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Shane Flanagan Admits Uncertainty as Dragons Look to Rebuild
St George Illawarra Dragons head coach, Shane Flanagan, has made a surprising admission ahead of the 2025 NRL season, expressing uncertainty about what exactly needs to change to propel the team back to its winning ways. Speaking at a candid press conference, Flanagan acknowledged the challenges facing the club after a dismal 2024 campaign, where they finished in the bottom half of the ladder.
“Everyone’s asking what needs to change, and the honest answer is that there’s no one clear solution,” Flanagan said. “It’s a combination of things—recruitment, player development, strategy, and maybe even our mindset as a team. We’ve got to dig deep, analyze everything, and make some hard decisions.”
The Dragons have endured a tumultuous few seasons, failing to recapture the dominance that once defined the Red V. Flanagan, who took over as head coach to rebuild the club’s fortunes, has faced significant pressure from fans and the media alike. Despite the tough circumstances, he emphasized that the review process was ongoing and comprehensive.
“We’re leaving no stone unturned,” Flanagan explained. “From our coaching methods to player fitness and even our game-day strategies—everything is on the table. It’s not about quick fixes; it’s about creating a sustainable foundation for long-term success.”
The Dragons struggled with consistency in 2024, with some games showing promise, thanks to individual performances from players like Ben Hunt, Zac Lomax, and Tyrell Sloan, but the team often fell short in critical moments. Flanagan admitted that addressing the team’s mental resilience was as important as improving their on-field tactics.
“Some of our losses came down to mindset,” he said. “We need to build belief in the squad that we can compete with the top teams and close out games when it matters most.”
Former Dragons player and club legend Mark Gasnier voiced his support for Flanagan’s transparent approach. “It’s refreshing to see a coach admit the challenges so openly,” Gasnier said. “Shane’s honesty is a sign of strong leadership. Now, the focus must shift to action—because the fans won’t wait forever.”
The Dragons’ management is also exploring player recruitment options to bolster the squad, with reports linking them to a few high-profile targets. Flanagan acknowledged that while signings are crucial, the team’s existing talent must also step up.
“We’ve got some great players here already, and I believe in their ability,” Flanagan said. “What we need to do is create an environment where everyone thrives and contributes to the team’s goals.”
As pre-season training looms, Dragons fans are left to speculate about the changes Flanagan and his team will implement. Social media has been abuzz with debates about potential signings, tactical shifts, and even a possible overhaul of the club’s leadership structure.
Despite the uncertainty, Flanagan remains optimistic about the future. “We’re not where we want to be right now, but I’m confident we’ll get there. It’s going to take time, effort, and everyone pulling in the same direction. The Dragons are a proud club, and we’ll do everything in our power to make our supporters proud again.”
With the clock ticking down to the 2025 season, Flanagan and his staff know the stakes are high. But for now, the Dragons’ faithful will need to trust the process as the Red V works to reclaim its place among the NRL’s elite.
