Tyrell Sloan handed hope after brutal move amid fresh warning for Dragons teammate
Shane Flanagan has left the door open for Tyrell Sloan to return to the NRL after axing the winger for Friday night's game against the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium. And the Dragons coach has issued a fresh warning about Christian Tuipulotu's infamous 'money man' celebration after naming the fan favourite as Sloan's replacement for the round 14 clash.
Tuipulotu was close to making his return from a hamstring injury last week but the Dragons played it safe and kept the winger on ice for one more round. In his continued absence, Flanagan handed Nathan Lawson his NRL debut on the wing for the Red V, with the former Australian rugby sevens star impressing in the win over the Knights.
With Tuipulotu given the green light to return this week, Sloan is the unlucky man to miss out, with Lawson retaining his place in the starting side. Tuipulotu was superb on the left wing before his seven-week injury lay-off and has been training on that side this week, meaning Lawson is set to shift onto the right side.
But Flanagan says the decision to drop Sloan was as much about Tuipulotu's return to fitness as it was about form. It's the second time Sloan has been overlooked for first-grade selection after seeing his fullback spot taken by star recruit and co-captain Clint Gutherson.
"It's not just Tyrell ... we've got competition for spots," Flanagan said. "Everyone's held accountable and you've got to perform well. Tyrell's no different, so 'CT' comes back in. Those two wingers know that he's just waiting there to come back. It provides a good culture, winning culture for the first team."
Sloan won't even have the opportunity to impress his coach in reserve grade this weekend because the Dragons' NSW Cup side has a bye. But Flanagan said despite the decision to axe Sloan for the Dolphins showdown, he's in no doubt that the flyer has the talent and the attitude to break back into the first-grade squad again soon.
"Without a doubt. He's a talented footy player," the Dragons coach said. "He's got some things to work on ... so go back and work on them and he'll be back. He's a good kid, there's no question marks about any of those players (on the fringes), about their character, their effort or their attitude."
Sloan is contracted to the end of 2026 and the Dragons junior appears next in line if injury or suspension hits the Dragons' outside backs. Halfback Lachlan Ilias - who started the season in the No.7 jersey but lost his place to the impressive Lyhkan King-Togia - is another player Flanagan is confident has what it takes to earn an NRL recall.
"Him and (back-up five-eighth) Jonah Glover have been outstanding in reserve grade. They're a class above and they're ready to play first grade," Flanagan said. "Lachie had a few things to tidy up in his game from the start of the season and he's doing that."
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While the Dragons will be boosted by the return of Tuipulotu - who has crossed for seven tries in five games this season - Flanagan has warned the winger about a repeat of his 'money man' celebration. Tuipulotu copped criticism for celebrating while the Dragons were losing earlier in the season and earned the ire of his coach in the process.
Flanagan says he's willing to tolerate the celebration though - but only if they're ahead on the scoreboard. "He's been told there are a few boundaries around it. Let's be in front," the Dragons coach said. "He's that sort of character, he's always high in energy. You see him running in if there's a big play in the middle part of the field or on the other side of the field than he is. We're lucky to have him back."
with AAP
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