Kyle Flanagan & the coach

[Justadragon]

Has anyone, including JDB, give any real reason why they let JDB go and not give him at least another year (maybe JDB wanted 2 years - I can't remember)?

Watsford said they had to make way for the younger talent Dave.

 

[redv13]

If flanno is 1 and 5 or 2 and 6, its dead man walking for me.

I disagree mate. Flanno in my eyes needs to have a crack with the kids coming through and 2027 is when things will hopefully take off for the good.

Just have to ride the storm and have faith in the systems being put in place by him and DA. I know some people will think I’ve lost the plot but that’s my opinion.

He’s signed to the end of 2028 so obviously the powers to be are willing to be a bit more patient than pulling the trigger during 2026.

 

[Justadragon]

I disagree mate. Flanno in my eyes needs to have a crack with the kids coming through and 2027 is when things will hopefully take off for the good.

Just have to ride the storm and have faith in the systems being put in place by him and DA. I know some people will think I’ve lost the plot but that’s my opinion.

He’s signed to the end of 2028 so obviously the powers to be are willing to be a bit more patient than pulling the trigger during 2026.

I do see your point mate, I just wish I didn't have to deal with all the excuses from the past 15 years, I hope you are right but if we finish bottom 4 again, there will need some questions to be asked.

 

[Ryan]

I disagree mate. Flanno in my eyes needs to have a crack with the kids coming through and 2027 is when things will hopefully take off for the good.

Just have to ride the storm and have faith in the systems being put in place by him and DA. I know some people will think I’ve lost the plot but that’s my opinion.

He’s signed to the end of 2028 so obviously the powers to be are willing to be a bit more patient than pulling the trigger during 2026.

Flanno is on a downward trajectory. He needs to address that in the first half of the season. Doesn't need to be near the top of the table but needs to show he's learned his lesson. And most Dragons supporters here, on FB and on the street know what his biggest issue is.

 

[Frank Facer]

Could have at least given Glover a chance late in the year when any chance of finals was gone.

Do you think Glover will take Souths number 7 jersey this year or even Souths number 6 next year if Walker retires at the end of the season?

I will be surprised if he does or more or less don't think he will. Ashton Ward had a good game against us last year. He is light framed, but looks to be good footballer. I was impressed with him when he played against us. I think he will be more likely than Glover, but I will admit I haven't seen much of Glover to made a genuine assessment of his ability.

 

[Mailroomsgi]

The facts are that if we struggle in the first half of the season he’ll be under massive pressure

If we aren’t competitive and finish way outside the top 8 then he can have no complaints about getting sacked. 3 years of finishing no higher than 12 wins in a season would be a failure

The important thing to see would be a complete shift in defence. We were 12th percentile for metres conceded which is dreadful. Losing the field position battle every game and more often than not you’ll lose

Hot tip - You don’t need a superstar roster to win the field position battle. Bulldogs the last 2 seasons unfortunately have proven that great coaching of defensive techniques and structure can cover a lack of talent

It’s why the warriors performed so well last year despite having a below average squad (notice that the 2 opposition sides I’ve mentioned both have disciples from Ivan Cleary at Penrith as their coach

Flanno’s got to get with the times or risk ending up like Des Hasler with Stone Age tactics

 

[Frank Facer]

I think JDB is way better than Kerr. Like if Kerr is 50% better and JDB is 50% worse than when they were both played for us, JDB will still be much better but........ In Stewart and the Couchmans don't we already have JDB mark II, III and IV? Kerr isn't as good but he'll bring other things to the team. Like long strides, covering A to B very fast, then falling to the ground as soon as a pinky finger is placed on him and getting a quick play ball.

Just falling to the ground as soon as a defender makes contact with a finger isn't in JDBs DNA. Which might not be the best thing when we have 3 versions of himself who have all surpassed the original. But then again, what would I know?

I too think DeBelin is way better than Kerr. I can guarantee you, another team would hate playing against a pack full of BeBelin's. They wouldn't know where to run. They would be getting chopped in half and making very few, to zero post contact metres. They would also have to make every tackle count. When you put it that we signed Kerr and let DeBelin go, it is quite puzzling. I does make me wonder about who made the decision to let him go and sign Kerr or even why that decision was made? Debelin is the kind of player, others players love playing along side. I noticed long ago, we were a different team when DeBelin was on the field to when he wasn't. Even if we kept him as part of our prop rotation, we would be have a better prop rotation this year, with Couchman, Pasifiki Tonga, Guler, Kerr and Sele. He also bled red and white.

Yeah he is getting on in age and may have lost a yard of pace.

