Coach's son extended despite Dragons roster move

Kyle Flanagan has inked a two-year contract extension with the Dragons, just one day after the club announced the signing of Sharks playmaker Daniel Atkinson. The 26-year-old Flanagan - the son of head coach Shane - was the first choice No.6 at the joint venture this season, partnering Ben Hunt in the halves. Flanagan is expected to line up alongside new recruit Lachlan Ilias next season, but beyond that his role could be a little different when Atkinson arrives. In a statement released on Thursday, the coach claimed that the "competition for spots" would be vital for St George Illawarra moving forward. "Kyle was an integral part of our team this year and will continue to be an important player for us moving forward," he said. "He plays his 100th NRL game at the start of next season and his experience and versatility will continue to be an asset for us. "With Daniel Atkinson joining the club from 2026 that competition for spots across the key spine positions will strengthen the whole squad." Flanagan has hopped around to multiple clubs during his NRL career, spending time at the Sharks, Roosters and Bulldogs before linking up with his dad in the Red V. Dragons chief executive Ryan Webb lauded the five-eighth for his impact on and off the field since joining the club in 2024. "Kyle has been playing in the halves but can also play hooker and is a back-up goal kicker, so he adds value to our team in many ways," he said. "Off the field, he has displayed tremendous professionalism and been a great example for the younger players in our squad, so we are happy he's committed." Flanagan's new contract will see him remain in red and white until the end of 2027.

Nicho Hynes caught in ugly $1 million fallout as Cronulla Sharks lose gun half to Dragons

Andrew Voss has questioned whether the Cronulla Sharks have made a mistake with Nicho Hynes and Daniel Atkinson after the latter reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with St George Illawarra. In what would be a crushing blow for his former NRL team, Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has reportedly convinced the 23-year-old Atkinson to switch clubs. According to News Corp, Atkinson has agreed to a three-year deal worth $500,000 per season to join the Dragons from 2026. Due to the NRL's new 'cooling off' rule, the Sharks would have 10 days to try and convince Atkinson to change his mind. However the lure of a starting spot in the halves at the Dragons appears to be too good to refuse. Atkinson emerged as a genuine first-grade talent in 2024, but is stuck behind Hynes and Braydon Trindall at Cronulla. With Hynes on a long-term deal worth $1 million per season and Trindall recently re-signing, the writing is on the wall that Atkinson is the odd man out. The Sharks rate Atkinson highly and there was even talk of moving Hynes to fullback to accommodate the 23-year-old in the halves. But it looks as though the Dragons have scored a massive coup and snared one of the best young emerging halves in the comp. With Kyle Flanagan off contract at the end of 2025, Atkinson will likely partner Lachlan Ilias in the halves for the Red V. Ilias joined the Dragons this off-season after Ben Hunt's departure to the Broncos, and will partner Kyle Flanagan in the 6 and 7 in 2025. But a partnership between Ilias and Atkinson would seemingly be one of the best young halves combos in the NRL. Tellingly, the Sharks are refusing to entertain the prospect of releasing Atkinson early to join the Dragons in 2025. "They feel like they can win a premiership with him in 2025 and he's a key part of that," journalist Michael Carayannis said on SEN radio on Thursday. "Don't forget this time last year they released Matt Moylan to give Atkinson the role of the premier back-up half."

NRL Dragons attempting to keep freakish teen a secret

The Dragons have snuck a hulking young prop into their top 30 squad - and the mystery youngster is tipped to take the NRL by storm next season. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga is only 19 but tips the scales at 121 kilos - six kilos heavier than Storm colossus Nelson Asofa-Solomona. The Dragons are attempting to keep the youngster "under the radar" to take the pressure off him - not a word has been said or written about him despite the fact that he has made the club's top squad. A NSW under 19 State of Origin player and Australian Schoolboy last season, he also led the Dragons to their first SG Ball title in over 30 years in 2024 before playing against grown men in the NSW Cup. The Dragons are now desperate to extend and upgrade Tonga, who is already on the radar of rival clubs despite his tender years. "He is going to take the game by storm," predicted Craig Clifton, who manages Tonga along with former dual international Mat Rogers.

