The Tackle: Shane Flanagan’s blow up at Ben Hunt could mean more uncertainty over captain’s future at the Dragons
Cameras captured the fiery moment Shane Flanagan dressed down Ben Hunt after the Dragons’ shocking loss to Parramatta. But has the tirade between the coach and skipper also put Hunt’s Dragons future on life support?
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September 1, 2024 - 12:00PM
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NRL: Coach Shane Flanagan was seen in a animated discussion with Ben Hunt after the Dragons fell from the top eight following a loss to the Eels.
St George Illawarra’s finals hopes are on life support but is Ben Hunt’s future at the club now under the same duress?
Cameras captured the moment Shane Flanagan unleashed a tirade at the skipper after the
Dragons’ shocking 44-40 loss to Parramatta with a finals berth on the line.
Flanagan was seen dressing down a despondent Hunt in the sheds at full-time in scenes that will only add uncertainty about Hunt’s future at the Red V.
Hunt was very vocal in agitating for a release from his deal to move to Queensland before Flanagan arrived at the Dragons.
The seasoned coach managed to smooth things over and the club even began talks to extend Hunt beyond 2025.
But Hunt, who has one year left on his deal, has made no secret of wanting out and the fiery dressing room bake could be a tipping point in the delicate relationship the 34-year old has with the club.
Shane Flanagan has an animated exchange with Ben Hunt in the sheds. Video: Fox League
Flanagan had every right to be filthy at Hunt, and the Dragons, for the display the side dished up against the Eels.
The scoreboard tells a false narrative.
The Dragons were only beaten by four points but were down 44-12 with 10 minutes to go. The Dragons were woeful for 70 minutes and out-enthused in every aspect of the game by a side battling for a wooden spoon.
Flanagan needed every bit of Hunt’s experience on Saturday.
The coach has every right to feel let down.
Hunt is leading the NRL for try assists but has been rocks and diamonds all season long. Flanagan will be wondering if that inconsistency is worth forking out over $1 million a season.
The halfback was in command against the Storm in round 22 but struggled to take control in must win games against Canterbury, Cronulla and now the Eels.
Ben Hunt and the Dragons were humbled by the Eels. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images
There’s no doubt Hunt has missed his foil in Kyle Flanagan, who is sidelined after copping a four-week ban for biting.
Flanagan has been open about needing to bolster his roster, and the halves should get some attention.
The coach rates rookie Lyhkan King-Togia but beyond that halves stocks are bare.
If it is time for Flanagan to look beyond Hunt the coach should look at luring Dragons local junior Tyran Wishart back to the Red V.
The Melbourne utility will become a free agent from November 1 and has excelled when deputising for Cameron Munster at five-eighth.
His toughness, skill and competitive nature are exactly the traits Flanagan is looking for in his rebuild.
