Flanagan’s exit ends a tenure defined by crises and underperformance, as the club confronts its longest losing streak and the worst early-season start in its modern era.

Among potential replacements, candidates include Brad Arthur, Demetriou, and Michael Cheika, with Cheika viewed as an outsider whose full-time NRL role could boost his appeal.

Contract considerations loom as veteran or high-paid players like Damien Cook, Clint Gutherson, and Valentine Holmes approach expiry, prompting questions about extensions under new leadership.

Kyle Flanagan’s future appears uncertain, while the Dragons are expected to give more opportunities to younger halves such as Daniel Atkinson and Kade Reed, with suggestions that Reed could be moved to the No. 7 role to inject running play.

Flanagan attended a pre-arranged breakfast with his manager, Isaac Moses, alongside club officials, signaling the seriousness of the talks leading to his departure.

Ben Hornby, a Dragons legend and former interim coach, is viewed by some insiders as a popular interim option given his history with the club and Wayne Bennett’s influence.

A broader shift is underway as the club contemplates a more modern approach to pace and youth, moving away from nostalgia for past eras toward a faster, younger game.

The development of the leadership shake-up has been reported by major outlets, with updates provided as the situation evolves.

Overall, the Dragons are in a transitional period, aiming for fresh coaching strategies and a reshaped roster to align with a new direction.

The St George Illawarra Dragons have dismissed head coach Shane Flanagan and football boss Ben Haran after an ongoing crisis marked by seven straight losses to start the season and a longer winless run dating back to 2025.

The club planned to announce the leadership change after a Tuesday board meeting, with interim coaching arrangements not yet established at the time of reporting.