Interim Coach for 2026 - Dean Young

[GCRV]

lol
I don't think I am a legend.
When others tell me I am a legend, I say Not yet.

Legendary annoying. No doubt about that "lol".

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

Fox scribes questioning Reeds ability in marking up against the likes of Crichton or Wong on his defensive side. The little dude is unfazed saying "I have put my body up against Luch and Jaydn every day for two years, it doesnt get harder tackling those two, so I am confident".

Hope so Kade as I have watched you in lowers grades for two years and you seem reluctant to go low on the big guys and sometimes have been steam rolled. One asset Kyle does have, is he is a fearless defender.

 

[RufusRex]

He is going to miss tackles, a swag of them ... doesnt matter ... Really up to holmes/luc to be making a lot of those tackles for him ...

My hope is he keeps his head safe and does enough to slow blokes so that the others can cover him.

 

[Eric]

He is going to miss tackles, a swag of them ... doesnt matter ... Really up to holmes/luc to be making a lot of those tackles for him ...

My hope is he keeps his head safe and does enough to slow blokes so that the others can cover him.

He will be targeted relentlessly but the good news is that he has the skill to ensure Couchman, Luch and others target Sam Walker relentlessly as well.

Wouldn't surprise me if we hear by next Tuesday the Rorters are trying to recruit Reed.

 

[Dragon David]

I guess it depends how things fare in the next 4-6 weeks.. if Dean does even remotely well, good luck getting the job off him...

Of the others.. Hornby im not opposed too, but not sure how much better than Dean he would be.. probably more intelligent and articulate.. the 2 of them might be something as a pair.. but that's a weird power dynamic when things don't go well.

But hoping to hear more about where this Cheika rumour has come from.. maybe its just the standard b/s one that every club gets.. but be fascinating if we really were talking more seriously about structure, assistants etc.

Can't think of anyone else bar Arthur.. but those words about player pulling power are ringing in my head.. arent too many other coaches I can think of who can do that...

Yes, we seriously need someone who has player pulling power. One of the best ingredients for success.

 

[Dragon David]

He will be targeted relentlessly but the good news is that he has the skill to ensure Couchman, Luch and others target Sam Walker relentlessly as well.

Wouldn't surprise me if we hear by next Tuesday the Rorters are trying to recruit Reed.

Roosters could try and nab Nathan and Ivan from the Panthers if Robbo doesn't get them to the grand final this year - that's how high a standard the Roosters strive for.

Maybe then we try and nab Robbo?

 

[AyiosYiorgos]

He is going to miss tackles, a swag of them ... doesnt matter ... Really up to holmes/luc to be making a lot of those tackles for him ...

My hope is he keeps his head safe and does enough to slow blokes so that the others can cover him.

I think the majority of us know that he will miss tackles, drop off tackles, drop balls etc to be expected and not discouraged by the fans, hopefully the window lickers on Forums/Facebook and other social media platforms understand this and don't go bagging him from day dot IF he makes these mistakes..

 

[blacksafake]

Reed no doubt will miss tackles but this ain’t news. Been going on for years with some great halves. JT, Benji, Lockyer, etc.
Even current players like Walker, Mam, Fogarty, Brooks, Hughes, Munster, Katoa etc,etc miss plenty of but they put their body in line to slow them down & hopefully with the right structure around them they minimise the damage. I’m sure he’ll do this & hopefully without any injuries.

 

[Dave03]

Reed has great footy IQ, he had a crucial intercept on our tryline v knights in the preseason trial. I wouldn't be surprised if he has another intercept.

 

[Dave03]

Piggy Riddle reckons a few more changes in the bye week to our coaching staff. Sounds like Willie Talau could get a permanent assistant coach gig.

 

[TheRev]

I happened to turn fox on when Ennis was being asked about what went down.. honestly the guy could not have been more respectful about the whole thing.. I assume he's disappointed (or maybe not) but he didn't let on.. wasn't swallowing saliva from nerves like you might think being put on the spot like that... good on him... I do like the guy tbh, but didn't seem to work with us, even if that was just because he was essentially part-time.

