Dragons' Coaching Exodus Continues as Michael Ennis Departs After Flanagan Axing
In a significant development for the St George Illawarra Dragons, assistant coach Michael Ennis has reportedly departed the club, marking another chapter in the ongoing fallout from Shane Flanagan's recent dismissal. This move comes just one day after the club officially severed ties with Flanagan and head of football Ben Haran, highlighting a period of turmoil for the NRL side.
Ennis, who was appointed as the attacking coach only months ago, leaves after a brief tenure. He had joined the Dragons at the start of the season, following his departure from Manly last year. During his decorated playing career, Ennis spent one season with the Dragons, and he shared a close relationship with Flanagan, having played under him at Cronulla when they secured the premiership in 2016.
Dean Young Steps Up to Lead Dragons for Remainder of Season
The shock departure of Ennis follows the club's confirmation that assistant coach Dean Young will take the reins for the remainder of the season. This decision was made after the Dragons went nearly 12 hours without a head coach on Monday, a situation precipitated by an 11-game losing streak that led to Flanagan's exit.
Chief executive Tim Watsford emphasized Young's deep connection to the club, stating, "Dean understands this club better than most. He has a deep connection to the Dragons and the respect of our players and staff." Young's immediate challenge is to prepare the winless Dragons for their crucial Anzac Day clash against the Sydney Roosters, a game that could define their season.
Dragons Face Uphill Battle to Avoid Wooden Spoon
With only seven rounds completed, the Dragons are already two wins behind the 16th-placed Gold Coast Titans, putting them in a fierce battle to avoid their first last-placed finish since the joint venture with the Steelers began in 1999. Prior to the current 11-game losing streak, the Dragons had never lost more than eight consecutive games as a joint venture.
Young's task is monumental, but he might draw inspiration from Kieran Foran's recent success at Manly. Foran, who was untested as a head coach when appointed after Anthony Seibold's firing, has led the Sea Eagles to three consecutive wins, propelling them to sixth place on the ladder. Both Young and Foran share similarities, having played in their respective club's last premiership teams over a decade ago.
Young's Coaching Experience and Future Prospects
Unlike Foran, Young brings extensive assistant coaching experience to the role. He previously served as interim coach when Paul McGregor was fired in 2020 and was part of Todd Payten's coaching staff at North Queensland for three seasons, including their near-grand final run in 2022. Young and his 2010 premiership teammate Ben Hornby are considered potential candidates for the full-time coaching position in 2027.
Chairman Andrew Lancaster acknowledged the pressure ahead, saying, "Whoever takes control of this club understands that there will be a significant amount of pressure and expectation, and rightly so." As Young navigates this challenging period, he may look to emulate Foran's strategies to turn around the Dragons' fortunes and avoid a wooden spoon finish.