 

[TheRev]

The facts are that if we struggle in the first half of the season he’ll be under massive pressure

If we aren’t competitive and finish way outside the top 8 then he can have no complaints about getting sacked. 3 years of finishing no higher than 12 wins in a season would be a failure

The important thing to see would be a complete shift in defence. We were 12th percentile for metres conceded which is dreadful. Losing the field position battle every game and more often than not you’ll lose

Hot tip - You don’t need a superstar roster to win the field position battle. Bulldogs the last 2 seasons unfortunately have proven that great coaching of defensive techniques and structure can cover a lack of talent

It’s why the warriors performed so well last year despite having a below average squad (notice that the 2 opposition sides I’ve mentioned both have disciples from Ivan Cleary at Penrith as their coach

Flanno’s got to get with the times or risk ending up like Des Hasler with Stone Age tactics

I think the first half of 2027 will be the making or breaking of Flanno.. KK plus hopefully 3-4 more genuine players mixed in with our pack that should be 'just' coming of age... if he can do anything with this roster in 2026 it will be a deadset miracle.. I mean gus/ciraldo still got their pick of players last year.. Gus gets most of his targets..... guys that rejected us like Tracey and Curran come to mind.

That said I did listen to Woodsy today on MMM talk about watching us at the scrimmage.. said how much we reminded him of the bulldogs of 2025, looked incredibly lean, fit and mobile.. so lets see if this turns into linespeed and better results.. I am just cranky we didnt manage to land 2-3 marquees that we chased over the offseason.. we needed them to be released early.. could have rly made something of the year.

I basically will be happy if we are competitive and not embarassed.. i.e. stay out of the spoon conversation, but im under no illusion that there are 15 other rosters I think well above ours.. only the Knights are comparable.. and they are no east beats either.. noone is anymore.. its going to be absolutely brutal out there. If we could have some luck with injuries for once.. would make us far more competitive... and much rides on Atkinson too (im hopeful).

 

[Frank Facer]

The facts are that if we struggle in the first half of the season he’ll be under massive pressure

If we aren’t competitive and finish way outside the top 8 then he can have no complaints about getting sacked. 3 years of finishing no higher than 12 wins in a season would be a failure

The important thing to see would be a complete shift in defence. We were 12th percentile for metres conceded which is dreadful. Losing the field position battle every game and more often than not you’ll lose

Hot tip - You don’t need a superstar roster to win the field position battle. Bulldogs the last 2 seasons unfortunately have proven that great coaching of defensive techniques and structure can cover a lack of talent

It’s why the warriors performed so well last year despite having a below average squad (notice that the 2 opposition sides I’ve mentioned both have disciples from Ivan Cleary at Penrith as their coach

Flanno’s got to get with the times or risk ending up like Des Hasler with Stone Age tactics

lol lol lol
Now come on. lol lol lol
Canterbury have recruited Burton, Crichton, Galvin, Thompson and Kikau over the last few seasons. Put them in Saints team and we would be making the top 8 too. When Flanno took over our disaster, our 2 highest paid players both wanted out and were gone by the end of his first season. We did recruit Holmes, who was a current rep player. We recruited Gutho as a leader and better fullback than Slone, but he is at the end of his career and Cook is also a former rep player in his twilight of his career. Then add to Canterbury the other second rung recruits such as Tupouniua, Tracy, Xerri and Curran. Then add the likes of Kiraz and Preston coming through. Comparing us to Canterbury isn't a fair comparison. Canterbury's recruitment has been the most aggressive of any club over the last 4 years or so. Then add youngsters such as Woods and Latu who both have massive wraps on them.

You need to put things into perspective. Canterbury were not favourites or second favourites for the spoon the last 4 years, like we were. Ciraldo was offered the job to coach us and knocked us back, just as Fitzgibbon, Slater and Ryles all knocked us back. We were not an attractive option for aspiring first grade coaches or for in demand players. Flanno is building us up from the ground up and it will take time. Blame our former administration and former coaches for the disaster Flanno took over from. Do you really think Dean Young or Ben Hornby would have done any better than Flanno did? They were our only other options. You should be grateful Flanno took the job. You also need to be realistic and more patient.

We are also favourites for the spoon again this year. That is where the bookies have assessed us and that is what they "expect" from us. It took McGregor 3 and half years to make the top 8 and he only did so, when he had a decent roster at his disposal.

This post isn't just for you, it is for every Saints fan reading this post who wants to say Flanno is under pressure to keep his job. His job should be secure until 2028 and then assess our situation.

Also just remember, Dean Young is probably next cab off the rank for to coach us. Is that what all the ones saying Flanno is under pressure really want? lol

 

[Frank Facer]

Flanno is on a downward trajectory. He needs to address that in the first half of the season. Doesn't need to be near the top of the table but needs to show he's learned his lesson. And most Dragons supporters here, on FB and on the street know what his biggest issue is.

