Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has not held back in expressing his frustration towards the team following a disappointing loss against South Sydney, hinting that halfback Lachlan Ilias may be facing scrutiny. The Dragons initially led the match in Wollongong by two converted tries but ultimately suffered a heart-wrenching defeat, losing 25-24 after Souths scored crucial late tries from Cody Walker and Sean Keppie, capped off by rookie Jamie Humphreys’ long-range field goal.
Despite opportunities for the Dragons to even the score with a field goal, they failed to capitalise. New Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett took the opportunity post-match to criticise the opposition, highlighting Souths’ composure as they celebrated prematurely before sealing the win.
Flanagan appeared visibly angry during his press conference, particularly in light of the absence of captain Damien Cook, who missed the conference due to a head knock. While Flanagan did not single out Cook for criticism, he implied that the senior players did not step up when it mattered most. He remarked on the mental toughness required in the NRL, emphasising that true quality is shown when players can perform under fatigue.
The Dragons now face a bye in round three, and when asked about his plans for the upcoming days, Flanagan grimaced, suggesting tough times ahead for the players. Notably, Ilias, who joined the Dragons after a tumultuous stint at South Sydney, has come under the spotlight for not delivering the expected performances, especially after being overshadowed by Humphreys. When a journalist noted Ilias’ struggles to adjust, Flanagan’s response hinted at agreement, leaving little doubt that the young halfback must prove himself amid rising expectations.