Breaking Unbelievable News Now, St. George Illawarra Dragons NRLW former head coach and two players have announced their return to the team.
Amazing Breaking News Two players and the former head coach of the St. George Illawarra Dragons NRLW have now declared their return to the squad.
Although Shane Flanagan made it clear he was totally dedicated to working under Paul McGregor, he has not disguised his desire to become a head coach in the NRL once more.
After his suspension was lifted, the former Sharks premiership-winning coach signed a one-year contract to become Cronulla’s fierce local rivals, St. George Illawarra’s assistant coach.
In September, the NRL declared that Flanagan would not be permitted to take on a head coaching position in the NRL until 2022, at the latest.
Flanagan was able to join St. George Illawarra as a result.
The Dragons’ miserable 2019 season prompted an assessment of the football department.
Reputable administrator and former Premiership and State of Origin winning coach Phil Gould participated in the study, which resulted in several significant structural and personnel changes.
For his first public speech in Dragons colors, Flanagan claimed on Thursday in Wollongong that he had not watched much rugby league during his suspension, other than keeping track of his son Kyle’s progress at Cronulla. As a father and fan, he watched football far more than an NRL coach would.
New beginning: Shane Flanagan, the Sharks’ premiership-winning coach, is rejoining the NRL as St. George Illawarra’s assistant coach. Image: John Veage
He expressed his desire to honor McGregor’s position at the Dragons, even though he realized he would occasionally have to bite his tongue in the coach’s box.
“My primary concentration will be on the defense of the team, but I’ll assist Mary with all elements of the football club and coaching. However, I’m primarily focused on the team’s defense and how I can support Mary in other areas of our offense,” he stated.
“I’m finding it enjoyable. It’s only the beginning. Paul and the rest of the crew get along well with me.
“I just have to handle one of the many problems that life presents.
“[I] really, really want to be a head coach once more. I want to do that; time will tell when and where that opportunity arises. However, I consider that my profession, and I plan to return eventually.”
In January of last year, Flanagan announced his resignation as head coach of Cronulla. After the NRL found that Flanagan had violated the conditions of his 12-month suspension in 2014 for his involvement in the club’s peptide crisis through his conversations with the club that year, the governing body deregistered him in December 2018 and fined the Sharks $800,000.
The sanction was eventually lowered to $500,000 as a result of the club’s admission of responsibility.
At the time, Flanagan—who was selected coach of Cronulla’s team of the half century—said that his choice to step down had been among the hardest of his 36-year rugby league career.
It was a difficult year or so, but it’s behind me now, and this year, I’m going to make sure it’s extremely fun [and I’ll work really hard].” Furthermore, based on my observations thus far, this club is actively striving for change, and I’m happy to be involved.
It’s important to keep in mind that my absence was due to an incident that occurred in 2012. I’ve changed in the years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, but this was a very long time ago. Last year, I paid the price for it. I had already altered a long time ago when that happened.
“My approach to coaching won’t alter. During those times, I believe I have the runs on the board. I’ve won a grand final, and every team I’ve coached has advanced to the semi-finals. That isn’t the problem. My suspension was a very long time ago.
It was evident from the outset that Flanagan had no intention of coaching abroad and was dedicated to his “unfinished business” in the NRL.
Top on that list is winning a premiership with another team. And he thinks the Dragons are in a good position to bounce back from their dismal 2019 campaign.
“Every team faces difficulties, and the Dragons are no exception. Our front pack is exceptional and capable of competing with most football clubs. We have two outstanding halves, a young fullback who will most likely be in there, and some young outside backs,” the player stated.
“I think the Dragons will have a successful season if we can just get some of those outside backs to step up and have a nice year. The Dragons will have a successful season if things continue as they are.
It’s comparable to when athletes switch teams. There’s always that tiny, intense drive to perform well when playing your rival team. I adore Cronulla, the club, the players, and the fans; it’s a great team, but it will be intriguing to play against them. The Roosters will also be fascinating since I have to deal with coaching against my kid there. All of them are challenges, though, and I’m excited about them.
“I simply need to acquire a sense of the environment, the coaches, and the players in particular. I’m getting there, but it will take some time. But it’s incredibly fun for me.
“I can’t really comment on what happened here last year based on what I’ve seen so far, but everything I’m witnessing right now is incredibly fantastic, from the staff to all of the players. They’re really making an effort; I’m not sure what has changed [from last year], but I do know that they’re now making good progress and working hard.”