What exactly is that lesson that Flanno needs to show he has learnt? lol And who do you say we should or more pointedly could have signed instead. Whenever I ask that question, no one has any answers

 

[jodragon40]

What exactly is that lesson that Flanno needs to show he has learnt? lol And who do you say we should or more pointedly could have signed instead. Whenever I ask that question, no one has any answers

Hes talking about dropping his son , Ryan rightly or wrongly blames our woes on the fact the the coach has his son playing in 1sts in the halves.

 

[Dragons Chris]

If flanno is 1 and 5 or 2 and 6, its dead man walking for me.

It would be a shame. I think Flanno still has what it takes to be a good coach but someone has to intervene in regard to Kyle. Flanno's manic desire to have his boy play first grade is going to ruin him.

 

[Dragons Chris]

lol lol lol
Now come on. lol lol lol
Canterbury have recruited Burton, Crichton, Galvin, Thompson and Kikau over the last few seasons. Put them in Saints team and we would be making the top 8 too. When Flanno took over our disaster, our 2 highest paid players both wanted out and were gone by the end of his first season. We did recruit Holmes, who was a current rep player. We recruited Gutho as a leader and better fullback than Slone, but he is at the end of his career and Cook is also a former rep player in his twilight of his career. Then add to Canterbury the other second rung recruits such as Tupouniua, Tracy, Xerri and Curran. Then add the likes of Kiraz and Preston coming through. Comparing us to Canterbury isn't a fair comparison. Canterbury's recruitment has been the most aggressive of any club over the last 4 years or so. Then add youngsters such as Woods and Latu who both have massive wraps on them.

You need to put things into perspective. Canterbury were not favourites or second favourites for the spoon the last 4 years, like we were. Ciraldo was offered the job to coach us and knocked us back, just as Fitzgibbon, Slater and Ryles all knocked us back. We were not an attractive option for aspiring first grade coaches or for in demand players. Flanno is building us up from the ground up and it will take time. Blame our former administration and former coaches for the disaster Flanno took over from. Do you really think Dean Young or Ben Hornby would have done any better than Flanno did? They were our only other options. You should be grateful Flanno took the job. You also need to be realistic and more patient.

We are also favourites for the spoon again this year. That is where the bookies have assessed us and that is what they "expect" from us. It took McGregor 3 and half years to make the top 8 and he only did so, when he had a decent roster at his disposal.

This post isn't just for you, it is for every Saints fan reading this post who wants to say Flanno is under pressure to keep his job. His job should be secure until 2028 and then assess our situation.

Also just remember, Dean Young is probably next cab off the rank for to coach us. Is that what all the ones saying Flanno is under pressure really want? lol

Lawrie and Sloan are the last of the top 30 not signed or extended by Flanno. He has no legit right to still use the Griffin excuse, which was true.

I don't think what is true for Hasler, no longer in touch with the modern game, is true for Flanno but if the team starts badly this year, pressure should be on. And if this is another bad year, his third in a row..... well, what club has ever accepted 3 bad years in a row?

 

[TheRev]

lol lol lol
Now come on. lol lol lol
Canterbury have recruited Burton, Crichton, Galvin, Thompson and Kikau over the last few seasons. Put them in Saints team and we would be making the top 8 too. When Flanno took over our disaster, our 2 highest paid players both wanted out and were gone by the end of his first season. We did recruit Holmes, who was a current rep player. We recruited Gutho as a leader and better fullback than Slone, but he is at the end of his career and Cook is also a former rep player in his twilight of his career. Then add to Canterbury the other second rung recruits such as Tupouniua, Tracy, Xerri and Curran. Then add the likes of Kiraz and Preston coming through. Comparing us to Canterbury isn't a fair comparison. Canterbury's recruitment has been the most aggressive of any club over the last 4 years or so. Then add youngsters such as Woods and Latu who both have massive wraps on them.

You need to put things into perspective. Canterbury were not favourites or second favourites for the spoon the last 4 years, like we were. Ciraldo was offered the job to coach us and knocked us back, just as Fitzgibbon, Slater and Ryles all knocked us back. We were not an attractive option for aspiring first grade coaches or for in demand players. Flanno is building us up from the ground up and it will take time. Blame our former administration and former coaches for the disaster Flanno took over from. Do you really think Dean Young or Ben Hornby would have done any better than Flanno did? They were our only other options. You should be grateful Flanno took the job. You also need to be realistic and more patient.

We are also favourites for the spoon again this year. That is where the bookies have assessed us and that is what they "expect" from us. It took McGregor 3 and half years to make the top 8 and he only did so, when he had a decent roster at his disposal.

