Latest news with #ShaneFlanagan
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Shane Flanagan fires back at ‘ridiculous' Dragons nepotism claim as son Kyle's form called into question
St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has defended his son and Dragons playmaker Kyle Flanagan amid claims he would have been dropped if not for nepotism. The Red V have lost their last two games and looked completely lost in both attack and defence. They were run off the park by a rampant Dolphins 56-6 before going on to throw away a halftime lead against the Sharks, in their 30-18 loss on the weekend. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. After similar struggles earlier in the season, Flanagan decided to drop halfback recruit Lachlan Ilias instead of his son, promoting young gun Lykhan King-Togia in his place. On the weekend, King-Togia was one of their best, but the combination with Flanagan has been underwhelming, winning just two of their six games together. And it saw veteran journalist Phil Rothfield mention the elephant in the room, that Flanagan appears to remain off the chopping block for one main reason. 'It can be really difficult when the coach, no one can ever question Shane Flanagan's coaching credentials, but his son Kyle is not one of the leading halves in the competition,' Rothfield said on the Big Sports Breakfast on Monday. 'They have been belted by the Dolphins, then had a second-half capitulation against the Sharks on Thursday night. 'Lachlan Ilias, who was dropped at halfback, is going well in NSW Cup. They have won six straight games since he has been there. 'The fans have gone ballistic on social media. Shane Flanagan will pick the best side to win every week, but there is a debate out there about whether Kyle Flanagan should be in the side. 'He's never going to be the flashiest halfback, he's solid, he's steady … halfbacks aren't paid to tackle, but he's the best defensive halfback in the competition.' In response Flanagan came out firing in defence of his son, declaring claims his position is anything but safe 'ridiculous'. 'To say Kyle is under pressure is ridiculous,' Flanagan said to Code Sports. 'I think people are looking in the wrong direction. 'He's been among our best players all year. It's not me, ask the other players and coaches. I'm probably harder on Kyle than any other player.' Flanagan has the fewest missed tackles of any No. 7 this season at an average of just 1.3 and also has 18 try involvements. However, the claims of 'nepotism' won't be going away any time soon as the reality is irrespective of what the stat sheet shows, the Red V are clearly lacking direction and Flanagan is hardly an offensive spark. 'You've got to look at what other alternatives are there. You can bring Lachlan Ilias in, do you drop Kyle to the bench?' Rothfield said. 'The season is slipping away quick and because it's such a congested competition table, they aren't done yet. A lot of teams who have struggled are still an outside chance. 'But at the end of the day St George should be in the market for a really big playmaker. 'Nepotism is such a tough claim, a father naturally loves his son and we went through this with Brad Arthur and Jake up at Parramatta. 'I'm glad Ricky Stuart has brought his boy into the side, Jed Stuart. The senior players in the Canberra side before they went to Las Vegas had to approach Ricky because it can work in reverse. 'Because these guys are dads, they can often make it harder for their son because they don't want to be seen as doing any favours.'
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
NRL coaches on under pressure to keep their jobs as rumours fly
Pressure is mounting on a handful of NRL coaches, with disappointing defeats in round 13 leaving their finals hopes, and their jobs, hanging in the balance. The make-up of the NRL's top eight is still anyone's guess but the finals race is beginning to take shape following a topsy-turvy start to the NRL season. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. The Dragons, Knights, Sea Eagles and Cowboys all suffered tough losses this weekend, leaving them on the outside of the top eight midway through the State of Origin period. Cronulla defeated St George Illawarra 30-18 on Thursday, with the loss increasing pressure on coach Shane Flanagan to demote his son, halfback Kyle Flanagan. Broncos legend Gorden Tallis told Triple M on Sunday: 'What's going to happen is it's going to be his job or Kyle's. You can keep giving him a go and it can be your job in the end.' James Graham said earlier this weekend: 'The elephant in the room is the coach's son.' Flanagan is in his second season of his three-year deal as he looks to improve results and roster at St George Illawarra, which saw Valentine Holmes, Damien Cook and Clint Gutherson join in the off-season. Newcastle let a first half lead slip against the Roosters on Saturday night, with a late try to Siu Wong enough to get the Tricolours the victory. It was a ninth loss of the season for Newcastle as pressure on coach Adam O'Brien builds with each defeat. O'Brien is contracted until the end of 2027 and would receive a massive payout of around $2 million if he is sacked by the Knights. Elsewhere, Manly coach Anthony Seibold has escaped the scrutiny for much of his tenure but his position will come under question following the dire 28-8 loss to the Gold Coast Titans on Friday night. The Sea Eagles looked hapless against the Titans as Des Hasler claimed a much needed win against his former side. The horror