Dragons relegated below Wests Tigers in embarrassing new blow

The Ben Hunt effect is already being felt ahead of the 2025 NRL premiership, with his exit from St George Illawarra relegating the Dragons to wooden spoon favourites while elevating new club Brisbane. The NSW TAB has opened the Dragons up at $5 to suffer the most losses next season and finish bottom of the ladder. They sit on the last line of betting ($67) to win the competition despite an improved performance under Shane Flanagan this year. Punters believe Hunt's departure – along with Zac Lomax's exit – will be too much to overcome despite the Red V luring rep trio Damien Cook, Clint Gutherson and Val Holmes to the club. In stark contrast, the Broncos are now the third best-backed side following news of Hunt's return to Brisbane. TAB spokesman Rohan Welsh told Yahoo Sport Australia: "The Tigers went up as the longest odds to win the premiership but that changed as soon as Ben Hunt was officially signed by Brisbane. "We then pushed the Dragons' price out as a reflection of where we now see them without Hunt. We think they’re going to miss him and Lomax and that it's going to take time for Cook, Gutherson and Holmes to bed in. "There are also concerns over their forward rotation while the signing of Lachlan Ilias has not really shifted things. Those concerns are reflected in the most losses (wooden spoon) market. The Tigers have been (spoon) favourites the last few years but the Dragons currently occupy that spot. There could be a lot of change to the premiership and wooden spoon market after the first month of the competition."

'Big chance': Teen wrecking ball tipped for Red V debut

He's one of the best young talents in the country and Dragons coach Shane Flanagan admits there is a "big chance" Jacob Halangahu will debut in the NRL next year. The 18-year-old has dominated at every level he's played at, helping St George win their first SG Ball title in more than three decades and representing the NSW U19s and Australian Schoolboys teams this year. Cut from a similar cloth as Titans wrecking ball David Fifita, the teenager will move into a full-time NRL contract heading into 2025 as he continues to rise up the ranks. Speaking on 2GB's Wide World Of Sports Radio, Flanagan was quizzed about the potential of Halangahu earning a call-up to don the famous Red V next year. While he wouldn't fully commit either way, Flanagan heaped praise on the boom rookie and admitted there was one moment at training that 'shook up' the coach. "I wouldn't put it past him," he said. "It's a big ask, he's just come out of school. The other day I was just talking to him by chance and he said he'd just been to his school formal. It sort of shook me up … we're talking about a kid playing first grade that has just been to his school formal. "We'll take our time with him, but without a doubt he's gonna play first grade. I would not put it past him, the way he trains and his attitude towards his footy. "I'd definitely not write him off, it's a big chance - I would probably think next year will be more than likely his opportunity." Halangahu, alongside fellow enforcers Loko Pasifiki Jnr Tonga and Finau Latu, are part of an exciting young crop at Flanagan's disposal in the coming years.

Rival club's audacious bid to poach Flanagan for 2026

A rival NRL club is interested in poaching Shane Flanagan from the Dragons. Flanagan is contracted to coach the Dragons for another two seasons but the other club - and no, it's not the Tigers - is keen to sign him up for 2026. A third party is set to make contact with Flanagan's management in coming weeks to see if there is any interest from the former Sharks premiership-winning coach. Ironically, the team concerned hasn't been travelling too badly but the committee and chief executive believe the club needs a change of direction and a fresh face to mentor its players. Flanagan took over as head coach of the Dragons last season and the club finished just one win out of the finals. But the Dragons face a massive task improving on that next year after losing their two main men - star halfback Ben Hunt and brilliant centre/winger Zac Lomax.

