LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The St George Illawarra Dragons secured their third win of the 2025 NRL season but faced challenges when they were reduced to 12 men during the second half of the game.
Toafofoa Sipley was sent to the sin bin for a hip drop tackle on Mat Feagai, leading to Feagai being unable to continue due to a potential knee injury.
Coach Flanagan was frustrated by the situation and felt the need to address it on the sideline to prevent further penalties.
"I was upset because we have a player that at the time was hit in the head, but it was a hip drop.
Then we started play again with 12 men, so we got penalised," Flanagan explained during his post-match conference.
The coach's decision to intervene highlights the importance of maintaining team numbers and avoiding unnecessary penalties in crucial moments of the game.
The Dragons managed to overcome this setback and secure the victory, showcasing their resilience and determination despite facing adversity during the match.
The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of rugby league games and the need for teams to adapt and make strategic decisions to overcome challenges and emerge victorious.