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Coach Flanno

SEAT 1A

Bench
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3,363
View attachment 76517

Dragons-Titans tension grows as poaching raid launched on David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui​

In one corner is Ben Hunt, who wants to leave the Dragons for the Titans. In the other is Dragons coach Shane Flanagan, who is making a double play for Gold Coast’s two best forwards.
Michael Carayannis Michael Carayannis
@mcarayannis

less than 2 min read
July 5, 2023 - 5:36PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
https://archive.md/xreQA#share-tools
94ba5bb29d60d407005bfc8aee0b810c755c4cd4.webp


Nicho Hynes is the latest star to snare a $1 million contract but many more before him have not just failed to live up to the big-money deals – but become absolute disasters.
St George Illawarra is set to make a rich play to entice Gold Coast representative stars David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleauiaway from the Titans as tensions between the two clubs starts to grow.
The Dragons have made it clear they will target Fifita and Fa’asuamaleaui when they get through their Origin commitments on Wednesday.
The move shows incoming coach Shane Flanagan’s intent to be aggressive in the player market as he tries to replicate the success he had during his time at Cronulla where he targeted representative stars.
It also adds to the growing angst between the Dragons and Titans as Gold Coast looms as St George Illawarra skipper Ben Hunt’s preferred destination next year.
It is understood the Titans would be prepared to offer Hunt a three-year contract.
While Hunt has had his request release from the Dragons denied it has at the very least bought St George Illawarra – and Flanagan – some time to prove the club is on the serious improve.
David Fifita is officially a free agent. Picture: Getty

David Fifita is officially a free agent. Picture: Getty
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is keen to test himself on the open market.'asuamaleaui is keen to test himself on the open market.

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is keen to test himself on the open market.
Flanagan remains confident he can show Hunt that the Dragons’ time as cellar-dwellers will be short-lived and in turn ensure Hunt sees out the final two years of his deal at the Dragons.
And there would be no better way to start than landing at least one of Hunt’s Queensland teammates.
The Dragons expressed an interest in Fifita when he was on the market last November before the damaging back-rower recommitted to the Titans until the end of 2026.
Suddenly Fifita and Fa’asuamaleaui are free agents after a contract clause tied to former coach Justin Holbrook was revealed.
Shane Flanagan is looking to bolster his forward pack. Picture: Getty

Shane Flanagan is looking to bolster his forward pack. Picture: Getty
Already the Raiders have intimated they are willing to offer Fifita a four-year $1m a season contract.
They Dragons have the salary cap scope to match that offer.
Fifita’s new deal sees his pay dip below that million dollar figure but his form this year could see him once again be part of the seven-figure club.
The Dragons are also desperate to add a representative calibre prop to the squad and Fa’asuamaleaui fits that bill. Fa’asuamaleaui is contracted until the end of next year but has a mutual opening for season 2025 and 2026

Time to pay up Titans.

Bottom of the barrel stuff to entice Hunt without talking to him.

Also, hoping to see Hunt agreeing with the club in their attempt to sign both due to his disappointment in the past.
 
Messages
15,267
if anyone can Land Holmes it would be Flannagons Friendship with him from the Sharkys days, doubt he will want to come back to sydney though
The 'friendship' that saw Holmes break his contract while Flange was coach and had offered him the richest contract in the clubs history?
The coach was highly pissed off when it happened, maybe time wounds all heels.

I will say that Holmes was besties with Bird.
 
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thebigredv

First Grade
Messages
5,407
One thing’s for sure you can’t build on uncertainty & with the doubt over so many players as to viability, form & commitment it almost has to be a ground up operation. There’s but a handful of players atm who are keepers. Some tough decisions ahead.
This is why I think Flanagan is a pretty good choice for coach right now. It appears to me he will be rather ruthless when it comes to player retention and recruitment as opposed to overwhelmingly conservative.

we’ve had too many scared coaches in recent times. Shane comes across quite confident and, like the fans, thirsty for results. Keeping in mind, like you say, there is a MASSIVE clean out to come and unfortunately, yet again, we will find ourselves in a three to four year rebuild phase.

Some of the defence last night was not even NSW Cup standard. As bad as he is for team morale you have to pick Hunt ironically for his defence more than anything. I think we are all hoping Hunt is swapped for two quality players next year and we can move on to a new era. I just feel so nervous for the new coach because the task of getting this team competitive seems bigger than Ben Hur.
 

Dea

Juniors
Messages
2,384
“Flanagan plans on bringing five star players to the Dragons, with the premiership-winning coach confirming he’s after a hooker, two middles and two outside backs.” - Fox Sports article, Flanagan reveals shock Dragons plans

Goes on to say he wants to bring an attitude change to the club. Looking to bring in players who want to win. Also acknowledges that it might take 2 years to get the players. With most of 2024 players already signed i think it might take longer for us to to get all the types of players we need, but at least we have a coach using some smarts.
 

jeffdragon

Bench
Messages
3,921
“Flanagan plans on bringing five star players to the Dragons, with the premiership-winning coach confirming he’s after a hooker, two middles and two outside backs.” - Fox Sports article, Flanagan reveals shock Dragons plans

Goes on to say he wants to bring an attitude change to the club. Looking to bring in players who want to win. Also acknowledges that it might take 2 years to get the players. With most of 2024 players already signed i think it might take longer for us to to get all the types of players we need, but at least we have a coach using some smarts.
Need more than 2 forwards.
 

since77

Juniors
Messages
2,492

justadragon

Bench
Messages
4,103
Whatever coaching team & support staff that Flanno is assembling, I hope he’s sharpening his axe in preparation for some underwhelming player departures.
In my opinion BMM, Bird & Suli can follow Sook straight out the door and start the reboot.
Agree with all. I’d like to see Suli given a go in the forwards.
 

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