Dragons. Wests Tigers showed no interest when they sacked Michael Maguire. Same with Phil Gould at Canterbury when he got rid of Trent Barrett. Only Manly would give him a job as an assistant coach. Before that he was doing TV and radio … and even wearing a hi-vis vest working on the tools for a signage company … just waiting for an opportunity like this one at the Dragons.

I asked Flanagan on Saturday night about coaching against the Bulldogs this week, the club where he couldn’t even get an interview.

“Let’s not go there,” he said. “It’s about players preparing for another big game, not me.”

Next Saturday these misfit Dragons meet the Bulldogs in a suburban ground blockbuster at Kogarah.

Such is the interest that it will be sold out in 24 hours.

Two great old Sydney clubs that have fought their way back from the scrap heap.

Flanagan spoke on Saturday night in Melbourne of the new-found belief in his side.

That his players no longer carry the scars of being on the outer at their previous clubs.

Slowly but surely they have rebuilt their footy careers in recent months.

“Beating Storm is definitely a shot in the arm for our belief,” Flanagan said.

“The more we do it consistently in tough and difficult circumstances the better.

“We’ve learnt that we can beat any team in the competition if we get ourselves right.

“I have always had confidence in this playing group.”
Where is the Link buddy
 

since77

Juniors
Messages
2,339
We were one of them! We chose Ryles initially. In keeping with the Olympic spirit we Bradbury'd our way to the gold medal coach
Goes to show how close we might have come to yet another period of mediocrity after Price, McMoron and Griffin. I remember being depressed and appalled when we were supposedly going to sign L plate Ryles when the only obvious candidate was Flanno.
The idiots running this club only get things right by mistake. We lucked in to Bennett and now we've lucked into Flanno. What worries me is what they do when Flanno's time is up. I find it hard to believe they will get the next coaching appointment right.
 
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TheRev

Coach
Messages
10,839
If they extended Paul McGregors contract by 2 years, The BOD need to Extend Flannos Contract by 20 years.
I've been thinking about that.. Flanno has 3yrs, so hes fine for now.. I wouldnt mind him having a longer contract so that self-preservation isnt remotely on his mind.. nor would he consider any other offers.... and he would know he's still going to be coach when <xyz> player finally makes first grade... he can think a little longer-term... and aim to recruit longer-term also...

I think its something the club will do during 2025 to avoid sins of the past.. I know we went early on the extension for out last 3 coaches.. the april extensions after literally 3 good games.. I think already Shanes done enough, its not just on the field though, the club have seen now behind the scenes what professionalism looks like after the last 3 blokes.

It could be an opportunity however for Flanno now that he has proven himself.. to make sure a couple of blokes are out the door before he extends.. Haran the big one.. but I have no doubt he will have an easier time getting what he wants now versus at the start.
 

The Word

Juniors
Messages
294
Yeah the good news is that I don’t think Flanagan’s going anywhere. This was the perfect job for him location-wise and with his history. I can genuinely see him staying long term and leaving a lasting legacy. I think he’ll need most of his 3 years to turn the club around properly but after that I genuinely think we’ll be competing for top 4 more often than not.
 

TheRev

Coach
Messages
10,839
Yeah the good news is that I don’t think Flanagan’s going anywhere. This was the perfect job for him location-wise and with his history. I can genuinely see him staying long term and leaving a lasting legacy. I think he’ll need most of his 3 years to turn the club around properly but after that I genuinely think we’ll be competing for top 4 more often than not.
I dont think he would switch clubs either.. it wouldnt be a great look for him.. hopefully the board and what not will give him the control he wants... i.e. to recruit/fire whatever staff and players he's after.

I did ponder though.. what if the Broncos came knocking... be a hell of an opportunity.. but I think the Dragons are his race to run now.. his success or failure will be with us.
 

56to66

Juniors
Messages
630
I dont think he would switch clubs either.. it wouldnt be a great look for him.. hopefully the board and what not will give him the control he wants... i.e. to recruit/fire whatever staff and players he's after.

I did ponder though.. what if the Broncos came knocking... be a hell of an opportunity.. but I think the Dragons are his race to run now.. his success or failure will be with us.
They Really need to Extend his contract now before another club pounces.
 

Victoire

Juniors
Messages
969
Some interesting statistics and insights in this article. Worth a click:

 

TheRev

Coach
Messages
10,839
Some interesting statistics and insights in this article. Worth a click:

yikes that is someone who loves the NRL 'and' data analysis!

But the quote I think is relevant for us:
Improvement isn’t always a linear path
 

The Word

Juniors
Messages
294
Some interesting statistics and insights in this article. Worth a click:

Wow, didn't realise how many metres Luc was gaining per run, that's impressive. Interesting that he's running so much further than Sua,but now as effective in terms of tries / assists.

Maybe give him more of the runs in our half and Sua more of the runs in the opposition half.
 

