As St. George Illawarra Dragons fans look ahead to the 2025 NRL season, all eyes are on Shane Flanagan, the seasoned coach tasked with reviving the glory days of one of rugby league’s most storied clubs. Having entered the New South Wales Rugby Football League in 1921, the Dragons boast a remarkable history, crowned by 15 premierships. Most notably, their legendary run of 11 consecutive titles from 1956 to 1966, led by the tactical brilliance of Ken Kearney, remains an unmatched feat in rugby league’s global history and is shared only by Bayern Munich in the world of sporting dominance. But after decades of inconsistency, can Flanagan bring the Dragons back to their former greatness?
The Dragons’ rich history is etched with moments of sheer dominance, with their first premiership match taking place on St. George’s Day in 1921. Although that debut match ended in a narrow 4-3 loss to Glebe at the Sydney Sports Ground, the club quickly grew into a force to be reckoned with. The Dragons’ string of premierships from 1956 to 1966 still stands as a world record, underscoring their golden era under the leadership of Ken Kearney.
Kearney, a former rugby union player who transitioned to rugby league in England, returned to Australia and masterminded one of the greatest dynasties in sport. His strategic mind and leadership skills ensured that the Dragons were unbeatable during that era, and the club has been chasing that level of dominance ever since.
Fast forward to today, and the Dragons have struggled to reclaim that winning edge. Their most recent premiership came in 2010 under Wayne Bennett, but recent years have seen the club falter, with a series of disappointing finishes and coaching changes. Enter Shane Flanagan, a coach known for his ability to rebuild and instill toughness in his teams.
Flanagan, who led the Cronulla Sharks to their first-ever premiership in 2016, is no stranger to turning struggling clubs into contenders. His arrival at St. George Illawarra has sparked optimism, but the question remains: can he resurrect the Dragons’ long-lost dominance?
Flanagan’s first major task will be assembling a squad capable of competing with the NRL’s elite. The recent interest in signing Clint Gutherson, the Parramatta Eels captain, has fans excited. While Gutherson may be entering the veteran stage of his career, his leadership and consistency could provide the Dragons with the stability they desperately need in the fullback position. Paired with potential signings like Josh Addo-Carr and Valentine Holmes, the Dragons’ backline could become one of the most formidable in the competition.
Another key component of Flanagan’s strategy will be fostering competition within the squad. The arrival of Damien Cook from South Sydney to battle with Jacob Liddle for the starting hooker position is a prime example of how Flanagan intends to drive performance through internal competition.
But it’s not just about the backs. The Dragons will need to bolster their forward pack, which has been a weakness in recent years. While they missed out on signing powerhouse forwards like Stefano Utoikamanu and Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Flanagan is determined to build a squad that can compete physically with the likes of Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters.
The Dragons’ biggest-ever loss came at the hands of Melbourne Storm, a 60-point defeat in 2000. It’s a painful reminder of how far the club has fallen since their glory days. But with a coach like Flanagan at the helm, who has proven time and again that he can get the best out of his players, there is hope that the Dragons can turn things around.
Flanagan’s ability to rejuvenate once-great players, like he did with Luke Lewis during his Sharks tenure, could be the key to unlocking the potential of veterans like Gutherson and Cook, while also nurturing young talents like Tyrell Sloan. If Flanagan can strike the right balance, the Dragons may not only return to the finals but could once again be a team that others fear.
The 2025 season will be a pivotal one for St. George Illawarra. With a proud history behind them and a proven winner in Shane Flanagan leading the charge, there is cautious optimism that the Dragons can rise again. While the road to greatness is long and filled with challenges, the Dragons’ fans, who have waited patiently for a return to the top, will be hoping that Flanagan is the man to restore their beloved club to its former glory.