Flanagan extension questioned as Boyd, Warriors continue hot streak

The St George Illawarra Dragons’ winless start to the 2026 NRL season has sparked debate over the club's recruitment strategy and the long-term commitment to coach Shane Flanagan. Following a narrow loss to Parramatta, questions are being asked about the decision to lock in the premiership-winning mentor before seeing results on the field.

On the latest Kenty Blitz, Paul Crawley and Warren Livingstone tackle the biggest stories to come out of the weekend.

'Where was the fire?' Flanagan extension under scrutiny

‍Despite the Dragons’ competitive efforts, Paul Crawley questioned the logic behind granting Shane Flanagan a contract extension through 2028 after a 15th-place finish last year.

"Where was the fire? Why did the club have to go and give Flano an extension at the end of last year... when there was no one bashing down their door to get him?" Crawley asked.

"I understand that they’ve come out and said it gives them stability, but I just think it was a decision that was made in haste."

Crawley suggested that while Flanagan has the team playing hard, the roster lacks the necessary "strike in the backs" to compete with the top tier.

"He’s got his fingerprints over some of the decisions that have been made there, and I’m not sure they’re in the right direction."

Hopgood ACL blow sparks judiciary debate‍

The Dragons face further complications with Ryan Couchman referred directly to the judiciary for a tackle that left Parramatta’s Jermaine Hopgood with a season-ending ACL injury.

While some argued the tackle lacked intent, Crawley noted the high price paid by the victim.

"There’s a young man that’s paid the price for a tackle that we do know is dangerous," Crawley said, referencing Hopgood's long journey from Hervey Bay to the NRL.

He also noted the irony of the situation for Couchman.

"I feel really sorry for Couchman, who’s just returned from an ACL himself... he knows what Jermaine Hopgood would be going through."

Broncos "petty" snub of club legend

‍The ongoing feud between the Brisbane Broncos and Gordon Tallis reached a new low following reports the club removed the legend's name from a meeting room.

Crawley joined a chorus of former players in defending Tallis's right to an opinion.

"No bloke administrator up there... is ever going to give that club what Gordon Tallis gave that club," Crawley stated.

"He won three premierships, he won a Clive Churchill medal, he was the captain of the Broncos and he deserves the respect. What they did here was just petty."

Warriors' coaching masterclass: the rise of Tannah Boyd‍

In contrast to the struggles elsewhere, the New Zealand Warriors are reaping the rewards of Andrew Webster’s coaching.

With Luke Metcalf sidelined, Tannah Boyd has emerged as a dominant force in the halves.

"It’s just proof of great coaching that’s going on over there at the Warriors," Crawley observed.

"There’s no way in the world on what we’ve seen so far you can drop Tanner Boyd... he is a natural seven."

Nathan Cleary "on a different planet"

‍The episode also highlighted the incredible form of Penrith's Nathan Cleary, who has started the season in dominant fashion.

Crawley noted that the Panthers' skipper appears to have reached a new level following the disappointment of last year.

"Cleary has come back this year and he just has taken his game to another level," Crawley said.

"In that game against the Roosters on the weekend... Cleary absolutely [stood up]."