Dragons call $3 million signing freeze as pressure on Flanagan hits fever pitch

St George Illawarra’s powerbrokers have cancelled all contract extension talks and activated an in-house ‘signing freeze’ as the club looks to figure out its long-term future and whether that will be under Shane Flanagan or a new boss.

The ‘freeze’ means the Dragons are no longer activating, looking to re-sign co-captain Damien Cook. The under-siege club had been about to table a formal twelve-month extension for the aging hooker, which may have seen Jacob Liddle ask to leave early.

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St George’s recruitment team has also told a raft of off-contract players that they won’t be offering them new playing deals. The off-contract group includes Blake Lawrie, Christian Tuipulotu, Emre Guler, Hame Sele, Luciano Leilua, Nathan Lawson, and Tyrell Sloan. Between them, they all amount to some $3 million across the Red V’s salary cap.

Jaydn Su’A remains a priority to re-sign; the back-rower currently holding an option in his favour, which he has yet to activate. (It’s very likely he does, considering good mate Keaon Koloamatangi is arriving in 2027.)

Most in the NRL world would agree that the signing freeze is a good idea — fans have long suggested that only a few Dragons should be retained.

That list is quite short and includes: Liddle, Daniel Atkinson, Toby and Ryan Couchman, Dylan Egan, Jacob Halangahu, and Hamish Stewart, as well as Su’A and, for some, Luciano Leilua.

Youngsters Loko Pasifiki Tonga and Kade Reed have also been getting wraps.

Fewer, however, agree on what should happen with the coach.

Flanagan is now on tenterhooks, with Dragons fans booing him and his squad out of Kogarah Oval after their 32–0 loss to the Cowboys.

The Sporting Base has heard he’d be relatively safe if it were only up to club powerbrokers, but with the fans starting to cancel memberships, skip buying merchandise, and miss games, St George Illawarra’s bosses may have to change their view to save the pocketbook.

Flanagan is signed for another two seasons, through to the end of 2028, but may coach his last game against Manly next Friday.

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Flanagan is at least expected to lead the Dragons in their Friday night clash against Manly in Wollongong, but could very well be told that if he loses badly, he will simply have to be given the boot.

For his part, “Flanno” has been apologetic to Dragons loyalists.

“It’s not good enough. I completely understand,” he said.

“No excuses put out there. I’ve got to find out why. That’s my job over the next couple of days to find out why. Not good enough.”

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“The lack of cohesion was very disappointing,” Flanagan added. “I’m not trying to cover over anything. I’m very, very, very disappointed with the performance. I haven’t got the answers for you right now. I’ve got to find them and find them quickly.”

“As I said, I’m not making excuses; I fully understand the frustration. I’m as frustrated as anyone.”