NRL: Buzz Rothfield says while Shane Flanagan could be appointed Dragons coach, he won't compete for the role if Dragons are unsure.
After a five-year exile from the NRL head coaching ranks, Shane Flanagan is finally set to make his return, with the Dragons expected to offer the premiership winning mentor a three-year deal. But it won’t all be smooth sailing for Flanagan, and there are seven burning issues he must address if he wants success at St George Illawarra, writes MICHAEL CARAYANNIS and BRENT READ.
Shane Flanagan has vowed to keep Ben Hunt at halfback. Picture: Getty Images.
1. WHAT TO DO IN THE HALVES?
Flanagan is already on the record as saying that Ben Hunt will be his halfback next year. Rival clubs are already circling the Dragons skipper. If Hunt stays in the halves then it might be time to say goodbye to either Jayden Sullivan or Talatau Amone both who are on decent deals.
2. SUPPORT STAFF
Interim coach Ryan Carr and assistant Ben Woolf have 12 months left on their deals and are expected to remain at the club. St George and WIN have promised to invest in the football program which has long been neglected. Flanagan’s appointment means the club won’t rush in an experienced head of football but they may shift their focus into the development pathways.
Flanagan must work hard to address player unrest, and get the best out of Zac Lomax. Picture: Getty Images.
3. PLAYERS AGITATING
Aside from Hunt there is massive unrest among a host of players including Zac Lomax, Jack Bird and Jaydn Su’A. Flanagan is close with Bird with the pair part of Cronulla’s 2016 premiership win so he should remain at the club now. Flanagan’s big task is getting the best out of Lomax and trying to get value for money on a contract which does not end until 2026.
4. LEARNING FROM HIS MISTAKES
This is Flanagan’s chance to show he has learnt from his failings off the field which brought about his demise at the Sharks. He has long craved a second chance in the NRL and this will be his final crack at a head coaching position. On the field in the past few years it has been hard to gauge exactly what the Dragons stand for. Former coach Anthony Griffin was supposed to bring a hard edge to a side but that failed. Flanagan’s best Cronulla sides were built on experience and grit.
Flanagan must draw from his premiership success, but also learn from his past mistakes. Picture: Colleen Petch.
5. THE 2025 HIT LIST
The Dragons have room to move under the salary cap in 2025 and Flanagan needs to quickly work out who he wants to target given players off contract at the end of 2024 will be free to sign with rivals from November 1. They will be on the market for a top-line prop and a quality hooker. Flanagan has the added advantage of having worked at the club and knowing everyone’s salary cap values.
6. DEALING WITH THE BOARD
Much has been made of the friction at board level but the pursuit of Flanagan has shown that the St George and WIN factions can work together for the common good. The boardroom shouldn‘t be Flanagan’s concern but there will be times no doubt when he may need to straddle the politics at play.
7. UNITING FANS
Dragons supporters are among the most passionate in the game. They also have no qualms venting their fury when things aren‘t going well, as Griffin and the players have discovered this season. Flanagan’s signature should unite the fan group and provided he can galvanise the supporters, he will have a powerful ally on his side.
My take is I’m happy with Liddle and they just gave him a two year extension, as for Sullivan and Amone I think Sullivan is far better and Amone might be taking a holiday In striped pyjamas.