Harry Bath

Juniors
Messages
256
I've been thinking about that.. Flanno has 3yrs, so hes fine for now.. I wouldnt mind him having a longer contract so that self-preservation isnt remotely on his mind.. nor would he consider any other offers.... and he would know he's still going to be coach when <xyz> player finally makes first grade... he can think a little longer-term... and aim to recruit longer-term also...

I think its something the club will do during 2025 to avoid sins of the past.. I know we went early on the extension for out last 3 coaches.. the april extensions after literally 3 good games.. I think already Shanes done enough, its not just on the field though, the club have seen now behind the scenes what professionalism looks like after the last 3 blokes.

It could be an opportunity however for Flanno now that he has proven himself.. to make sure a couple of blokes are out the door before he extends.. Haran the big one.. but I have no doubt he will have an easier time getting what he wants now versus at the start.
Rule number #1 for Dragons Board should be do not extend a coach until they have got the team to the finals 2 years in a row, so once Flagman get us there this year and top 4 next year then extend him for 4 years.
 

TheRev

Coach
Messages
10,839
Wow, didn't realise how many metres Luc was gaining per run, that's impressive. Interesting that he's running so much further than Sua,but now as effective in terms of tries / assists.

Maybe give him more of the runs in our half and Sua more of the runs in the opposition half.
There are a few bigger blokes like BMM, Leilua & Fifita have who have rly strong metres per carry, but they dont have ideal endurance.. and I dont mind an impact forward off the bench Leniu style... but we want most of our pack to be able to sustain it for long periods, because:

a) when we get injuries we need players who can just stay out there... someone like Carrigan or Hass for example.. if they need to play 80 they will do it no problems...

b) Players getting tired = players who dont get off their line, and players who miss tackles.. thats why we have fallen away hard when we have copped injuries this year... and thats probably the biggest criticism of Leilua... but I think he has improvement in him yet and if he stays healthy for pre-season, I reckon we see a lighter and fitter guy next year.

Its why there must be a huge argument for both Couchman boys.. They dont bend the line (yet) but they still make their post contact metres by avoiding first contact.. and their metres per run are elite.. plus their fitness is I believe is better than all of our other forwards (I think).. i.e. they can do it for long periods without missing tackles.. I dont wanna ruin them by overworking them at a young age... but there must be a serious conversation about playing them both in every game possible for the rest of the year, esp now that BMM is gone.
 
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The Word

Juniors
Messages
294
There are a few bigger blokes like BMM, Leilua & Fifita have who have rly strong metres per carry, but they dont have ideal endurance.. and I dont mind an impact forward off the bench Leniu style... but we want most of our pack to be able to sustain it for long periods, because:

a) when we get injuries we need players who can just stay out there... someone like Carrigan or Hass for example.. if they need to play 80 they will do it no problems...

b) Players getting tired = players who dont get off their line, and players who miss tackles.. thats why wehave fallen away hard when we have copped injuries this year... and thats probably the biggest criticism of Leilua... but I think he has improvement in him yet and if he stays healthy for pre-season, I reckon we see a lighter and fitter guy next year.

Its why there must be a huge argument for both Couchman boys.. They dont bend the line (yet) but they still make their post contact metres by avoiding first contact.. and their metres per run are elite.. plus their fitness is I believe is better than all of our other forwards (I think).. i.e. they can do it for long periods without missing tackles.. I dont wanna ruin them by overworking them at a young age... but there must be a serious conversation about playing them both in every game possible for the rest of the year, esp now that BMM is gone for the year.
Makes sense, and yes I noticed that as well with the Couchman's dodging the first hit and getting the metres. I also agree, Luc will get better the longer Flanagan coaches him.
 

BLM01

First Grade
Messages
9,683
There are a few bigger blokes like BMM, Leilua & Fifita have who have rly strong metres per carry, but they dont have ideal endurance.. and I dont mind an impact forward off the bench Leniu style... but we want most of our pack to be able to sustain it for long periods, because:

a) when we get injuries we need players who can just stay out there... someone like Carrigan or Hass for example.. if they need to play 80 they will do it no problems...

b) Players getting tired = players who dont get off their line, and players who miss tackles.. thats why we have fallen away hard when we have copped injuries this year... and thats probably the biggest criticism of Leilua... but I think he has improvement in him yet and if he stays healthy for pre-season, I reckon we see a lighter and fitter guy next year.

Its why there must be a huge argument for both Couchman boys.. They dont bend the line (yet) but they still make their post contact metres by avoiding first contact.. and their metres per run are elite.. plus their fitness is I believe is better than all of our other forwards (I think).. i.e. they can do it for long periods without missing tackles.. I dont wanna ruin them by overworking them at a young age... but there must be a serious conversation about playing them both in every game possible for the rest of the year, esp now that BMM is gone.
Re Toby. I actually think he does bend the line with his leg speed and subtle swerve / step and poked his nose through a few times. An offload if he can create one would be gold because we need to start creating 2nd phase on the move and if so we could really carve some teams up but ATM we have nil, maybe instructions..not sure
 

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