The Dragons has just experienced their worst nightmare.
As the 2024 NRL season approaches, Wide World of Sports’ The Mole identifies the “critical factors” that will make or break each team.
Here, he examines the Dragons and the “awkward” predicament that new coach Shane Flanagan faces.
‘WORRY’ OVER WANTAWAY STAR
Ben Hunt has made it clear he hasn’t been a happy camper at the Dragons for the past couple of seasons – a real worry when he is far and away the club’s best player.
And Hunt wanted sacked coach Anthony Griffin retained – so it will be interesting to see how his relationship with new boss Shane Flanagan develops.
Hunt has agreed to stay for 2024 – but if things don’t work out he will seek a release to return to Queensland for 2025 and that will be disastrous for the Dragons.
‘AWKWARD’ FAMILY BUSINESS
Still on Flanagan, and things could get awkward with the player he insisted on signing – son Kyle.
Shane has a huge opinion of his boy, but the youngster still has to prove himself as a match-winning NRL playmaker.
If the Dragons lose a few games on the trot – and there will be rough patches in 2024 – the heat could be on both father and son in the eyes of the beleaguered Dragons fans.
Kyle has been dropped before – but will his dad be able to make the big call?
Never easy for a father to coach his son (unless your last name is Cleary!).
WHERE DOES THE BIRD LAND?
One player who is a big fan of Flanagan – the coach – is rugged utility Jack Bird.
The pair won a title together at the Sharks a few years back in possibly Bird’s best season in the NRL.
His career has been up and down since then, with injuries not helping his cause.
But there is no doubting his ability and Bird is one of the most versatile players in the game.
Last season alone he played at lock, centre and backrow as well as No.14.
Flanagan plans to start him in the centres this year and if he gets time and space, could return to his best.
