A Long and Troubled History
St George Illawarra has found itself in a dire situation, with no choice but to make drastic changes. On Monday, the club confirmed what many had expected for some time — they have relieved Shane Flanagan of his role as head coach and Ben Haran from his position as head of football. This decision came amid the club’s longest losing streak and their worst start to a season in history.
This is not the first time the Dragons have made such a move. Flanagan was the fourth head coach in a row to be sacked mid-season, and the third of those four to be dismissed within 18 months of signing a contract extension. It’s a pattern that has become all too familiar for a club that has only made the finals three times since their last premiership in 2010 and has managed just one playoff win during that period.
The team has not finished higher than 10th in the last seven years, highlighting the ongoing struggle to find stability and success.
The Flanagan Era
Flanagan was seen as a different kind of coach, one who had a proven track record from his days at Cronulla, where he led the Sharks to a 2016 premiership. That victory was a testament to his ability to transform a struggling team into champions. The Sharks’ journey from the depths of despair to a grand final triumph was something Flanagan believed could be replicated with the Dragons.
However, over the past three years, the Dragons have failed to replicate that success. Flanagan’s coaching style has remained consistent, with a preference for older players who bring experience and leadership. He brought in seasoned talents like Damien Cook, Clint Gutherson, and Valentine Holmes, hoping to mentor the younger players and instill a winning mentality.
His teams were known for their fighting spirit, often playing in low-scoring, hard-nosed games. Under his guidance, players like Andrew Fifita, Matt Prior, and Wade Graham developed into Origin stars, showcasing his ability to maximize talent.
The Challenges of Change
Despite these strengths, the old ways eventually stopped working. The same strategies that once led to success became rigid and inflexible. The Dragons struggled to adapt to the modern game, where speed and athleticism are more important than ever. Younger, faster players are now outpacing the older ones, leaving the Dragons behind.
Valentine Holmes has been a disappointment, while Clint Gutherson, though strong last season, has shown signs of wear after years of pushing himself to the limit. Damien Cook still has moments of brilliance, but he is no longer the player he once was.
At their best, the Flanagan-led Dragons could fight and stay in games, but they never managed to secure the wins needed to climb the ladder. Last season, they beat three of the top four teams and played in 12 matches decided by a single score or less, yet they lost eight of them. The lack of attacking flair and creativity made it impossible to sustain success.
The Future of the Dragons
With Ben Hunt no longer on the roster and Daniel Atkinson’s tenure starting off poorly, the club is in a precarious position. Kyle Flanagan, son of the sacked coach, has borne the brunt of fan frustration, as his fate became intertwined with his father’s.
The Dragons are now one defeat away from setting a new record for the longest losing streak in their history. Unless the interim coach can work a miracle, finishing last seems inevitable. For a team that has struggled for years, this would be a significant reckoning.
The merged club has never won the wooden spoon, but the last time the Steelers did so was in 1989, and the last time St George did was in 1938. Perhaps this is exactly what the Dragons need — a harsh reminder of what they have allowed themselves to become.
A Club in Search of a Path
The Dragons are a club with a rich history and a proud legacy, but that history feels increasingly distant. Their recent past has been a cycle of repeated failures, with every attempt at a new beginning leading back to the same place.
Now, as they look for another fresh start, they find themselves adrift in a vast, unpredictable sea. The winds of change are howling, and the horizon remains shrouded in darkness. They are searching for a guiding star, but neither the path nor the way forward is clear.
