LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The St George Illawarra Dragons have made significant strides since Shane Flanagan assumed the head coach position in 2024.
Under his leadership, the club has attracted high-profile talents like Keaon Koloamatangi, Clint Gutherson, and Valentine Holmes. In addition, Flanagan has introduced promising prospects such as Hamish Stewart, Toby Couchman, and Dylan Egan, crafting a competitive rugby league team that fans can take pride in.
Although the Dragons have not reached the finals since 2018, Flanagan is dedicated to cultivating long-term success. He is optimistic about the team's future, especially with one of the youngest rosters in the NRL.
Despite the squad's youth, Flanagan has made it clear that making the finals is a key objective for 2026.
"They're all babies, but they're playing first grade now, so while it's building foundations, but we also expect to play finals," he stated.
Having previously led the Cronulla Sharks to a 2016 premiership, Flanagan understands what is needed for a team to be competitive in the finals. He noted a few parallels between the 2016 Sharks and his current Dragons team but also recognized a difference in experience.
"I suppose you could draw a couple of lines [between the 2016 Sharks and the 2026 Dragons], but we probably didn't have as many young fellas in that '16 side," he admitted.