“Flanagan’s Appointment as Dragons Coach Receives Overwhelming Support”

Shane Flanagan Confirmed as Dragons Coach with Overwhelming Support

Shane Flanagan has been confirmed as the new head coach for the St George Illawarra Dragons starting from the 2024 season. The announcement has received overwhelming support from the Dragons fan base as well as the NRL community. Flanagan has a successful coaching career, leading the Cronulla Sharks to their first-ever NRL Premiership in 2016, and has been an assistant to Anthony Seibold at the Manly Sea Eagles.

Flanagan’s History with the Dragons

Shane Flanagan is not new to the Dragons. He previously worked with the club as an assistant coach to Paul McGregor. However, due to the change in management, Anthony Griffin let Flanagan go from his assistant coaching position in 2021. Flanagan did return in 2022 as a List Management Consultant before eventually joining Manly as an assistant coach.

Strong Contenders Beaten Out

Flanagan was among a number of strong contenders for the position, including current Rabbitohs assistant Ben Hornby and current Cowboys assistant Dean Young. Both Hornby and Young have been considered future NRL head coaches, giving fans an insight into the high calibre of names Flanagan was up against for the job.

Concerns Over Flanagan’s Suspension and Supplement Scandal

There have been concerns over Shane Flanagan’s previous suspension as the Sharks’ head coach in 2018. Flanagan was suspended for failing to stick to the conditions of his suspension handed down in 2014. Flanagan’s previous suspension was related to his role in the supplements program scandal that occurred at the club in 2011. However, despite these concerns, the St George Illawarra Dragons board has given him their unanimous support.

Potential Assistant Coach

During negotiations with Flanagan, there has been speculation over whether Dean Young may take up an assistant coaching position with the Dragons, as he has worked with Flanagan in the past. While there is no pressure from the board to hire anyone specific, it would not be surprising if a defensive-minded coach like Young joined the team in an assistant role.

Flanagan’s Long-Term Objectives

Some are speculating over whether Flanagan will remain in the Dragons’ head coach position for a long time. Commentators like Paul Crawley have suggested that Flanagan may have long-term objectives and that he wants to continue coaching for a decade. Therefore, Young and other assistant coaches should consider their positions, as there may be other job opportunities in the near future.

Editorial and Advice

Shane Flanagan’s appointment as the new head coach for the St George Illawarra Dragons has received overwhelming support despite his previous suspension and the supplements program scandal. Many individuals believe Flanagan has the experience and knowledge to lead the Dragons to success. The Dragons board has shown confidence in Flanagan by giving him a unanimous vote of support, even though there were other strong contenders for the position.

It is essential that Flanagan and the Dragons team address the concerns around his past suspension. He will undoubtedly face questions regarding the scandal from both the media and fans, and it is important that he answers them with integrity and honesty. The Dragons’ team and coaching staff should also be aware of the issue and work to ensure that it does not pose any significant problems in the future.

Finally, it is worth noting that Flanagan’s long-term objectives will significantly impact the team’s future. If Flanagan plans on continuing in his position for a significant period, it is crucial that he bring in assistant coaches who are willing to commit to that period. Young and other assistant coaches may want to consider this when joining the team or deciding to stay with their current clubs.

Overall, Flanagan’s appointment as head coach for the Dragons is an exciting development for the team and their fans. His experience, knowledge, and passion for the sport are sure to motivate the Dragons players to strive for success. However, it is important to address his past suspension and ensure that it does not cause issues in the future. With a strong coaching team in place, the Dragons have the potential for a bright future.