On Monday morning, the St George Illawarra Dragons announced they would be parting ways with head coach Shane Flanagan, alongside General Manager of Football Ben Haran.
The past nine months at the Red V have been bleak both on and off the field, marked by 11 consecutive losses and growing unrest among parts of the club's young playing group.
With pressure mounting in the Illawarra, attention now turns to who will be entrusted with steering the Dragons out of their current slump.
Here are NINE contenders for the club's next head coaching role in the NRL.
2. Ben Hornby
Much like Benji Marshall at the Wests Tigers, Ben Hornby represents a chance to restore the club's identity while leading a much-needed cultural reset.
A familiar face with deep ties to the St George Illawarra Dragons, Hornby shapes as a compelling candidate.
The premiership-winning halfback played 273 games for the Red V and remains a respected figure within the club's history, particularly given his strong connection to the Illawarra region.
Currently serving as an assistant coach at the South Sydney Rabbitohs, his exposure to Wayne Bennett's system adds significant weight to his credentials, widely regarded as one of the most effective for rebuilding struggling clubs.
He also gained valuable experience stepping into an interim head coaching role in 2024, further strengthening his case as a well-rounded option ready to take the next step.
