Gould Offers Stark Insight on Dragons' Troubles

Phil Gould asserts that the challenges faced by St George Illawarra extend beyond mere coaching issues or lineup adjustments as the struggling club intensifies its search for its first win this season.

The joint venture has faltered with six consecutive losses to begin the year, placing pressure on coach Shane Flanagan and a veteran roster searching for solutions.

Scott Drinkwater has emerged as a possible target, with Clinton Gutherson supporting the idea if the club moves to acquire the North Queensland Cowboys player.

Over six years ago, the Bulldogs chief carried out an external review of the Dragons while Paul McGregor was leading the team, noting that the club lacked the financial capacity to implement his suggestions.

Fast forward to 2026, and the Red V finds itself in a similar predicament, as decision-makers look for ways to navigate their way out of the current troubles.

"They can't see where their next win is coming from," Gould mentioned on Nine's 100% Footy.

"That's why fans and club managers usually react by sacking the coach ... and that happens in sport all over the world."

"Is that the solution for the Dragons? No - that's not what got them in this position."

"This is the culmination of many, many years of going down the wrong path in a lot of aspects in their club. That's where they need the cleanout, that's where they need to look at themselves and say 'how did we get here and how do we change it?'