Ben Hunt and Shane Flanagan's relationship 'unworkable' as ugly new details come to light

Ben Hunt's relationship with Shane Flanagan is reportedly at the point of no return following a brutal end-of-season review. The Dragons captain is expected set to voluntarily relinquish his captaincy ahead of next season and there are widespread reports the halfback may never play for the Red V again. Hunt endured a tough season in the NRL in 2024 and came under fire for his side's late-season collapse that saw them drop out of the top eight and miss out on playing finals footy. In the Dragons' season review Hunt, whose contract is worth over $1 million a season, was told "his performances – including his defence, kicking game and leadership – when his team’s finals hopes hung in the balance were not befitting of his standing in the side". And according to SMH’s Danny Weidler, Hunt was deeply hurt and offended at being 'salary shamed'. "It has been several weeks now since we revealed that Ben Hunt’s salary was thrown in his face during his season review. There has been no denial from the Dragons in that time," Weidler wrote in an SMH column on Saturday. "The situation is unworkable and the best thing is for Hunt to walk away from the club. You will remember Hunt was forced to stay when he asked for an early release last year. Then at the end of the season he was criticised for being on a big contract. It feels like the time is up on the relationship between player and club, and a fresh start for both is needed." Weidler also noted that Hunt felt singled out due to the widespread praise his fellow playmaker Kyle Flanagan received. The No.7's situation at the Red V has also led rugby league great Andrew Johns to form the opinion that he won't play another game for the Dragons. The Knights legend suggested a three-way move with Hunt to the Titans, Gold Coast hooker Sam Verrills to the Roosters to cover the injured Brandon Smith and Storm utility Tyran Wishart to the Dragons could solve several issues. “I’ve heard Sam Verrills may be going back to the Roosters … have a look at Brandon Smith, he won’t play until mid-next year,” Johns said on WWOS’ Freddy and the Eighth. “So that opens the way for Ben Hunt to go to the Titans.

Flanno Furious at Boss Axing

Times are a bit testy at the Dragons, with coach Shane Flanagan far from happy with the club's decision to part ways with chief executive Ryan Webb last week. Webb was a big supporter of Flanagan and helped him get the head coach job this year in the face of opposition from some board members due to Flanagan's history at the Sharks. The coach was keen to repay that loyalty and has told anyone who wants to listen that he is fuming with the Dragons' move to cut ties with Webb.

Gallen's surprise call on 'absolute monsters'

It's been a long time since there's been this much joy at St George Illawarra, with the influence of new coach Shane Flanagan paying off for the club. After over a decade of mediocrity with very few glimmers of hope, Dragons fans have finally had something to cheer about in 2024, with the side winning four games from its opening seven matches to put itself in the mix for the top eight. Their latest effort - which saw Flanagan's side dismantle premiership contenders the Warriors 30-12 in round seven - has sparked plenty of excitement in Wollongong and extremely rare scenes of jubilation at WIN Stadium. And that level of excitement has even crept up the Princes Highway and into the Shire, with Cronulla legend Paul Gallen full of praise for his old rivals, even tipping them for an unlikely finals berth this year. "They are a good team and I think they are a big chance of the top eight," he said on Nine's 100% Footy on Monday night. "Their team up close and in person, their outside backs are the biggest blokes I've seen in my life, they are absolute monsters. They are powerful, they get their sets started well and they really help their forwards out. "Flanno is doing a great job as coach and [Kyle] Flanagan at halfback is doing a great job just controlling the team around the park. Ben Hunt is on fire at the moment and Zac Lomax is playing the best football of his career. "As a club, Flanno has just made them happier - you can see that they like playing for each other and that's what Flanno does as a coach." Flanagan and Gallen have a close relationship from their time together at the Sharks, which saw the team win their maiden premiership in 2016, and there's very few players who know exactly what the coach can bring to a side. Players who have lacked confidence in the past such as ac Lomax and Tyrell Sloan are now brimming with it, while the return to form of Jaydn Su'A has put the enforcer back in the mix for a State of Origin spot. The 58-year-old coach has even managed to change the mind of veteran halfback Ben Hunt, who was desperate to leave the Red V last year and is now weighing up an extension. St George Illawarra will take on the Roosters in the annual Anzac Day blockbuster on Thursday afternoon.

