Dragons fire coach Shane Flanagan after 0-7 start to 2026 season

The Dragons have a winless 0-7 record this season, which is their worst start in decades. This is much worse than last year's performance.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby League |

COACH AXED AFTER WORST START IN DECADES

St George Illawarra Dragons have parted ways with head coach Shane Flanagan, confirming his departure early on Monday morning. The decision comes after the club’s abysmal 0-7 record for the 2026 season, leaving them firmly at the bottom of the NRL ladder.

The club’s chairman, Andrew Lancaster, and CEO, Tim Watsford, fronted the media to announce the move, citing performance expectations. "If you're going to coach at a big club we expect to win," Lancaster stated, framing Flanagan's exit within the club's demands for success.

Dragons boss whacks media after Flanagan axing - 1

FLANAGAN'S FINAL DAYS MARKED BY PRESSURES

Flanagan was notably absent from the press conference, having seemingly resigned himself to his fate after the Dragons' latest loss. Sources suggest his position had become "increasingly untenable" in recent weeks, with the club languishing in their worst start to a season in years.

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  • Watsford indicated that no decision has yet been made regarding an interim coach.

  • The Dragons are slated to face the Roosters in the upcoming ANZAC Day clash.

DEEPER DIVES INTO COACH'S TENURE

NEPOTISM CLAIMS AND CONTROVERSIAL CALLS LINGER

Earlier in the 2025 season, Shane Flanagan found himself defending claims of nepotism concerning his son, Kyle Flanagan, who played as playmaker. The coach had publicly pushed back against the notion that his son’s selection was due to favouritism, asserting he would always pick the "best side to win." This internal debate surfaced as the club struggled to maintain finals contention.

Dragons boss whacks media after Flanagan axing - 2

Flanagan had also voiced strong criticism of officiating in past matches. In July 2025, he lashed out at referees after a loss to the Bulldogs, describing a specific call as "outrageous" and suggesting it may have cost the Dragons crucial competition points, potentially impacting their semi-final hopes. He vowed to seek clarity from the NRL on such decisions.

PAST DEPARTURES AND FIERY PRESSURES

This latest exit is not the first coaching change involving the 'Dragons' name and the Flanagan surname. In November 2024, Dai Flanagan departed from his role as Head Coach of Dragons RFC (a separate entity, not to be confused with the NRL club).

Read More: Dragons Coach Shane Flanagan Likely Sacked After Seventh Straight Loss

Dragons boss whacks media after Flanagan axing - 3

More recently, in March 2025, Shane Flanagan was seen engaging in a fiery exchange with a reporter during a post-match press conference. Following a close loss to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, where the Dragons squandered a lead, Flanagan appeared visibly frustrated, questioning his team's effort and attitude, and warning that the arrival of player David Klemmer would not unilaterally solve the team's underlying issues.

"You can make your own assessment."

The coach’s public interactions have often been marked by intense scrutiny and a readiness to confront perceived criticism, as seen in his remarks towards the press.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was coach Shane Flanagan fired by the St George Illawarra Dragons on Monday morning?
The Dragons fired coach Shane Flanagan because the team had a very bad start to the 2026 season, losing all 7 games played so far. This put them at the bottom of the league.
Q: Who is affected by the Dragons firing coach Shane Flanagan?
The players and fans of the St George Illawarra Dragons are affected. The team needs a new coach to try and improve their performance and win games.
Q: What happens next for the St George Illawarra Dragons after firing Shane Flanagan?
The club's chairman and CEO announced the decision and are looking for a new coach. They have not yet decided on an interim coach. The team will play the Roosters next on ANZAC Day.
Q: What was the St George Illawarra Dragons' record before Shane Flanagan was fired?
Before Shane Flanagan was fired, the St George Illawarra Dragons had a record of 0 wins and 7 losses for the 2026 season. This was their worst start in many years.