NRL 2023: ‘Archaic’ rule Shane Flanagan must negate to be next Dragons coach

Shane Flanagan has made a last pitch to help the Dragons, but he still has a significant hurdle to overcome – the club’s archaic boardroom rules on coach appointments.

Shane Flanagan during his time with the Sea Eagles. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Shane Flanagan has made a last pitch declaring he “wants to help” the Dragons as his return to the NRL faces its greatest acid test on Tuesday as St George Illawarra officials prepare to finalise their search for a new head coach.

Flanagan remains at the front of the queue to succeed Anthony Griffin at the helm of the club, albeit with some hurdles still to clear as d-day arrives for the Dragons. It is understood the Dragons board will meet on Tuesday to discuss their new coach.

The most significant hurdle for Flanagan may be the archaic rules that govern the appointment of a new coach at the Dragons, namely that it must be a unanimous decision by the board.

It is understood that Flanagan has solid support among board members, although there have been suggestions that sections of the St George side of the board still need to be convinced.

“I’m not sure which direction they will take,” Flanagan told 2GB. “I hope I get the job. I can help the club, I want to help the club. I know how to fix recruitment and pathways.

“I’ve been proven in the coaching department. I want another chance and hopefully it’s at that club.”

Shane Flanagan is closing in on the Dragons coaching role. Picture: Getty

The irony of that is that Flanagan is one of their own. He played SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and President’s Cup for St George before making his first grade debut for the club in 1987, going on to make three appearances for the club before spending time at Wests and Parramatta.

He returned to St George Illawarra in 2020 where a large chunk of the current board signed off on his deal where worked as an assistant to Paul McGregor. He left at the end of that year but returned last year as a list management consultant.

Now he is knee deep in the race to become the club’s new head coach, having spoken to club officials as recently as last week where he outlined his vision for the embattled Dragons.

Dean Young and Ben Hornby are also in the mix, although there is a push from some for Young could join the club as an assistant - and potential long-term successor - to Flanagan.

There is a push from some within the club to Flanagan with fellow former Dragons assistant Dean Young (right) as his long-term successor. Picture: AAP.

Flanagan described his recent meeting with Dragons skipper Ben Hunt as “ill-informed”.

“I did meet with Ben Hunt but I probably meet with Ben once a week because we live about a kilometre away from each other,” Flanagan said. “We go to the same coffee shop. The question I did have for Ben was if I get the job, would he still want to stay at the club.

“I just wanted assurances that if I got the job that on day one I wasn’t looking for a halfback.

“We are good mates. If I do get the job I said to him ‘you will be my halfback’.”

Hornby also has support at the club should they fail to reach an agreement on Flanagan. He was greeted warmly by Dragons fans as he made his way through Kogarah Oval on Saturday.

Despite wearing Rabbitohs gear as he undertook his duties as an assistant coach for South Sydney, Hornby posed for countless photos with Dragons fans who have not forgotten the 2010 premiership winner.

Hornby comes with a strong recommendation from South Sydney. Regardless, current interim coach Ryan Carr is expected to remain at the club in an assistant role. He is highly regarded by Dragons management and still has 12 months left on his deal.

PERSECUTED, BAD-MOUTHED, VILIFIED: FLANAGAN PILE-ON MUST STOP

—Dean Ritchie

This Shane Flanagan pile-on really has to end. Let’s hope the Red V doesn’t stand for Vilify.

For some bizarre reason, perhaps personal, Flanagan continues to be persecuted and bad-mouthed for indiscretions he committed – and owned – up to 10 years ago.

He was suspended over Cronulla’s supplements in 2013. That’s right, a decade ago.

In 2018, he was de-registered as a coach indefinitely for failing to abide by strict conditions during his previous suspension. That’s five years ago.

He was permitted to return as an assistant coach in 2019 and then allowed to apply for head coaching positions last year.

Flanagan has done his time – and acknowledged his errors – so can we please move on.

I can’t work out why Flanagan has attracted so many enemies.

Shane Flanagan is set to be named Dragons coach. Picture: Getty

I have dealt with Flanagan for more than 20 years. We’ve had some stinks but I know he’s a tough combatant and, most importantly, a winner.

You only have to listen to his Fox Sports commentary to realise Flanagan has a deep, scientific understanding of rugby league.

It appears Flanagan is now clear favourite for the Dragons coaching job – his appointment could even be announced this week.

It was revealed over the weekend that Flanagan had a brief conversation with Dragons skipper Ben Hunt. So what?

Should Flanagan have waited until he was appointed before speaking with leading players?

Probably, but it’s hardly a catastrophic crime. Yet there was another pack overreaction. Flanagan has earned a fresh start and should be given some clear space to do his job. He will give Saints some grunt, he will give them some respect. Can we please get past the past.