Despite recently inking a two-year extension to remain coach until 2028, Shane Flanagan is reportedly struggling to maintain the faith of his playing group.
Speaking on a recent episode of NRL 360, senior rugby league journalist Brent Read revealed that tensions have begun to rise in Kogarah after another lacklustre season for the Dragons.
"Things aren't going great at the moment," he said.
"I've heard that some players are unhappy.
"That's why players are leaving, because they're not happy with how things are going."
Ahead of the 2026 season, Dragons' departures include Jack De Belin, Sione Finau, Jonah Glover, Finau Latu and Mikaele Ravalawa.
Meanwhile, their notable signings list is considerably shorter, with Daniel Atkinson and Josh Kerr set to arrive at season's end.
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Why the Dragons are the NRL's sleeping giant
One of rugby league's most storied franchises has seen little success over the past decade.
The Dragons have been to the finals just once since 2015, and have cycled through three head coaches and two interim coaches during that span.
Flanagan's arrival in 2024 brought an air of excitement to the club because of his premiership credentials with the Sharks.
However, after an 11th placed finish in his first campaign, and in all-likelihood a 15th placed finish this season, enthusiasm has begun to stall.
Canberra's run to the minor premiership has proven that having the ability to unlock an unproven core of young talent can take a club from perceived bottom dwellers to genuine contenders.
It could be argued that amongst the current top-30 lists across the league, St. George Illawarra boast the second-most enticing crop of young superstars - only behind the aforementioned Raiders.
The players either on full or developmental NRL deals in the Dragons setup who are currently 21-years-of-age or younger include; Ryan Couchman, Toby Couchman, Dylan Egan, Loko Pasifiki Tonga, Hamish Stewart, Nick Tsougranis, Corey Ackers, Jacob Halangahu, Lyhkan King-Togia, and Hayden Buchanan.
Shane Flanagan has been forced to blood almost all of these rising prospects at some point throughout this season.
Whilst their overall lack of experience may have contributed to the Dragons lack of success in 2025, this process has put them in good stead for the coming years.
If head of recruitment Daniel Anderson is able to supplement this squad with veterans that still fit their timeline, there is no telling how far this roster could go.
The pipeline of talent in the Dragons pathways is another source of untapped potential. They preside over the South Coast of New South Wales, spanning from Sydney's southern suburbs, down toward Batemans Bay.
To maximise those development systems would be to rival the success that's been seen at other stops around the league such as Penrith.
If Flanagan is able to navigate these uncertain waters placed in front of him, he could be at the forefront of a movement which awakens one of the NRL's biggest sleeping giants.