If the St George Illawarra Dragons are scratching their heads in confusion as to why their club captain, Ben Hunt, is seeking an immediate release, they need only look to their own board members and management team. These individuals have not only lost the support of loyal fans, but now face the prospect of losing one of their star players due to a lack of faith in the decision-makers at the club.
Hunt, a State of Origin player who commands a significant salary, is prepared to walk away from his contract because he no longer trusts the leadership in the front office. This includes those who signed him to a lucrative five-year deal worth over $5 million.
It is clear that the time has come for a major shakeup within the club. The chief executive, Ryan Webb, has become a mere puppet for the board, and some long-standing board members have failed to bring anything new or innovative to the table in over three decades. The Dragons are in desperate need of a board that is focused on making the necessary changes to achieve success.
Former CEO Peter Doust, who stepped down in 2018 after public pressure, continues to exert influence as a board member representing the St George side of the merger. It is crucial to determine whether Doust is playing political games or genuinely willing to vote in favor of the changes needed to restore the Dragons as a premiership threat.
The new chairman, Andrew Lancaster, has shown promise in his commitment to restoring pride in the club and implementing necessary changes, including the appointment of Shane Flanagan as head coach. However, his tenure has faced challenges, such as the ill-advised proposal to change the club’s name. Despite this misstep, I have faith in Lancaster and Flanagan as the only officials currently deserving of trust at the Dragons.
It is imperative that Lancaster and Flanagan organize a meeting with Ben Hunt as soon as possible to convince him to stay. The Dragons need an experienced leader like Hunt to work alongside the coach in building a competitive squad. Similar dynamics were seen when Paul Gallen played under Flanagan at the Sharks, and Hunt’s presence could be equally influential at St George Illawarra.
Flanagan himself expressed his intentions to Hunt prior to taking the coaching role, assuring him that his future at the club was secure. Therefore, it is essential to determine what has changed to make Hunt request an immediate release. Clear communication between the captain, coach, and chairman is necessary to address any concerns and resolve the situation.
There have been rumors of Hunt’s desire to return to Queensland, potentially putting the Gold Coast Titans in a favorable position to secure his signature. However, if Flanagan is to entertain the idea of releasing Hunt, he would likely require a swap deal, including players like AJ Brimson and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui in return.
The coaching appointment of Flanagan is pivotal for the Dragons, as he holds the key to persuading captain Hunt to remain at the club until 2025. It is worth noting that Flanagan is currently under contract as an assistant coach with the Manly Sea Eagles, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The board, from the chairman to the CEO to the football manager, must be held accountable for the current state of the club. Without accountability, the Dragons will continue to struggle, and their last premiership win in 2010 will become a distant memory.
In conclusion, it is evident that the St George Illawarra Dragons need a significant overhaul within their ranks. The current leadership has failed to inspire confidence and has lost the support of fans and players alike. Only through decisive action and the implementation of necessary changes can the Dragons hope to reclaim their former glory and compete for premiership titles.
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
