After what was a lengthy process following the sacking of Anthony Griffin, the St George Illawarra Dragons have their new head coach in Shane Flanagan.
In what was a unanimous decision by the Dragons board, Flanagan will start the role in 2024 and has been handed a three-year contract as head coach of the Dragons.
The Dragons organisation is not foreign to Flanagan, with the future head coach previously holding several positions at the Dragons in the past.
With this new role now upon him, the club are confident that Flanagan is the man for the job.
“We have full faith in Shane’s abilities as a coach and are looking forward to welcoming him back to the club,” said Dragons Chairman Andrew Lancaster.
“Shane will add value in the role of head coach given the club’s deep, talented and emerging playing roster.
“Shane is well-regarded within the club from his recent roles here, first as an assistant coach then as list management consultant.
“The time he previously spent with the club also gives him a high level of familiarity with our players, systems and pathways.”
Although Flanagan remains committed to his current role at the Manly Sea Eagles for the remainder of the season, he says he is excited to take on the challenge at the Dragons from next season.
“There is a fantastic opportunity at the Dragons to build something really special over the next few years,” Flanagan said.
“While the Sea Eagles will continue to have my full focus for the rest of this season, I also can’t wait to get started back at the Dragons at the end of this season and work on returning the club to the finals where it belongs.”