loss was compounded when Haumole Olakau'atu suffered a dislocated shoulder — the star forward is facing an extended stint on the sidelines. Daly Cherry-Evans was well below his best in attack but according to Code Sports, of greater concern is Manly's 'attitude problem' in defence, with 34 tackles missed against the Titans. Manly have a bye before a stretch of games against teams including the Rabbitohs, Storm Bulldogs and Raiders — meaning Seibold is staring down the barrel of missing finals twice in his three seasons in charge. Greg Alexander said on Fox League post-game: 'Manly have got some work to do now, they really do.' Seibold is contracted until the end of 2027, but veteran NRL reporter Phil Rothfield believes rugby league's coaching merry-go-round could be about to go into full swing. Rothfield reported there is a rumour Sea Eagles assistant Michael Ennis 'is being groomed to eventually take over from Seibold', adding: 'Seibold is no certainty to see out his deal unless he can quickly turn Manly's form around.' Manly will lose Cherry-Evans next season and there are calls for Seibold to move Tom Trbojevic into the centres and pick Lehi Hopoate to fullback when he returns from concussion. Waiting in the wings for an NRL head coaching job is Maroons and Cronulla assistant Josh Hannay, while ex-Broncos boss Kevin Walters is keen on a return to the coaching caper. Gold Coast's win over Manly released the pressure valve on Des Hasler, 64, who is fighting to keep his job and fulfil a clause on his contract that states the Titans must make this finals this season. Cowboys coach Todd Payten is also under the pump after a 58-4 loss to the Dolphins on Saturday, albeit without Jason Taumalolo and Origin players Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter and Jeremiah Nanai. Interestingly, all four of Flanagan, O'Brien, Seibold and Payten are managed by well known rugby league agent Isaac Moses. After North Queensland's loss to the Dolphins: Cooper Cronk said on Fox League: 'The thing about the Cowboys is their 'good' is great, but their 'bad' is really bad. They've been inconsistent since that good year in 2023. 'They've shown signs of 'You've got to respect this team they can do something', but other times they're paper thing defensively and don't get the job done consistently enough. 'Todd Payten would be getting frustrated and the supporters would be too, because they're a better team than what they're showing.' James Hooper added: 'The type of coach Todd Payten looks like from an outside point of view, I think the Cowboys will feel the blowtorch this week given the magnitude of the loss.' The Cowboys have a -106 points difference, which could prove pivotal in the race for finals. Mal Meninga said: 'Their season is on the line now. The way they lost puts them under enormous pressure. For and against is going to be crucial they way the competition is going.'
News.com.au
12-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
NRL world up in arms as ref blunder sinks Dragons
St George Illawarra have suffered back-to-back defeats after they were overpowered by Cronulla in the local derby on Thursday night, albeit with a slice of controversy. The Dragons had established an 18-6 lead at the break in enemy territory but were swamped by Cronulla in the second stanza, giving up 24 unanswered points. However, despite another loss, it was a controversial late penalty from a kick-off that got Shane Flanagan's goat. Trailing 24-18 with just over eight minutes left, the Dragons appeared to have regained possession thanks to a short kick-off, in a potentially momentum-turning play. But referee Grant Atkins ruled that, even though the player was over the 40-metre line when he batted it back, the ball didn't break the plane. That means in the referee's opinion, the ball didn't travel the required 10 metres, crossing the 40-metre line, and therefore the Sharks were awarded a penalty instead. So rather than the Dragons going on the attack trying to level up the match, they were made to defend their line, it was a decision they never recovered from. The commentators were left stunned by Atkins' call. 'Oh boy, it broke the plane for your life!' Warren Smith said in Fox commentary. You can watch the kick off drama in the player at the top of the page. 'They don't have their challenge, and it can't be overturned. Oh, it broke the plane! That had to have broken the plane.' Michael Ennis agreed with Smith. 'Oh no! Well and truly broke the plane,' Ennis said. 'It looked certain to have broken the plane.' Post-game, Flanagan was fuming with the decision. 'There were some decisions that I was amazed at,' Flanagan said. 'You were watching it (the game) weren't you? There was a kick-off that you should watch again. 'There's a red line there called the 40-metre line and Moses Suli was on the other side of the 40-metre line. You can watch it.' The NRL world was equally stunned by Atkins' error and questioned why the bunker or touch judge didn't overrule him. 'Refs cannot be getting the short kick of penalties wrong …. Why were the touch judges on the 50m line rather than the 40 … let the ref rule on off-side,' one fan wrote. 'The Dragons have every right to feel hard done by there,' another added. 'He's right in line how does he get that wrong? Big turning point. Why do we have touchies' a third said. The loss leaves the Dragons in 12th position on the NRL ladder with five wins and eight losses for the season, meanwhile the Sharks have moved to fifth position with eight wins and six losses.
