Dragons Coach Shane Flanagan Left ‘Amazed’ as Late Decision Haunts Their Chances

Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has taken a jab at the referees, expressing his disbelief at one particular call late in his team’s defeat to the Sharks.

For the third time this season, St George Illawarra squandered a 12-point advantage, falling short against their local rivals on Thursday evening.

The Dragons were ahead 18-6 at half-time but conceded four unanswered tries in the second half, allowing Cronulla to celebrate a victory on their home turf.

In his post-match comments, Flanagan acknowledged the good performance in the first half but lamented his side’s inability to maintain that intensity for the full 80 minutes.

“It was reminiscent of the first half, just with different jerseys,” he remarked.

“We played well in the first half and put up a strong fight – they just executed better.

“At a 12-point deficit and needing to score a last try, I understand our young half, Lyhkhan [King-Togia], wanting to make something happen … that’s a brave move from him.

“However, there were some decisions that left me astounded.”

When Flanagan was prompted to clarify whether his grievances were directed at his own players or the referees, he didn’t hold back.

“You were watching it too, weren’t you?” he replied.

“There was a kick-off you might want to review. The kick-off involving Moses Suli, there’s a red line there known as the 40-metre line.

“Moses Suli was on the other side of that 40-metre line. You can check it.”

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While Suli was near the ball, it was Luciano Leilua who actually knocked it back to a teammate, prior to referee Grant Atkins awarding a penalty against the Dragons.

At that stage, the Saints were only trailing by six points, with ample time remaining on the clock to equalise and possibly snatch a win.

Clint Gutherson appealed to Atkins, who informed the co-captain that the ball hadn’t crossed the red line, despite clear evidence in the replays refuting this.

Nine commentator Andrew Johns expressed his bewilderment over the decision, as Peter Psaltis swiftly noted that the Red V had already exhausted their captain’s challenge.

Just moments later, Sione Katoa sealed the game for Cronulla with a stunning 60-metre solo try.