Gallen stunned as Dragons relent to $800k star

The Dragons could be set to free up $800,000 in their salary cap as Zac Lomax eyes the exit door. Lomax has been disgruntled at St George Illawarra since Shane Flanagan moved him from centre to wing, although the 24-year-old has been one of the side's best in his new position. 9news and Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas revealed on Nine's 100% Footy that the Dragons have given the outside back permission to talk to rival clubs from 2025 and beyond. "The Eels are desperate for him, they want him this year, the Dragons are adamant that's not going to be the case, he can talk to other clubs about 2025," he said. Lomax has requested a release six times according to 2GB's Neil Breen, but Flanagan has stood his ground, stating the Dragons would need someone "very good" in return if an immediate release was to come to fruition. Former NSW Blues captain Paul Gallen was at a loss why Lomax would want to leave, stating his current form has put him in contention for Origin. "By the sounds of it he's going to go and I don't really understand why," he said on 100% Footy. "If you're picking the NSW team today or very, very soon he's in conversation for a wing spot ... if he's still in the centres he's not in the conversation. "You've got guys like Latrell Mitchell, Turbo (Tom Trbojevic), Taylan May, (Izack) Tago and Stephen Crichton of course (who can play centre for NSW). "I don't think he's in the conversation, but I think if he's on the wing he's a chance." The Dragons could replace Lomax with a cheaper option in the future, after reports they're interested in out of contract Panthers winger Sunia Turuva. Turuva has been offered a $350,000 contract by the Panthers but could command $500k on the open market.

Hot start to Flanno era

Dragons players celebrate one of Tyrell Sloan's hat-trick of tries in a scintillating start to the Shane Flanagan era. They didn't get too many players into The Mole's Team of the Week over the course of last season, but the Red V has good representation in round one of the 2024 season. Scroll on to find out who made the cut!

Joey's warning as 'rumours' circle $800k Dragons gun

League legend Andrew Johns has cautioned new Dragons coach Shane Flanagan against shifting $800,000 star Zac Lomax to the wing. Lomax has been selected on the flank for Saturday's season-opening clash with Gold Coast. While the 24-year-old has been a centre by trade throughout his NRL career, and had designs on moving into a playmaking position, either at fullback or five-eighth, Flanagan has opted to go the other way. Reports on Thursday claimed the switch has left Lomax disgruntled and potentially on the verge of requesting a release. While Johns can't speak to Lomax's mindset, the eighth Immortal believes Lomax is still best suited to playing centre. "The Lomax one surprises me, because at right centre he's generally the one who can pull something out," Johns told Wide World of Sports' Immortal Behaviour. "Modern day wingers are just like front-rowers, they're just coming out of trouble (running the ball from kick returns), running from dummy-half or trying to get the sets rolling forward. "Lot of rumours and talk that he's not happy on the wing. Last year there was talk he was going to play five-eighth, so going from five-eighth to the wing... it would be difficult. I imagine Zac wants to play centre or fullback. "It's hard to make strong judgement unless you're inside and know what's going on inside the club. "Shane Flanagan is an experienced coach, so there must be some reason why he's doing it. But, personally, I'd be having Zac at right centre. "Jack Bird is there, but he's had a horrendous run of injuries with his knees. I see Jack more as a backrower these days. "From the outside looking in I'd have Zac in the centres and Jack Bird in the backrow." The Dragons narrowly avoided the wooden spoon last year and sacked coach Anthony Griffin amid a horror campaign. Flanagan - who led Cronulla to a premiership in 2016 - has already said it will take some time to rebuild the team into a finals contender. Johns believes they may need a marquee signing to help them. "I think they are rebuilding, everyone can see they're rebuilding," Johns said. "Newcastle was in this position for so long, and it wasn't until they landed Kalyn (Ponga)... that it all started to change. "But to get that world-class player they're going to have to pay overs. They've got to build from within, they've got that strong junior nursery down there on the south coast."