 

[AyiosYiorgos]

I happened to turn fox on when Ennis was being asked about what went down.. honestly the guy could not have been more respectful about the whole thing.. I assume he's disappointed (or maybe not) but he didn't let on.. wasn't swallowing saliva from nerves like you might think being put on the spot like that... good on him... I do like the guy tbh, but didn't seem to work with us, even if that was just because he was essentially part-time.

He spoke well, said he loves coaching etc but didnt bag us one single bit, lets see in a few weeks if we are still going crap...

 

[Frank Facer]

He spoke well, said he loves coaching etc but didnt bag us one single bit, lets see in a few weeks if we are still going crap...

I consider Ennis one of the best football analyst on Foxsports. He often make insightful perseptive comments that aren't just the basic simple comments that someone such as Cooper Cronk makes or Laurie Daley used to make. I actually thought Cooper Cronk would have make a good coach, because he was technically so good. I don't disagree with Cronks comments, but they are often simple and basic, while Ennis has more insight or perception.

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

A confident presser by Kade. Go out and kill em young fellar.

Kade Reed speaks on ANZAC Day debut | Fox Sports Videos

NRL: Dragons' young halfback Kade Reed spoke to the media ahead of his debut clash against the Roosters on ANZAC Day.

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[jodragon40]

Matty Johns: Inside the Dragons 27-year civil war and why Shane Flanagan sacking was inevitable​

Shane Flanagan’s departure from the Dragons can be traced back 27 years. MATTHEW JOHNS digs into a joint-venture forever divided and why Flanagan’s tenure was doomed from the start.
The St George Dragons are one of the most iconic clubs in the history of Australian sport, and the Illawarra Steelers represent a region considered a heartland of rugby league with one of its best junior nurseries.
This club should be a powerhouse, but its whole existence has been riddled with internal politics and indecision.

From day one, it’s been like a blended family that ties itself in knots trying to please every relative.

Political decisions were made immediately in its maiden season.

Rather than make a tough call, they went with co‑coaches: St George coach David Waite and Steelers coach Andrew Farrar, a legend of the Illawarra region.

Then they doubled down when it was time to name their inaugural captain, going for co‑captains: St George right centre Mark Coyne and Illawarra left centre Paul McGregor.

The coming together of the two playing squads was far from smooth initially.

St George Illawarra Dragons coaches
Not helping was further indecision on the training base, with St George players doing much of their physical preparation at Kogarah and the men from the Steelers in Wollongong.

When the players did come together, forming relationships wasn’t easy; an icy sense of suspicion hung in the air between the two groups.

Symbolic was all the conjecture in the pre‑season about how the halves combination of Anthony Mundine and Trent Barrett would work, which put pressure on their relationship.

Both men coveted the No.6 jersey, with Barrett eventually thrown the No.7 — a number that carries an extra layer of pressure.

The inability to gel was highlighted by a poor start, winning only one game from four; by mid‑season it was five from 11. But then, suddenly, the combinations formed, confidence grew and talent blossomed, with the team playing some brilliant attacking football that carried them all the way to grand final day.

It was a clear sign that this newly formed club was headed for long‑term dominance.

But what followed was a decade of underachievement and could‑have‑beens.

Then he arrived: the Messiah, the god of all coaches, Wayne Bennett — a man who, through strength and presence, was able to force both sets of blazers to lower their weapons, suspend their suspicions and work together to lift the trophy in 2010.

But, as the good book says, ‘the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away’.

And, as is the way with Wayne, when he exits the building he takes his magic dust with him.

Since Bennett’s departure in 2011, the Dragons have sacked coach after coach, the club deteriorating bit by bit to where they find themselves today… rock bottom.

The parting of ways between Shane Flanagan and the Dragons was inevitable.

Over the past few weeks, things got worse by the day: player discontent, release requests, etc.

The seven straight losses to start the season were primary evidence that a change was needed — as were some of the performances of the team’s most senior players.

Parramatta-bound forward Jaydn Su’A’s crazy shoulder charge to the jaw of Cam Murray was the act of a frustrated man who, in recent weeks, looked as though he’d rather be wearing any other team’s jersey.

Meanwhile, Valentine Holmes, an elite international player, put in a diabolical defensive performance against the Bunnies, missing an astonishing 12 tackles.

