St George Illawarra has confirmed a two-year extension for head coach Shane Flanagan, securing his position until the conclusion of the 2028 NRL season. Although Flanagan was already contracted for the upcoming year, this announcement aims to quell any speculation regarding his future.
Despite not leading the Dragons to finals in his first two seasons, with the team currently three wins shy of an eighth-place finish, Flanagan’s contract renewal reflects the club’s long-term vision. Even if the Dragons win their last five matches, reaching the postseason remains highly unlikely.
In his inaugural season, Flanagan finished 11th, and the club has not participated in the finals since 2018, with their last premiership victory occurring in 2010 under coach Wayne Bennett. Prior to joining St George Illawarra, Flanagan achieved success with Cronulla, guiding them to the NRL premiership in 2016. His coaching career was temporarily marred by a deregistration from the NRL in 2018 for breaching rules linked to a prior suspension during a drugs scandal.
This season, Flanagan has faced criticism for selecting his son, Kyle, in the halves, amid a series of disappointing results, raising questions about the strategic direction of the team. Players such as Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax expressed their desire to leave the club last year; however, the recruitment of seasoned players like Clint Gutherson, Damien Cook, and David Klemmer has bolstered the squad.
Tim Watsford, the club’s CEO, expressed confidence in Flanagan’s impact, emphasising his vital role in establishing a strong foundation for the team’s future. Watsford noted that Flanagan has re-instilled belief among players, coaching staff, and supporters, reinforcing the pride associated with wearing the Red V.
The extension comes during a period of significant change for the Dragons, coinciding with the appointment of Daniel Anderson as the new recruitment manager. Anderson is set to collaborate closely with Flanagan on a major overhaul of the roster, which will be crucial for shaping the club’s prospects in the years to come. The organisation is evidently optimistic about entering an era characterised by resilience, local pride, and a renewed belief in success.