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 the Dragons now confirming the appointment of assistant coach Dean Young as the interim coach for the remainder of the 2026 season, attention now turns to who will secure the role long term.

Here are NINE contenders for the next permanent head coaching role in the NRL.

8. Jason Demetriou

The St George Illawarra Dragons have endured years of mediocrity, but a potential blueprint for change is emerging in England, where Jason Demetriou has taken the London Broncos by storm in 2026, guiding them to an unbeaten 8-0 start in the Betfred Championship.

Demetriou is no stranger to the NRL, having coached the South Sydney Rabbitohs from 2022 to midway through 2024, including a preliminary final appearance in his first season.

Before that, he was part of the North Queensland Cowboys staff during their 2015 premiership-winning campaign.

He has consistently embraced challenging roles, including his current position as PNG Kumuls coach, and is known for building strong connections within clubs and communities.

His attacking influence was also evident during his time at the Brisbane Broncos, where the side ranked among the competition's best offensively.

Importantly, Demetriou already has ties to the Dragons, having coached the Illawarra Cutters to a premiership in 2016 and previously serving as an assistant under Paul McGregor — experience that could prove valuable in any potential rebuild.

2 COMMENTS

  1. OK, so we are talking about a long-term coach, yes ? Not simply someone who can step in for the rest of the season.

    For an interim coach, you can rule out anyone who has already contracted as a head coach for this season: Brad Arthur, Jason Demetriou

    Ben Hornby, Matt King and John Morris _might_ get releases, but realistically I can’t see their bosses letting any of them go.

    Dean Young, Michael Ennis – well, they can step up, but would either be the right man for the job. You can’t heap the blame for SGI performance entirely on Mr Flanagan. They have to wear some of the opprobrium too.

    Kevin Walters No. Selwyn Cobbo said he was a nice guy, but no great shakes as a coach. The Broncos fined him for that; and then sacked Kevvie anyway. History does not reveal whether or not they reimbursed Selwyn’s fine.

    Ben Teo – available, and has a good reputation. He should be a DEFINITE contender.

    For 2027 and beyond:

    Dean Young and Michael Ennis – too closely associated with Mr Flanagan.

    Brad Arthur – spent a decade taking Parramatta nowhere. Success in Super League does not translate to success in the NRL

    Jason Demetriou – As with Brad Arthur; Super League success is no guarantee.

    Ben Hornby and Matt King. Maybe, but I can’t see any compelling reason

    Kevin Walters – proven that he is a good Rep team coach. Unfortunately, he has also proven he is not a good week-in-week-out team coach.

    John Morris – short-changed at the Sharks (he’d make a good replacement for Craig
    Fitzgibbon) he is a DEFINITE candidate.

    Ben Te’o – another DEFINITE candidate.

    But Magdalena, you have missed out a coach that is available now, has worked in the NRL and has a great personality to aid him winning over the dressing room, as well as having no dues to pay to anyone in the club.

    For both the Interim and Permanent head coach role, who could be better than LEE ADDISON ?