St George Illawarra’s coach, Shane Flanagan, eagerly awaited the end of the Anzac Day clash with the Roosters, a match that ended in a demoralizing 60-18 defeat for the Dragons at Accor Stadium. Flanagan could only watch from the coaches’ box, his head in his hands, as the Roosters dominated the game, scoring 10 tries, all converted by the impressive Sam Walker.
The loss was particularly disheartening for the Dragons, coming on the heels of a surprising victory over the Warriors just a week prior. The team had earned praise from critics who had previously doubted their abilities. However, any momentum gained from that win quickly dissipated as the Roosters asserted their dominance on the field.
Flanagan expressed his disappointment after the game, acknowledging that the Dragons had started reasonably well but struggled to match the Roosters’ intensity. He noted the Roosters’ superior athleticism and performance in key areas of the game, highlighting their ability to win collisions, contests on the ground, and outpace the Dragons.
The coach was candid about the team’s regression, stating that the performance was not reflective of the Dragons’ capabilities. He contrasted the defeat with the team’s impressive display against the Warriors, emphasizing the need for consistency in their performances.
The Dragons’ difficulties began from the start, with center Moses Suli being knocked out while attempting to tackle Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in the opening play of the game. Captain Ben Hunt acknowledged that losing a key player so early in the game had a significant impact on the team’s morale.
Looking ahead, the Dragons will face the Sharks in their next match. The team will be eager to bounce back from their disappointing performance against the Roosters and rediscover the form that saw them secure a notable victory just a week earlier.
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