Dragons Pull The Trigger
The St George Illawarra Dragons have officially sacked coach Shane Flanagan, confirming the club has “parted ways” after a disastrous start to the 2026 season.
Horror Run Ends Tenure
The decision follows a brutal losing streak, with the Dragons slumping to yet another defeat, a 30–12 loss to the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The club remains winless this season, and the mounting pressure ultimately forced officials to act.
A Promising Start That Faded
Flanagan arrived in 2024 with strong expectations after leading the Cronulla Sharks to a premiership in 2016. But success didn’t follow at the Dragons. Poor results, inconsistent performances, and roster issues saw the team slide down the ladder.
What Went Wrong?
The club’s struggles weren’t just on the scoreboard. Recruitment challenges, player turnover, and on-field inconsistency all contributed to the collapse. Frustration grew quickly among fans as losses piled up week after week.
What Happens Next?
Assistant coach Dean Young is expected to step in as interim coach, with support from Michael Ennis. Meanwhile, Ben Hornby remains a leading contender for the full-time role as the Dragons look to rebuild and rescue their season.

