The curtain finally rose on the Shane Flanagan era at the St. George Illawarra Dragons, but the script didn’t quite follow the desired narrative. Despite fielding a near full-strength side, the Dragons succumbed to a spirited South Sydney Rabbitohs outfit 24-16 in the 2024 Charity Shield at Kogarah, marking a bittersweet beginning to Flanagan’s second coming.
While the result itself stings, there were both positives and areas for improvement for the Red V to glean from their opening outing. Here’s a deeper dive into the Dragons’ Charity Shield encounter and what it bodes for the season ahead:
Flanagan’s Vision Takes Shape:
Fans got their first glimpse of Flanagan’s blueprint for the Dragons, with a focus on physicality, defensive grit, and controlled aggression. The new coach opted for a near full-strength line-up, including his son Kyle partnering Ben Hunt in the halves and Jack Bird returning to the centres. This selection hinted at Flanagan’s intention to prioritize cohesion and build around established combinations.
Glimmers of Hope:
There were certainly moments where the Flanagan touch seemed evident. The Dragons’ defense displayed glimpses of their renowned resilience, particularly in the first half, where they held the Rabbitohs scoreless. Young gun Tyrell Sloan continued to impress at fullback, showcasing his electrifying pace and attacking flair. In the pack, Jai Arrow led by example, churning out metres and injecting energy into the team.
Room for Improvement:
However, the performance wasn’t without its blemishes. The Dragons struggled to convert possession into points, their attack lacking fluency and creativity at times. Their discipline also let them down, conceding several penalties that the Rabbitohs capitalized on. The halves combination of Kyle Flanagan and Ben Hunt still seems to be finding its rhythm, with their communication and playmaking lacking the desired flow.
A Learning Curve:
It’s important to remember that this was just one pre-season game, and Flanagan’s methods are still in their infancy. The new coach has emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation and culture, and this loss shouldn’t be seen as a definitive indicator of the Dragons’ season. The Charity Shield defeat presents an opportunity for Flanagan and his team to identify areas for improvement and refine their strategies before the regular season kicks off.
Looking Ahead:
While the result may not have been ideal, the Dragons’ Flanagan era has officially begun. With a talented squad at his disposal and a proven track record of success, Flanagan possesses the tools to mold the Red V into a genuine contender. The Charity Shield loss might serve as a valuable wake-up call, highlighting the work that needs to be done, but it shouldn’t dampen the optimism surrounding the Dragons’ new chapter. The quest for redemption begins now, and the true potential of the Flanagan era will unfold in the battles to come.
