Phil Gould highlights that the challenges faced by St George Illawarra extend beyond their coaching situation and the need for a new fullback as they struggle to secure their first win of the season. The team has had a grim start, losing all six of their opening matches, causing increased scrutiny on coach Shane Flanagan and the senior players.
Names like Scott Drinkwater have emerged as potential reinforcements for the Dragons, particularly with veteran Clint Gutherson approaching the end of his playing days. Despite these discussions, Gould asserts that merely changing the coach or making player acquisitions will not resolve the deep-rooted issues within the club.
Reflecting on his previous experiences, Gould mentioned conducting an independent review of the Dragons during Paul McGregor’s tenure, which discovered significant financial constraints that hindered the implementation of necessary changes. Years later, the club still finds itself in a similar predicament, indicating that the solutions must originate from a comprehensive re-evaluation of their approaches and strategies.
Gould voiced his concerns on Nine’s 100% Footy, stating, “They can’t see where their next win is coming from,” which illustrates the grim atmosphere surrounding the club. He argued that the incessant cycle of firing coaches — a common reaction in the sporting world — is not the remedy for their current plight. Instead, Gould believes a thorough cleansing of outdated practices is essential for lasting improvement, warning that escaping this rut could take a significant number of years.
On the matter of Drinkwater’s potential signing, Gould remarked that the club seems to be scrambling to find players who can contribute positively, likening their efforts to using a butterfly net to catch any promising talent. Furthermore, the plan to shift Gutherson to a different position seems to be on the cards, a move the player has tentatively endorsed.
Despite Gutherson’s contract with the Dragons running until the end of the next season, the club appears ready to initiate these changes as part of a broader strategy to overcome their ongoing troubles. Ultimately, the Dragons’ journey towards rebuilding will require more than just a swift response; it necessitates a thoughtful and long-term commitment to change.