Head Coach Flanagan and Head of Football Haran sacked.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/shane-flanagan-set-to-be-removed-as-dragons-coach-after-disastrous-11game-losing-streak/news-story/00f72c13f538c3b0ff2077b53b468620

Shane Flanagan set to be removed as St George Illawarra Dragons coach after a disastrous 11-game losing streak
Losing run spans end of 2025 into a winless start to the 2026 season (FOX SPORTS)
Club decision described as effectively unavoidable amid poor results and mounting pressure (News.com.au)
Dragons sitting last on the ladder with the worst attacking output in the competition (News.com.au)
Flanagan only recently signed a contract extension, making the move a sharp reversal (News.com.au)
Senior football figure Ben Haran also expected to depart as part of broader shake-up (News.com.au)
Playing group reportedly unaware of the decision prior to training
Heavy recent losses (Rabbitohs, Manly, Cowboys) accelerated the decision (News.com.au)
Internal issues: roster concerns, loss of key players, and lack of on-field leadership (News.com.au)
Interim coaching options include club figures like Dean Young, with longer-term candidates such as Ben Hornby in the mix (News.com.au)
Club now focused on stabilising performance and beginning a rebuild

"Yes been a disaster mate, Valentine Holmes is on $1million a season, truly staggering.
Gutherson on $800k a season is even way too much, I doubt there was much interest apart from the Dragons when he signed.
I don't mind Cook on $600k, would be a…"

"Yes LB it's certainly a very good atmosphere hey we went in about 3.10 and were waiting for the build up of the crowd for a while then all of a sudden bang it filled up i think they said ove 25k got some good photos of the 86s great time"

"I believe the thinking was the older players would set standrads and bring about a cultural shift. Standards and culture are great but if the older players are not performing then it's a disaster."

Replies

SuperEel 22 April 20, 2026 at 11:09am

And there were some wanting Flanagan to replace BA.
- KENDOZA > SuperEel 22 April 20, 2026 at 11:16am
  
  I'm glad some of those on here that wanted flanno are not working in the front office
- Bear > SuperEel 22 April 20, 2026 at 11:46am
  
  Yes I certainly remember that, can't quite remember who tho ?????
Flow Basket April 20, 2026 at 11:12am

I'm hearing the senior players layed down
- LB > Flow Basket April 20, 2026 at 12:03pm
  
  Gutho said if Flanno goes, he, Cook and Lawrie will go. That led to their decision to sack Flanagan hahahaha
Nitram April 20, 2026 at 11:33am

I think their issue is their spine, particularly the halves. Personally i think if you swap the halves in the parra and manly games i think the dragons win both those games.
- LB > Nitram April 20, 2026 at 12:04pm
  
  They don't have a player, when down by 2 with 5 to go or up by 4 with 10 to go to see it out with class. Look at Moses, tough start to the year but his kicking put us in the position to win.
John Boyle April 20, 2026 at 11:38am

The club took a backwards step when they invested in older players looking for short term results.

This decisions has put the club back a few years to where they are now, they would be in a lot better position if they made the right decisions a few years back, all they have done is delay the inevitable.
- Muttman > John Boyle April 20, 2026 at 12:32pm
  
  I believe the thinking was the older players would set standrads and bring about a cultural shift. Standards and culture are great but if the older players are not performing then it's a disaster.
  - John Boyle > Muttman April 20, 2026 at 12:47pm
    
    Yes been a disaster mate, Valentine Holmes is on $1million a season, truly staggering.
    
    Gutherson on $800k a season is even way too much, I doubt there was much interest apart from the Dragons when he signed.
    
    I don't mind Cook on $600k, would be a very handy bench hooker at 34yrs of age.

of 2

This reply was deleted.

Eels Blogs