Jason Taumalolo in big development at rival NRL club amid brutal Cowboys act

Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has reportedly approached Cowboys veteran Jason Taumalolo about a potential switch to the Red V after he was stripped of the club's co-captaincy. Todd Payten announced on Sunday that halfback Chad Townsend and club legend Taumalolo have been replaced as co-captains by the younger Reuben Cotter and Tom Dearden for the upcoming NRL season.The North Queensland coach admitted the decision shocked Taumalolo but insisted the club needed to look to the future. The Daily Telegraph reports Flanagan subsequently contacted Taumalolo's management where he was reportedly informed that the representative middle was happy at the Cowboys and would not be cutting his $10 million contract short. The 30-year-old signed a record-breaking 10-year contract in 2017 but has battled with injuries and poor form in recent years. Taumalolo was understood to have been blindsided by Payten's decision to remove him as the club's captain, further fuelling rumours that his relationship with Payten has been sour ever since the pair reportedly had a falling out leading into the 2022 season.However, Taumalolo reportedly intends to see out his contract in another huge blow for Flanagan who has struggled to bring big-name recruits to the club in the NRL off-season. Flanagan has already missed out on the likes of prop Addin Fonua-Blake, Joseph Manu, Tom Dearden and English playmaker Jack Welsby. But it hasn't all been bad for Flanagan whose squad has been boosted by the signings of Hame Sele (Rabbitohs), Kyle Flanagan (Bulldogs), Tom Eisenhuth (Storm), Corey Allan (Roosters), Jesse Marschke (Bears NSW Cup) and Raymond Faitala-Mariner (Bulldogs). The new Dragons coach is hoping that the arrival of his son Kyle to play alongside Hunt in the halves will also help bring out the Queensland star's dangerous running game.

Jack Bird makes bold Dragons finals call while revealing fresh knee injury complaint

St George Illawarra Dragons utility Jack Bird has spoke of his excitement at uniting with coach Shane Flanagan while also revealing another injury problem during pre-season.Bird was only able to play 14 games in 2023, after coming into the year with a knee issue and reaggravating it while also suffering a shoulder injury.The 28-year-old will now go into next year hoping he can overcome a different complaint."It's completely different to last year, it's hard to explain because the pain, I've never had it," he told 9News."It's in the back of the knee but I've been doing everything I've been asked, fitness, gym work and there's improvement so that's the main thing."I don't have big legs, they're pretty skinny, I'll just try and build the muscle up around the knee and get it stronger."Throughout his career, the 2016 premiership winner has constantly battled problems with his knee, namely an ACL injury he suffered at the Broncos.

Dragons gun stood down after hammer attack guilty verdict

Shane Flanagan's tenure as Dragons coach has taken a major turn with star five-eighth Talatau Amone stood down by the club after he was found guilty of a hammer attack on a roofing contractor that could result in jail time.Amone appeared in Wollongong Court on Tuesday to face an assault charge over the incident last November and was found guilty.The Dragons have since released a statement, confirming he had been stood down from all duties with the club."The Dragons acknowledge the guilty verdict handed down to player Talatau Amone in Wollongong Court today in relation to an assault last November," the statement read."As a result of this outcome, Amone has been stood down from all club activities until further notice."The club will make no further comment at this time as court proceedings continue."Amone will be out on bail for seven weeks before he and his father are sentenced in December, with both facing potential jail time.It's a major blow for the Dragons who released half Jayden Sullivan to the Wests Tigers in August on a four-year deal.Throughout the 2023 season, Sullivan's future was up in the air, with Flanagan previously revealing the struggle to keep him due to the halves depth at the Dragons with Amone and Ben Hunt. "Three doesn't go into two, Jayden's got the opportunity to have a look around ... I think he's a good young player, but if he's got the opportunity to go somewhere else we'll consider it," Flanagan told 2GB's Continuous Call Team back in July.

Kyle Flanagan over Ben Hunt?

So what will new Dragons coach Shane Flanagan do with his utility signing, son Kyle Flanagan?The youngster's preferred position is at halfback but he can also play five-eighth and hooker.The problem is Shane already has one of the best halves in the game in Ben Hunt.His plan I'm hearing is to play Kyle at No.7 and Hunt at No.6 - and I'm not sure how that will go down with Hunt, who is already unhappy at the Dragons and wanting out.Kyle's signing hasn't gone down well with all Dragons fans - at least one has written to the club handing back his membership while fan sites have been scathing on the coach's decision to bring his boy onboard.With Kyle Flanagan signing up at the Dragons, the club is looking to move on promising playmaker Junior Amone.The Raiders showed some interest in Amone - a guy with some smart tricks with the ball - as a replacement for the departing Jack Wighton.But after doing their due diligence, the Raiders decided Amone wasn't a good fit and have dropped off the chase.

