Shane Flanagan is weighing up unforced changes to his Dragons line-up after watching his side capitulate in a 56-6 thumping by the Dolphins; a performance he labelled “not up to standard” and promised would be addressed head-on.
The heavy defeat, one of the club’s worst in recent memory, saw the Red V outplayed in every department as Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth, Isaiya Katoa, and Connelly Lemuelu tore through a ragged defensive line.
Injuries compounded their misery, with winger Christian Tuipulotu lasting just 20 minutes on his return before limping off with another hamstring issue.
“We will have to review it. It just wasn’t up to standard, we can make excuses, but we aren’t here to make excuses,” Flanagan said. “It’s disappointing, really disappointing. I’ve just explained that to the group.”
“That’s my job”: Flanagan backs himself to spark turnaround
When asked whether the Dragons’ horror outing was just a blip, Flanagan didn’t hesitate: “I will make sure of it, don’t you worry.”
The coach stopped short of confirming immediate personnel changes, but admitted shifts were likely: “There could be,” he said. “I’ve been here long enough to learn we have to be careful after a game — what you say and what you do.”
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Speaking on Tuipulotu’s injury setback, Flanagan expressed clear frustration: “It’s really frustrating from a coach’s perspective, where it’s an area we aren’t flush with… it throws the whole rhythm of the team out.”
Despite the chaos, Damien Cook, who was forced into the centres mid-match, maintained belief in the squad’s ability to bounce back. “We just didn’t show up today,” he said. “We have to go out there next week and put a good performance in… it’s as simple as that.”