The Advertiser
06-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'Not acceptable': Flanagan lashes Dragons after shocker
St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has vowed that the 56-6 loss to the Dolphins will be a blip on the radar and not a trend. "I'll make sure of it. Don't you worry. That's my job," Flanagan said. The veteran coach would not have been expecting such a dire display after two solid wins over Brisbane and Newcastle. Apart from the 46-18 loss to Sydney Roosters on Anzac Day the Dragons had been in every match this season, including three losses by a solitary point. At Suncorp Stadium on Friday night the Dragons collapsed in a heap. "We can make excuses but we are not here to make excuses. It just wasn't up to standard," Flanagan said. "It is really disappointing. I just explained to the group that we will review it. We've got a short turnaround (before playing Cronulla on Thursday night). "It's not acceptable for the Dragons and we will deal with it internally. We will review it closely. I haven't got an answer for you (as to) why (it happened)." The Dragons lost winger Christian Tuipulotu (hamstring) in the first half after he spent seven weeks out with the same injury. "Hamstrings," the coach sighed. "That is something else we will need to review. We gave him an extra week (off) and it is really frustrating from a coach's perspective. It is an area we are not flush with. "To lose your winger in the first half is really throws the whole rhythm of the team out." Forward Raymond Faitala-Mariner was replaced due to shortness of breath in the second half. He went to hospital. "I think it was something like an asthma attack and pretty bad. I haven't got any details just yet," Flanagan said. Tuipulotu could be set for another lengthy stint on the sideline and Flanagan will review whether other changes are required for the clash with the Sharks away. "I'll have a look at it," Flanagan said. "I've been around long enough to learn that you have got to be careful straight after a game with what you say and what you do, especially in that space. We will review it and see who is available and make a decision then, but there could be (changes)." The Dragons led early after Valentine Holmes landed a long-range penalty goal before having 50 consecutive points put on them. Flanagan said he had no regrets about the side taking the two points and not going for a try. "I learned a long time ago from better coaches - Jack Gibson and Ron Massey - when two points are available and especially an early gift (you take them). I'd always take the two points," he said. St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has vowed that the 56-6 loss to the Dolphins will be a blip on the radar and not a trend. "I'll make sure of it. Don't you worry. That's my job," Flanagan said. The veteran coach would not have been expecting such a dire display after two solid wins over Brisbane and Newcastle. Apart from the 46-18 loss to Sydney Roosters on Anzac Day the Dragons had been in every match this season, including three losses by a solitary point. At Suncorp Stadium on Friday night the Dragons collapsed in a heap. "We can make excuses but we are not here to make excuses. It just wasn't up to standard," Flanagan said. "It is really disappointing. I just explained to the group that we will review it. We've got a short turnaround (before playing Cronulla on Thursday night). "It's not acceptable for the Dragons and we will deal with it internally. We will review it closely. I haven't got an answer for you (as to) why (it happened)." The Dragons lost winger Christian Tuipulotu (hamstring) in the first half after he spent seven weeks out with the same injury. "Hamstrings," the coach sighed. "That is something else we will need to review. We gave him an extra week (off) and it is really frustrating from a coach's perspective. It is an area we are not flush with. "To lose your winger in the first half is really throws the whole rhythm of the team out." Forward Raymond Faitala-Mariner was replaced due to shortness of breath in the second half. He went to hospital. "I think it was something like an asthma attack and pretty bad. I haven't got any details just yet," Flanagan said. Tuipulotu could be set for another lengthy stint on the sideline and Flanagan will review whether other changes are required for the clash with the Sharks away. "I'll have a look at it," Flanagan said. "I've been around long enough to learn that you have got to be careful straight after a game with what you say and what you do, especially in that space. We will review it and see who is available and make a decision then, but there could be (changes)." The Dragons led early after Valentine Holmes landed a long-range penalty goal before having 50 consecutive points put on them. Flanagan said he had no regrets about the side taking the two points and not going for a try. "I learned a long time ago from better coaches - Jack Gibson and Ron Massey - when two points are available and especially an early gift (you take them). I'd always take the two points," he