St George Illawarra Dragons mutually part ways with coach Shane Flanagan after their worst NRL season start, featuring an 11-match winless streak from 2025.
Chairman Andrew Lancaster and CEO Tim Watsford confirm the decision at a press conference, where Lancaster blames mainstream media for negative coverage of the club.
Former Stars Deliver Harsh Critique
Luke Keary, Roosters great, labels the Dragons “a mess” and dismisses the press conference as unconvincing, accusing officials of targeting media instead of addressing issues.
“This club is a mess. There’s no other way to explain it, and I don’t think this (the club’s tough run) is over,” Keary states on a recent podcast.
“That presser was to have a go at people in the media… Well go on, say what you think has been poor,” he adds.
James Graham, former Dragons forward with 51 appearances, defends media coverage and urges honesty over superficial positives.
“No one has been unfair in their coverage. You know what would be a disservice to them [the fans]? To polish this turd,” Graham declares.
“No listener, no viewer wants to hear [positives like the new Centre of Excellence]. Stop dodging the question,” he continues.
Uncertainty Surrounds Interim Coach
No interim coach appointment yet, despite links to assistants Dean Young and Michael Ennis, plus ex-Dragons aide Ben Hornby.
Graham points to disagreements between club factions: “The translation is, there’s two sides that need to make a decision, and they can’t agree.”
A compromise candidate like NRLW assistant Mark ‘Piggy’ Riddell emerges as a potential option.
Players aim to reverse fortunes against Sydney Roosters in the ANZAC Day match this weekend, with an interim coach reveal set for tomorrow.