Dragons' unwanted clean sweep

Dragons coach-elect Shane Flanagan has many, many problems to fix when he takes over the team in coming weeks, but the first needs to be giving his players a psychological lesson in winning on the road.The Dragons had 12 away games this season - and lost each and every one of them, with the 18-6 defeat in Auckland on Friday night completing the clean sweep.That made it all but impossible for the club to figure in the finals race, let alone make the big games come September.Winning away from home is largely a mental problem for players - thus the need for a sports psychologist.All fields are basically the same length and breadth and the mentally strong teams have little trouble rising to the occasion on 'foreign' turf.But teams without the grit and confidence struggle when things get a little tough - like a hostile crowd or the referees awarding the '50/50 calls' to the home team more often than not.Three or four away wins and a fair home record will just about get a team into the finals, but the Dragons didn't even come close in 2023.

Flanagan's first Dragons signing target revealed

Incoming St George Illawarra Dragons coach Shane Flanagan could be closing in on his first player signings after revelations he held a secret meeting with Englishman Luke Thompson.The Bulldogs prop has had a wretched run with injuries since joining the club in 2020, playing only 38 games.Off contract at the end of the season, Thompson reportedly met with Flanagan on Friday afternoon, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.The Dragons are rumoured to have an interest in Titans stars David Fifita and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui - who are free agents due to Justin Holbrook's sacking - and the conversation with Thompson indicates the club's intent to recruit forwards.Thompson is off contract at the Bulldogs, but the club could attempt to retain him, with the club's general manager Phil Gould confirming on 100% Footy that he was to sit down and talk with the prop about his future.Sidelined indefinitely with a foot injury, the 28-year-old could return for the Bulldogs this season, and will have a chance to impress coach Cameron Ciraldo if so.Flanagan also feels Thompson has some of his best football ahead of him, which is why they met.The Bulldogs prop has previously praised the club in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, and could stick with the club that allowed him to visit his sick mother in England last year.If Flanagan was able to sign Thompson, it could be his second recruit to the club, with former Dragons assistant Dean Young set to return as well.The Dragons are in a horrible run of form, however they almost pulled off an upset on Friday night when suffering a 36-26 defeat to the Raiders.In contrast, the Bulldogs managed to turn around a 66-0 loss to the Knights last weekend and hold on for a 36-32 win against the Rabbitohs on Saturday night.

Flanagan denies Lomax exit rumours

Incoming Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has denied reports Zac Lomax has been informally told he is free to hold discussions with other clubs.News Corp reported on Saturday Flanagan had told Lomax's manager Steve Gillis he would be granted permission to look elsewhere if they formally applied for it.But Flanagan denied those reports, saying his and club bosses' expectations of Lomax were the same of Ben Hunt – he will be honouring the remainder of his contract."I want all my players to want to be at the club and Zac Lomax is exactly the same as Ben Hunt – he won't be leaving the club anytime soon," Flanagan said on 2GB's Continuous Call Team on Saturday afternoon."Yeah, everyone is frustrated we're not winning footy games (but) I've spoken to Zac, I want to work with him, I want to improve him and he needs to play better underneath me and that's my job."We won't be contributing to letting any players go."

Upside To Dragons Saga

The Dragons may be in danger of losing marquee man Ben Hunt, but there is a major plus side to Shane Flanagan's appointment as coach.It ensures star utility Jack Bird, who has wanted out himself several times over the past season (despite denials) will now stay at the club.Bird is a big Flanagan fan, having played under the controversial coach in Cronulla's lone premiership success in 2016.The classy utility played his best football in his time at Cronulla under Flanagan and is one man delighted with the Dragons' choice of coach.