Shane Flanagan has his contract extension. This is what he wants next for the Red V
The Dragons surprised fans on Friday by announcing Flanagan had extended his deal through to the end of 2028, despite the club set to miss the finals a second straight season on his watch.
The 59-year-old was already signed until the end of next year, but with stability at board level, including the appointments of CEO Tim Watsford and recruitment manager Daniel Anderson, the Dragons were happy to nail down their coach.
Flanagan knows the Dragons need to sign at least two top-class representative players, and have the money to 'shop in the big-fish pool'.
'We want to go after the elite players,' Flanagan said on Friday. 'To play finals football, you need Origin-like players, we've only got one at the moment [Valentine Holmes], we've had blokes who have been there like 'Gutho' (Clint Gutherson) and 'Cooky' (Damien Cook), but we need more.
'We'd be happy to get a front-rower and an outside back. Down the track we'll also need another fullback.
'But the future looks bright. We've got some really good kids who have probably been forced to play too much. In the end, it will be better for them.
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Sydney Morning Herald
15 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Shane Flanagan has his contract extension. This is what he wants next for the Red V
Shane Flanagan is backing himself to deliver St George Illawarra premiership success, and with a bit more luck with injuries – and contentious decisions – says his side should have been in the finals race this year. The Dragons surprised fans on Friday by announcing Flanagan had extended his deal through to the end of 2028, despite the club set to miss the finals a second straight season on his watch. The 59-year-old was already signed until the end of next year, but with stability at board level, including the appointments of CEO Tim Watsford and recruitment manager Daniel Anderson, the Dragons were happy to nail down their coach. Flanagan knows the Dragons need to sign at least two top-class representative players, and have the money to 'shop in the big-fish pool'. 'We want to go after the elite players,' Flanagan said on Friday. 'To play finals football, you need Origin-like players, we've only got one at the moment [Valentine Holmes], we've had blokes who have been there like 'Gutho' (Clint Gutherson) and 'Cooky' (Damien Cook), but we need more. 'We'd be happy to get a front-rower and an outside back. Down the track we'll also need another fullback. 'But the future looks bright. We've got some really good kids who have probably been forced to play too much. In the end, it will be better for them.
The Age
15 hours ago
- The Age
Shane Flanagan has his contract extension. This is what he wants next for the Red V
Shane Flanagan is backing himself to deliver St George Illawarra premiership success, and with a bit more luck with injuries – and contentious decisions – says his side should have been in the finals race this year. The Dragons surprised fans on Friday by announcing Flanagan had extended his deal through to the end of 2028, despite the club set to miss the finals a second straight season on his watch. The 59-year-old was already signed until the end of next year, but with stability at board level, including the appointments of CEO Tim Watsford and recruitment manager Daniel Anderson, the Dragons were happy to nail down their coach. Flanagan knows the Dragons need to sign at least two top-class representative players, and have the money to 'shop in the big-fish pool'. 'We want to go after the elite players,' Flanagan said on Friday. 'To play finals football, you need Origin-like players, we've only got one at the moment [Valentine Holmes], we've had blokes who have been there like 'Gutho' (Clint Gutherson) and 'Cooky' (Damien Cook), but we need more. 'We'd be happy to get a front-rower and an outside back. Down the track we'll also need another fullback. 'But the future looks bright. We've got some really good kids who have probably been forced to play too much. In the end, it will be better for them.
News.com.au
18 hours ago
- News.com.au
St George Illawarra extend coach Shane Flanagan's contract until the end of 2028
St George Illawarra has locked in coach Shane Flanagan until the end of 2028 despite a 2025 campaign set to fall short of the finals. Dragons chief executive Tim Watsford said the decision was about committing to 'stability, growth, and a long-term vision for success'. Flanagan, contracted until the end of 2026, has been granted the two-year extension with the Dragons sitting 12th on the NRL table, having won seven games this season, and ahead of a home clash with Cronulla on Saturday. 'Shane has played a critical role in setting the foundation for where this club is heading,' Watsford said 'He's re-instilled belief in our playing group, coaches and supporters together with reiterating the privilege of wearing the Red V.' Flanagan said it was a 'privilege' to be given the backing of a club 'built on such a rich history'. 'The playing group is full of talent and I'm excited by the prospect of realising success for the Red V over the coming years,' he said. 'It's clear the club is setting structures and processes in place to deliver outcomes for years to come and to be entrusted by the board and management is something I don't take for granted.' Watsford said the recent addition of Daniel Anderson as the club's head of recruitment and pathways would ensure the right talent found its way to Flanagan. 'The alignment between Shane and Daniel is essential to create lasting success,' Watsford added. 'It gives us confidence that we are not just making short-term decisions, we are building a sustainable future. 'The Dragons are proud of the progress that is being made and remain focused on continuing the journey toward consistent finals contention, driven by a committed group of players, staff, and loyal supporters. 'This is an exciting era for the Red V; one built on resilience, local pride, and an unwavering belief in the future.'
