In a scathing critique, rugby league icons Luke Keary and James Graham have launched a blistering attack on the St George Illawarra Dragons, just hours after the club announced its mutual separation with head coach Shane Flanagan. The pair unleashed their fury on The Bye Round Podcast, condemning what they described as a chaotic and poorly managed process that has left the joint venture in disarray.
Press Conference Labelled as 'Crap' by Keary
The Dragons' leadership, including chairman Andrew Lancaster and chief executive Tim Watsford, faced the media in an impromptu conference on Monday morning to confirm Flanagan's departure. This decision followed the club's disastrous start to the NRL season, with a winless streak extending to eleven matches dating back to the 2025 campaign. Keary did not hold back in his assessment, stating, 'This club is a mess. There's no other way to explain it, and I don't think this tough run is over.' He added, 'The press conference this morning reeked of just... crap.'
Media Criticism Backfires
During the announcement, Lancaster pointed fingers at mainstream media for what he claimed was unfair negative coverage of the Dragons. Keary swiftly dismissed this rhetoric, questioning its validity. 'That presser was to have a go at people in the media,' Keary argued. 'Lancaster said the coverage has been poor and that readers and viewers deserve better. Well, go on, say what you think has been poor.' Graham, who made 51 appearances for the Dragons, echoed this sentiment, asserting, 'No one has been unfair. Nobody has been unfair in their coverage. You know what would be a disservice to the fans? To polish this turd.'
Interim Coach Uncertainty Adds to Chaos
Both Keary and Graham expressed bewilderment over the delay in appointing an interim coach, with assistants Dean Young and Michael Ennis considered frontrunners, and former Dragon Ben Hornby also in the mix. Graham speculated on internal discord, saying, 'The translation is, there's two sides that need to make a decision, and they can't agree. One wants Ennis and one doesn't, one wants Young and one doesn't.' He suggested the club might opt for a compromise candidate, such as former Dragons great and current NRLW assistant coach Mark 'Piggy' Riddell, to appease both factions of the merger club.
Club's Future Hangs in the Balance
As the Dragons prepare for their traditional ANZAC Day clash against the Sydney Roosters this weekend, the players are hoping to reverse their fortunes. However, the ongoing turmoil, including the pending announcement of an interim coach tomorrow, casts a shadow over their prospects. Graham emphasised the need for transparency, urging the club to stop dodging questions and address the core issues head-on. The criticism from these respected figures underscores the deep-seated problems within the Dragons' organisation, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning whether a turnaround is imminent or if further instability lies ahead.