Matthew Johns reveals political in-fighting has strangled the club since its inception.
When your most experienced players are performing this way, you know the mould has spread to every corner of the house.

But there were also concerns about the health of Shane Flanagan.

In every pre‑game interview and post‑game press conference, Flanagan looked increasingly fatigued, emotionally exhausted and physically spent.

So, who comes in? And can they unite this club in the way Wayne Bennett was able to?

One contender has already been scratched at the barriers, with Michael Ennis removed from the club by interim coach Dean Young.

Young’s been handed the role until the end of the season, as he was after Paul McGregor resigned as coach late in the 2020 season.

Young, in the past, has been recommended by Wayne Bennett himself, the two forging a close relationship, with Dean a key member of the 2010 title‑winning side.

The Dragons will be hoping that Young can replicate Manly’s ‘Fozball’, but it’s a slightly different challenge for Dean.

Young will want to be planning for 2027 and beyond, looking to blood a number of the outstanding youngsters the club has in its ranks, but an interim position comes with no security.

Rather than take some risks and look to give experience to these youngsters, Young is in the business of winning, trying to prove his worth for full‑time employment.

Thankfully for Dragons fans, Young has had the gumption to blood one youngster who will be very important to the Dragons’ future: halfback Kade Reed.

What an occasion for Kade to make his NRL debut.

The young No.7 will be churning with nerves but should draw confidence from the fact the new coach has thrown him in for such an important game for the club, and a special occasion for the game and its fans.

So, does anyone give the Dragons a chance on Saturday?

Well, how many people thought the Dogs could roll the Panthers — and then that the Eels would demolish those same Dogs?

In these matches, both red‑hot favourites were suffocated by their opponents’ desire to win… Over to you, Dragons.

 

[RufusRex]

essentially says plenty and yet at the same time nothing at all.

why no focus on
1. Brian Johsnton selling out the dragons twice
2. The lasting presense of the likes of Lockwood/Doust/Young/Piggott and the empire building that has existed for years
3. The sacrifice of players like Matthew Rodwell who was probably teh best 7 we had in 99 but was a victim of Barrett vs Mundine
4. Steelers selling to WIN for a bunch of free advertising

 

[jodragon40]

essentially says plenty and yet at the same time nothing at all.

why no focus on
1. Brian Johsnton selling out the dragons twice
2. The lasting presense of the likes of Lockwood/Doust/Young/Piggott and the empire building that has existed for years
3. The sacrifice of players like Matthew Rodwell who was probably teh best 7 we had in 99 but was a victim of Barrett vs Mundine
4. Steelers selling to WIN for a bunch of free advertising

I just love so call historical experts especially when they have never donned the big red V.

So although some issues may be relevant the circumstances that those issues arose from are not known outside the inner circle of the club.

Its just his take on what he believes . Perhaps more credibility if he was talking about his beloved Knights.

 

[RufusRex]

I think it is a very easy thing for people to say "split board/civil war 27 years" it is essentially a throwaway line ...

But it is harder to delve into what that actually means - highlights the surface things like co-coachs/co-captains but they are the symptoms of the disease ..

The board is nefarious and the experiences of legitimate people esp in the R2K days trying to follow due process to get onto the boards and enact change are chilling.

 

[jodragon40]

I think it is a very easy thing for people to say "split board/civil war 27 years" it is essentially a throwaway line ...

But it is harder to delve into what that actually means - highlights the surface things like co-coachs/co-captains but they are the symptoms of the disease ..

The board is nefarious and the experiences of legitimate people esp in the R2K days trying to follow due process to get onto the boards and enact change are chilling.

I don't doubt it.

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

Matty Johns: Inside the Dragons 27-year civil war and why Shane Flanagan sacking was inevitable​

Shane Flanagan’s departure from the Dragons can be traced back 27 years. MATTHEW JOHNS digs into a joint-venture forever divided and why Flanagan’s tenure was doomed from the start.
The St George Dragons are one of the most iconic clubs in the history of Australian sport, and the Illawarra Steelers represent a region considered a heartland of rugby league with one of its best junior nurseries.
This club should be a powerhouse, but its whole existence has been riddled with internal politics and indecision.

From day one, it’s been like a blended family that ties itself in knots trying to please every relative.

