3 minute read
St George Illawarra’s heavy loss and Gutherson injury have intensified pressure on Shane Flanagan and fast-tracked a potential move for Trai Fuller.
Shane Flanagan has apologised to St George Illawarra supporters after the Dragons slumped to a 32-0 defeat against North Queensland, their fifth straight loss, in a performance that drew boos at half-time and full-time.
The coach acknowledged the side's lack of cohesion and confidence, admitting the display fell well short of expectations. He said the team appeared disconnected at times, with poor execution and little fluency, and conceded he did not yet have immediate answers but needed to find them quickly.
The loss was compounded by a hamstring injury to co-captain Clint Gutherson, who limped from the field at full-time and could face time on the sidelines. His absence may accelerate the club's reported pursuit of Dolphins fullback Trai Fuller.
According to Code Sports, the Dragons are in discussions with the Dolphins about triggering a clause that would allow Fuller to leave immediately if offered a deal above a set salary threshold. Fuller is currently behind Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the pecking order and is off-contract at the end of the season, though the Dolphins are considering an extension.
Any mid-season move could depend on whether St George Illawarra are prepared to offer a longer-term deal beyond 2026. Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf's side are reportedly reluctant to lose Fuller but may have limited power if the clause is activated.
Gutherson indicated he would not stand in the way of the move, reiterating his willingness to play in any position. The veteran fullback, contracted until the end of 2027, has faced scrutiny over his form and could be shifted to the halves or centres if the club opts to inject more speed into the backline.
Flanagan has previously stressed the need for greater pace, and Fuller's potential arrival would address that concern. However, defensive issues remain pressing after North Queensland ran in six unanswered tries, with Scott Drinkwater, Jaxon Purdue and Jake Clifford heavily involved in the rout.
The Dragons now face mounting pressure to halt their slide and restore confidence as the season threatens to drift further off course.