This post isn't just for you, it is for every Saints fan reading this post who wants to say Flanno is under pressure to keep his job. His job should be secure until 2028 and then assess our situation.

Also just remember, Dean Young is probably next cab off the rank for to coach us. Is that what all the ones saying Flanno is under pressure really want? lol

no need for the lol's.... I do understand where Mailroom is coming from... nothing is impossible... if 2026 really does go to sh** early, it will get very very unpleasant for Shane in the media, and guess who will be rallying the journos/fans with a non-stop pitchfork on NRL360.

But I cant see a world where we go looking to uproot things before we've been working so hard to build, before we even get a couple of half decent signings to work with.. just cant see how that would be a better result for us.. not unless the players really do revolt, and I just dont see that happening to Shane who's very experienced, 2028 at the earliest for a new coach I would think.

Also... all the good coaches (imo) got snapped up in the last 2 years, so will be very interesting if they succeed what that looks like for other clubs perspective on hiring young coaches.. but these are all very much hypotheticals.. im hoping we have atleast a half decent 2026 to give us the base for the years to come.

 

[Eric]

I too think DeBelin is way better than Kerr. I can guarantee you, another team would hate playing against a pack full of BeBelin's. They wouldn't know where to run. They would be getting chopped in half and making very few, to zero post contact metres. They would also have to make every tackle count. When you put it that we signed Kerr and let DeBelin go, it is quite puzzling. I does make me wonder about who made the decision to let him go and sign Kerr or even why that decision was made? Debelin is the kind of player, others players love playing along side. I noticed long ago, we were a different team when DeBelin was on the field to when he wasn't. Even if we kept him as part of our prop rotation, we would be have a better prop rotation this year, with Couchman, Pasifiki Tonga, Guler, Kerr and Sele. He also bled red and white.

Yeah he is getting on in age and may have lost a yard of pace.

I have no issue with the club letting JDB go even though I've often characterized myself as his biggest fan. There is the idea of letting them go a year early rather than a year late. In the case of JDB, seems to be just the right time.

I just don't understand why Josh Kerr was signed. Even if he did improve while he was gone. How much can someone in his late 20s improve?

To get back on topic, I was disappointed Flanno didn't pick Kyle to play at #9. Even though I doubt he can make a go of it this late in his career, I would have liked to see him get a chance. After all, that's what trials are for, aren't they?

Then again, maybe Finau and/or TPH have standout games.

 

[Dragon David]

If flanno is 1 and 5 or 2 and 6, its dead man walking for me.

This is quite possible Justa. If the results are poor at the start of the comp then it will be a case of what went wrong and then it will all fall on Flanno who will indeed be under stacks of heavyweight pressure. He was the one who wanted Daniel Atkinson from the limited amount of game time that he had at the Sharks - so I hope that his decision to sign young Atkinson will be vindicated. I'm banking on a bit more luck coming to us this year, that is necessary in this comp together with good discipline and coaching.

It's up to you now Flanno!

 

[TheRev]

Atkinson is the wildcard.. if he turns out to be the bargain buy 7 of the year.. we are in a really good place moving forward, especially in 2027 when we get our alpha prop, marquee fullback etc.. but if Atkinson doesn't come off though (i.e. he is really just a 6 like Luai found out).. it puts us back needing to find a 7 as soon as possible again... which is very very difficult, especially when the established ones are already locked up for 2027.

 

[GCRV]

Atkinson is the wildcard.. if he turns out to be the bargain buy 7 of the year.. we are in a really good place moving forward, especially in 2027 when we get our alpha prop, marquee fullback etc.. but if Atkinson doesn't come off though (i.e. he is really just a 6 like Luai found out).. it puts us back needing to find a 7 as soon as possible again which... which is very very difficult, especially when the established ones are already locked up for 2027.

Big year for him. Is he going to be a highly paid half or a fringe first grade utility?

 

[Dragon David]

Big year for him. Is he going to be a highly paid half or a fringe first grade utility?

The pressure will be on Atkinson for sure. Just like Ilias was and we know what happened in the end to him!!

 

[Dragsters]

Do you think Glover will take Souths number 7 jersey this year or even Souths number 6 next year if Walker retires at the end of the season?

I will be surprised if he does or more or less don't think he will. Ashton Ward had a good game against us last year. He is light framed, but looks to be good footballer. I was impressed with him when he played against us. I think he will be more likely than Glover, but I will admit I haven't seen much of Glover to made a genuine assessment of his ability.

Ward is a goer. Good skills, slight but willing to go to the game and put his body on the line, time and time again.

What he lacks in size, he makes up for in heart...