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'Not acceptable': Flanagan lashes Dragons after shocker
Joel Gould, AAP • June 7th, 2025 8:06 am
Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has vowed that the 56-6 loss to the Dolphins will be a blip on the radar and not a trend.
"I'll make sure of it. Don't you worry. That's my job," Flanagan said.
The veteran coach would not have been expecting such a dire display after two solid wins over Brisbane and Newcastle. Apart from the 46-18 loss to Sydney Roosters on Anzac Day the Dragons had been in every match this season, including three losses by a solitary point.
At Suncorp Stadium on Friday night the Dragons collapsed in a heap.
"We can make excuses but we are not here to make excuses. It just wasn't up to standard," Flanagan said.
"It is really disappointing. I just explained to the group that we will review it. We've got a short turnaround (before playing Cronulla on Thursday night).
"It's not acceptable for the Dragons and we will deal with it internally. We will review it closely. I haven't got an answer for you (as to) why (it happened)."
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan was lost for answers after the dire loss to the Dolphins | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
The Dragons lost winger Christian Tuipulotu (hamstring) in the first half after he spent seven weeks out with the same injury.
"Hamstrings," the coach sighed.
"That is something else we will need to review. We gave him an extra week (off) and it is really frustrating from a coach's perspective. It is an area we are not flush with.
"To lose your winger in the first half is really difficult.It throws the whole rhythm of the team out."
Forward Raymond Faitala-Mariner was replaced due to shortness of breath in the second half. He went to hospital.
"I think it was something like an asthma attack and pretty bad. I haven't got any details just yet," Flanagan said.
Tuipulotu could be set for another lengthy stint on the sideline and Flanagan will review whether other changes are required for the clash with the Sharks away.
"I'll have a look at it," Flanagan said.
"I've been around long enough to learn that you have got to be careful straight after a game with what you say and what you do, especially in that space. We will review it and see who is available and make a decision then, but there could be (changes)."
The Dragons led early after Valentine Holmes landed a long-range penalty goal before having 50 consecutive points put on them. Flanagan said he had no regrets about the side taking the two points and not going for a try.
"I learned a long time ago from better coaches - Jack Gibson and Ron Massey - when two points are available and especially an early gift (you take them). I'd always take the two points," he said.
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