Phil Rothfield: Shane Flanagan knocks back two deals, unrest at Sea Eagles could derail their season

Former Cronulla Sharks coach Shane Flanagan has rejected two head coaching offers, writes Phil Rothfield. So where is his future?

There are major dramas at the Sea Eagles. Picture: Damian Shaw

There is major drama happening behind the scenes at the Manly Sea Eagles over the fitness of a number of their star players that threatens to derail their season.

In the last month Jake Trbojevic (hip), Josh Schuster (calf), Curtis Sironen (hamstring) and Cade Cust (hamstring) have all succumbed to injuries at training.

There have been suggestions Sironen was pushed too hard while recovering from a knee injury which has now led to a hamstring problem.

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Schuster did his calf muscle at training in the week leading up to the selection of the NSW Blues side for State of Origin.

Our mail is that it probably cost him a Blues jersey.

The youngster is too shy to talk about it publicly. But, rest assured, he is not happy.

We know he has raised it with those closest to him.

Josh Schuster is out with a calf injury. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

There have been disagreements in recent times between the club’s medical and high performance staff about the workload on players, various training exercises and general rehab.

Your columnist understands one experienced staff member has threatened to quit.

Both coach Des Hasler and chief executive Stephen Humphreys are well aware of the situation.

Humphreys is now conducting a full scale review of Manly’s support staff.

This is not a new problem at Manly because last year they had 10 hamstring tears.

Injuries are a big enough problem on game day, let alone at training.

It is a problem the Sea Eagles need to urgently fix if they are to be a serious premiership contender.

This premiership can be won by any of the top teams.

Not every game will be as soft as Sunday against the Titans. The teams with the fittest players fit in September will be hardest to beat.

There are major dramas at the Sea Eagles. Picture: Damian Shaw

BROWN’S BIG BLUNDER WITH BIG GUN

Warriors coach Nathan Brown has somehow escaped any real criticism this year.

It’s interesting why he continues to play one of the world’s best fullbacks and his highest paid player Roger Tuivasa-Sheck on the wing.

An under 12s coach would understand they’d be a much better footy team with Tuivasa-Sheck at fullback and Reece Walsh at five-eighth.

The sooner it happens the sooner the Warriors will start winning footy games.

HIGHLIGHT

Magnificent try-saving tackles by Xavier Coates for the Broncos, Aiden Tolman for the Sharks and Jayden Brailey for the Knights — all as beautiful to watch as a length-of-the-field try. If only the Tigers had a few players like them who would tackle with such desperation.

HIGHLIGHT II

The incredible generosity of rugby league fans to help raise millions of dollars in the Beanie for Brain Cancer round for the Mark Hughes foundation. Racing legend Kenny Callander and his family are so proud of the fact it was their late and great son Matty who convinced the NRL to get on board with the great fundraiser.

LOWLIGHT

The disgraceful Wests Tigers performance against the Storm. They were pathetic. No heart and no idea whatsoever. Then the club blocked the comments section on its social media outlets to stop fans from venting their anger.

BRONCOS WHINGERS

The Broncos players are complaining about Kevvie Walters. Last year they complained about Anthony Seibold. They might be better off looking at themselves in the mirror and taking some responsibility.

SHOOSH

There are serious concerns across the game about plans for a 17th team out of Brisbane in light of the fast-growing gap between the top few sides and the rest of their rivals. Having another weak side will create more blowouts like we have seen far too regularly this year. As much as rugby league needs a bigger Queensland footprint, it is more important to have competitive football each weekend and not another side that will be off the pace.

Shane Flanagan is set to stay in Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

SHOOSH II

Shane Flanagan has rejected two offers from English Super League clubs, including Leeds, to resume his coaching career in the NRL competition.

SHOOSH III

Which big-name international forward, who has a year to run on his contract, is in talks with the Cronulla Sharks. And it’s not Dale Finucane.

UNCROWDED HOUSE

GWS announced a crowd of 7035 for their match against Carlton at Giants Stadium on Saturday night. Regulars insist it was more like 3000. Interesting.

MADGE A BOOKWORM

In his rare breaks from the pressure and demands of NRL coaching, Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire loves a good read. We spotted a copy of colleague James Phelps’s new book, The Inside Man, on Madge’s desk in his office at Concord Oval headquarters