Dragons Coach Flanagan Dismisses 2026 Premiership Hopes as 'Stupid Expectation'
St George Illawarra Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has made a remarkably candid admission ahead of the new NRL season, stating it would be a 'stupid expectation' to believe his team can win the premiership in 2026. Flanagan emphasised that this year is fundamentally a building phase for the club, with realistic ambitions centred on securing a finals berth rather than chasing the ultimate glory.
A Realistic Outlook for a Building Year
Now entering his third year at the helm of the Red V, Flanagan has been transparent about the team's developmental stage. 'I would love to say we are good enough with the big dog stuff to go at a premiership this year,' Flanagan conceded. 'We will win a lot of footy games this year, but I am just realistic. I don't set stupid expectations.' He suggested that claiming a premiership push might generate more headlines, but it would not reflect the genuine situation at the club.
The Dragons are set to kick off their campaign against the Canterbury Bulldogs in Las Vegas on March 1 AEDT, featuring as the marquee fixture at Allegiant Stadium. This high-profile opener contrasts with Flanagan's tempered expectations, highlighting the gap between external spectacle and internal reality.
Building Towards 2027 with Strategic Signings
Flanagan pointed to significant structural changes within the squad as evidence of a longer-term vision. 'We have had a lot of new staff come in, some new players coming in, Keaon coming in next year,' he noted, referencing the impending arrival of Rabbitohs enforcer Keaon Koloamatangi in 2027. The coach also indicated the Dragons are actively pursuing further major signings to bolster their roster for the future.
The core of a promising young pack provides a foundation, but questions persist regarding the team's offensive capabilities. This uncertainty stems largely from an untested halves partnership, with halfback Daniel Atkinson having never started an NRL game in the number seven jersey and Kyle Flanagan positioned alongside him.
Finals Ambition as the Primary Target
Instead of premiership talk, Flanagan has firmly set a top-eight finish as the realistic objective for 2026. 'Every side will be saying finals, without a doubt,' he stated. 'I think that is where I am at as well. Where you finish in those final series depends how good your season is.' This goal marks a significant challenge, given the Dragons have not qualified for the finals since 2018, with only the Wests Tigers enduring a longer postseason drought.
Confidence in Untested Halves Despite Challenges
Despite the inexperience in key playmaking roles, Flanagan expressed confidence in Daniel Atkinson's readiness to assume the halfback responsibilities. 'He's definitely ready from a physical and mental perspective. He's trained well over the pre-season,' Flanagan asserted. 'He's got all the attributes to be a halfback in the NRL, but it's going to take time.' Atkinson's last start at halfback occurred in the Queensland Cup for Sunshine Coast back in 2022, underscoring the steep learning curve ahead.
The Dragons have implemented tactical adjustments under new assistant coach Michael Ennis, aiming to adopt a more direct attacking style and allow their halves greater freedom to roam across the field. These changes are designed to maximise the potential of the evolving squad structure.
Las Vegas Showcase Amidst Season Opener
The NRL's Las Vegas triple-header at Allegiant Stadium will feature the Dragons prominently. The action commences with Super League champions Hull KR facing the Leeds Rhinos at 11am AEDT, followed by Newcastle versus North Queensland at 1.15pm AEDT. The Bulldogs versus Dragons clash will conclude the event at 3.30pm AEDT, placing St George Illawarra in the spotlight despite their coach's modest public expectations for the premiership race this year.