Political decisions were made immediately in its maiden season.

Rather than make a tough call, they went with co‑coaches: St George coach David Waite and Steelers coach Andrew Farrar, a legend of the Illawarra region.

Then they doubled down when it was time to name their inaugural captain, going for co‑captains: St George right centre Mark Coyne and Illawarra left centre Paul McGregor.

The coming together of the two playing squads was far from smooth initially.

St George Illawarra Dragons coaches
Not helping was further indecision on the training base, with St George players doing much of their physical preparation at Kogarah and the men from the Steelers in Wollongong.

When the players did come together, forming relationships wasn’t easy; an icy sense of suspicion hung in the air between the two groups.

Symbolic was all the conjecture in the pre‑season about how the halves combination of Anthony Mundine and Trent Barrett would work, which put pressure on their relationship.

Both men coveted the No.6 jersey, with Barrett eventually thrown the No.7 — a number that carries an extra layer of pressure.

The inability to gel was highlighted by a poor start, winning only one game from four; by mid‑season it was five from 11. But then, suddenly, the combinations formed, confidence grew and talent blossomed, with the team playing some brilliant attacking football that carried them all the way to grand final day.

It was a clear sign that this newly formed club was headed for long‑term dominance.

But what followed was a decade of underachievement and could‑have‑beens.

Then he arrived: the Messiah, the god of all coaches, Wayne Bennett — a man who, through strength and presence, was able to force both sets of blazers to lower their weapons, suspend their suspicions and work together to lift the trophy in 2010.

But, as the good book says, ‘the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away’.

And, as is the way with Wayne, when he exits the building he takes his magic dust with him.

Since Bennett’s departure in 2011, the Dragons have sacked coach after coach, the club deteriorating bit by bit to where they find themselves today… rock bottom.

The parting of ways between Shane Flanagan and the Dragons was inevitable.

Over the past few weeks, things got worse by the day: player discontent, release requests, etc.

The seven straight losses to start the season were primary evidence that a change was needed — as were some of the performances of the team’s most senior players.

Parramatta-bound forward Jaydn Su’A’s crazy shoulder charge to the jaw of Cam Murray was the act of a frustrated man who, in recent weeks, looked as though he’d rather be wearing any other team’s jersey.

Meanwhile, Valentine Holmes, an elite international player, put in a diabolical defensive performance against the Bunnies, missing an astonishing 12 tackles.

Matthew Johns reveals political in-fighting has strangled the club since its inception.
When your most experienced players are performing this way, you know the mould has spread to every corner of the house.

But there were also concerns about the health of Shane Flanagan.

In every pre‑game interview and post‑game press conference, Flanagan looked increasingly fatigued, emotionally exhausted and physically spent.

So, who comes in? And can they unite this club in the way Wayne Bennett was able to?

One contender has already been scratched at the barriers, with Michael Ennis removed from the club by interim coach Dean Young.

Young’s been handed the role until the end of the season, as he was after Paul McGregor resigned as coach late in the 2020 season.

Young, in the past, has been recommended by Wayne Bennett himself, the two forging a close relationship, with Dean a key member of the 2010 title‑winning side.

The Dragons will be hoping that Young can replicate Manly’s ‘Fozball’, but it’s a slightly different challenge for Dean.

Young will want to be planning for 2027 and beyond, looking to blood a number of the outstanding youngsters the club has in its ranks, but an interim position comes with no security.

Rather than take some risks and look to give experience to these youngsters, Young is in the business of winning, trying to prove his worth for full‑time employment.

Thankfully for Dragons fans, Young has had the gumption to blood one youngster who will be very important to the Dragons’ future: halfback Kade Reed.

What an occasion for Kade to make his NRL debut.

The young No.7 will be churning with nerves but should draw confidence from the fact the new coach has thrown him in for such an important game for the club, and a special occasion for the game and its fans.

So, does anyone give the Dragons a chance on Saturday?

Well, how many people thought the Dogs could roll the Panthers — and then that the Eels would demolish those same Dogs?

In these matches, both red‑hot favourites were suffocated by their opponents’ desire to win… Over to you, Dragons.

Proves this JV has been like a bad marriage, with a short reconciliation in 2010.