Rival NRL Club Eyes Shane Flanagan for 2026 Coaching Role

A rival NRL club has reportedly set its sights on Shane Flanagan, currently head coach of the St. George Illawarra Dragons, as a potential coaching target for 2026. Despite being contracted to the Dragons for two more seasons, Flanagan’s proven track record as a premiership-winning coach with the Sharks has attracted interest from another club seeking a fresh direction.

While the identity of the interested club remains undisclosed, insiders confirm it is not the Wests Tigers. A third party is expected to approach Flanagan’s management in the coming weeks to gauge his willingness to take on a new challenge. The club in question is not in dire straits, having maintained solid form recently, but its leadership believes a change in strategy and mentorship could elevate its performance further.

Flanagan took over as head coach of the Dragons last season and came close to steering the team into the finals, finishing just one win short. However, the upcoming season poses significant challenges for the Dragons, as they face the departure of star players Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax. This double blow leaves Flanagan with the daunting task of rebuilding and inspiring his squad to surpass expectations.

For now, Flanagan remains committed to the Dragons, but the possibility of a future move highlights his standing as one of the most respected coaches in the NRL. Whether he stays or accepts a fresh opportunity elsewhere, his coaching expertise continues to be in high demand.