said. St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has vowed that the 56-6 loss to the Dolphins will be a blip on the radar and not a trend. "I'll make sure of it. Don't you worry. That's my job," Flanagan said. The veteran coach would not have been expecting such a dire display after two solid wins over Brisbane and Newcastle. Apart from the 46-18 loss to Sydney Roosters on Anzac Day the Dragons had been in every match this season, including three losses by a solitary point. At Suncorp Stadium on Friday night the Dragons collapsed in a heap. "We can make excuses but we are not here to make excuses. It just wasn't up to standard," Flanagan said. "It is really disappointing. I just explained to the group that we will review it. We've got a short turnaround (before playing Cronulla on Thursday night). "It's not acceptable for the Dragons and we will deal with it internally. We will review it closely. I haven't got an answer for you (as to) why (it happened)." The Dragons lost winger Christian Tuipulotu (hamstring) in the first half after he spent seven weeks out with the same injury. "Hamstrings," the coach sighed. "That is something else we will need to review. We gave him an extra week (off) and it is really frustrating from a coach's perspective. It is an area we are not flush with. "To lose your winger in the first half is really throws the whole rhythm of the team out." Forward Raymond Faitala-Mariner was replaced due to shortness of breath in the second half. He went to hospital. "I think it was something like an asthma attack and pretty bad. I haven't got any details just yet," Flanagan said. Tuipulotu could be set for another lengthy stint on the sideline and Flanagan will review whether other changes are required for the clash with the Sharks away. "I'll have a look at it," Flanagan said. "I've been around long enough to learn that you have got to be careful straight after a game with what you say and what you do, especially in that space. We will review it and see who is available and make a decision then, but there could be (changes)." The Dragons led early after Valentine Holmes landed a long-range penalty goal before having 50 consecutive points put on them. Flanagan said he had no regrets about the side taking the two points and not going for a try. "I learned a long time ago from better coaches - Jack Gibson and Ron Massey - when two points are available and especially an early gift (you take them). I'd always take the two points," he said.
West Australian
06-06-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
'Not acceptable': Flanagan lashes Dragons after shocker
St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has vowed that the 56-6 loss to the Dolphins will be a blip on the radar and not a trend. "I'll make sure of it. Don't you worry. That's my job," Flanagan said. The veteran coach would not have been expecting such a dire display after two solid wins over Brisbane and Newcastle. Apart from the 46-18 loss to Sydney Roosters on Anzac Day the Dragons had been in every match this season, including three losses by a solitary point. At Suncorp Stadium on Friday night the Dragons collapsed in a heap. "We can make excuses but we are not here to make excuses. It just wasn't up to standard," Flanagan said. "It is really disappointing. I just explained to the group that we will review it. We've got a short turnaround (before playing Cronulla on Thursday night). "It's not acceptable for the Dragons and we will deal with it internally. We will review it closely. I haven't got an answer for you (as to) why (it happened)." The Dragons lost winger Christian Tuipulotu (hamstring) in the first half after he spent seven weeks out with the same injury. "Hamstrings," the coach sighed. "That is something else we will need to review. We gave him an extra week (off) and it is really frustrating from a coach's perspective. It is an area we are not flush with. "To lose your winger in the first half is really throws the whole rhythm of the team out." Forward Raymond Faitala-Mariner was replaced due to shortness of breath in the second half. He went to hospital. "I think it was something like an asthma attack and pretty bad. I haven't got any details just yet," Flanagan said. Tuipulotu could be set for another lengthy stint on the sideline and Flanagan will review whether other changes are required for the clash with the Sharks away. "I'll have a look at it," Flanagan said. "I've been around long enough to learn that you have got to be careful straight after a game with what you say and what you do, especially in that space. We will review it and see who is available and make a decision then, but there could be (changes)." The Dragons led early after Valentine Holmes landed a long-range penalty goal before having 50 consecutive points put on them. Flanagan said he had no regrets about the side taking the two points and not going for a try. "I learned a long time ago from better coaches - Jack Gibson and Ron Massey - when two points are available and especially an early gift (you take them). I'd always take the two points," he said.
