Reality check for Shane Flanagan and Dragons: What went wrong, what needs changing
Shane Flanagan’s round one victory seems a distant memory after suffering a Dolphins demolition, in a match that revealed some startling statistics and obvious problem areas that need fixing fast.
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St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has not been shy about letting his players know they are not only playing for their futures, but a place in the side week-in, week-out.
This week, with the Dragons on course for more pain at the hands of North Queensland, Flanagan is in the box seat to come good on that threat.
And after what the Dragons dished up in a dismal 38-nil showing against the Dolphins, fans will demand as much from the seasoned coach.
THE CHANGES
The Dragons desperately need go forward, having run almost 500 fewer metres than the Dolphins.
There will be at least one change upfront, albeit forced, after Francis Molo was hit with a one-game ban for a high shot on Jarrod Wallace.
New recruit Hame Sele will come into the side after overcoming a hamstring injury and should inject much-needed energy into the forward pack.
While the charge could not have come at a worse time for Flanagan, after his side produced a lacklustre performance against the Dolphins and were beaten upfront for power and go forward.
Molo’s suspension opens the door for the likes of rising props Viliame Fifita and Toby Couchman to come into the side.
Viliami Fifita was 18th man against the Dolphins after he punched out four runs for 43 metres and made nine tackles in a 13-minute stint on his NRL debut in Round 1.
The boom forward must be in the mix for selection, however Flanagan has other options in NSW Cup.
In the Red V’s reserve grade win over Newcastle, local junior Toby Couchman made 170 metres, three tackle breaks and 32 tackles without a miss.
The latter stat should impress Flanagan after his NRL pack missed 21 out of the side’s 35 tackles against the Dolphins.
There were worrying signs in the back row with Jaydn Su’A going from a rejuvenated menacing presence to missing seven tackles. Then there’s the issue of Luciana Leilua, who has the size and power to be an attacking weapon, but could spend some time in NSW Cup getting the runs in his legs. Su’A, who has a deal on the table but hasn’t accepted, and Raymond Faitala-Mariner, whose output was way down, should be feeling the heat from the likes of Ryan Couchman, Dan Russell and the highly rated Dylan Egan.
Flanagan’s back five carried the workload on the yardage front, particularly in post-contact metres but also made some costly defensive errors. The coach is unlikely to make any sweeping changes at the back but new recruit Christian Tuipolotu and promising youngster Sione Finau made a commendable account of themselves in last weekend’s win against the Knights. Finau also has pace on his side.
Zac Lomax continues to produce the run metres but if defence is the focal point, linking him back with winger Mikaele Ravalawa on the right side, at centre, will shore up the that side of the field.
WHAT WENT WRONG BY THE NUMBERS
The Dragons 35 missed tackles, had 13 errors and made 424 fewer metres than the Dolphins.
They’re the kind of numbers that make it hard to compete and, if repeated this weekend at Kogarah against the Cowboys, could lead to a bloodbath.
It’s no secret the engine room must step up. From the starting pack Francis Molo (75 metres), Tom Eisenhuth (15 metres), Faitala-Mariner (38 metres), Jaydn Su’A (55 metres) and Jack de Belin (63 metres), none managed 100 metres.
Blake Lawrie came the closest (79 metres) off the bench.
Unless there’s a dramatic turnaround, they are at risk of being trampled by a powerful Cowboys pack led by Jordan McLean, Jason Taumalolo, Jeremiah Nanai and Reuben Cotter.
REALITY CHECK
The Dragons went from tough, hard working and energised in round one to exactly the team everyone thought they would in 2024 – one that struggled to get off the bottom of the ladder.
Flanagan is no fool, he took this job on knowing the task at hand but got a taste of the magnitude of that job in Redcliffe.
But Saturday’s clash at Netstrata Jubilee Oval in Kogarah will test the character of Flanagan’s side.
The coach moved in the pre-season to bring the Dragons closer to its spiritual home in Kogarah, where the Red V was first made famous.
Last week, he accused the side of embarrassing that famous emblem. On Saturday the side runs out at Kogarah in front a passionate crowd expecting the men in the Red V to have a dig, to restore pride in the jumper.
Flanagan’s ability to elicit that sort of response from the team will determine how long his rebuild will take. Was the showing against the Dolphins a blimp on the radar, or a taste of what’s to come in 2024?
FAN FALL OUT
Dragons fans clamoured to social media over the weekend to voice their disappointment, most of them resigned to the reality that 2024 will be a long and painful season.
It was almost cruel to see their expectations come crashing down to earth after the high of round one.
One Red V fan put it perfectly.
“The New Dawn looking like a False Dawn,” Juan D tweeted.
How false was the sense of hope that came through in round one? Only time will tell.
What is certain is that a vocal and passionate Red V fan base will be ready, banners and all, demanding an effort worthy of their spiritual home at Kogarah Oval.
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