Flanagan hauls in Dragons players for crisis meetings, Tonga release request denied
Updated ,first published
Embattled St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has hauled in almost a dozen players for crisis meetings that could determine whether they have a future at the club.
One of them was promising prop Loko Pasifiki Tonga, whose request for a release was denied, prompting his manager to sensationally label the club’s stance as “demoralising” and “detrimental to Loko’s development and mental wellbeing”.
In a group message sent to the squad on Wednesday morning – and obtained by this masthead – Flanagan directed 10 players to meet with him during the course of the day.
Tonga, Hame Sele, Damien Cook, Christian Tuipolutu, Jayd’n Su’A were called in for the first series of meetings. Setu Tu, David Fale, Kyle Flanagan, Daniel Atkinson and Valentine Holmes were required for a second set of interviews with the coach.
“Morning men,” Flanagan wrote. “Before your 1st meeting today can I see the following for 5 min
Loko
Hame
Cook
CT
Sua
During the day
Setu
David F
Kyle
Atko
Val
Thanks SF”
The Dragons have a recruitment freeze that has left the futures of off-contract players Cook, Tyrell Sloan, Tuipulotu, Emre Guler, Sele, Luciano Leilua, Mat Feagai and Nathan Lawson in limbo.
Tonga is contracted until the end of next season, but is frustrated he hasn’t been able to add to his 10 first-grade appearances so far this year. Despite being winless, the Dragons continue to overlook the Australian Schoolboys and the NSW under-19s State of Origin representative, prompting him to want to explore opportunities elsewhere.
This masthead has obtained a copy of the written request Tonga’s manager, Craig Clifton, sent to the Red V.
“This request is not made lightly,” Clifton wrote to chief operating officer Ben Creagh and football manager Ben Haran on Tuesday afternoon.
“However, following extensive discussions with Loko regarding his current standing within the club and his future career trajectory, it has become evident that his continued tenure at the Dragons is no longer tenable or beneficial for either party.
“Loko has expressed deep and growing frustration regarding his lack of selection in first grade this season. Despite his undeniable potential and proven capabilities, he has not been afforded a genuine opportunity to build upon the 10 NRL appearances he made in 2025.
“As a 20-year-old prop forward who has already represented the Australian Schoolboys and the NSW under-19s State of Origin team, consistent first-grade football is critical for his development.”
Clifton said Tonga’s frustration was compounded by “exceptional” performance in reserve grade, that warranted NRL selection, and that his average of 179.3 run metres per game put him on par with some of the league’s best forwards.
“His dominance was most recently highlighted in round 6 against the Sea Eagles, where he scored a try and amassed a staggering game-high 252 run metres – nearly 100 metres more than any other player on the field. Despite these commanding performances and his near 98 per cent tackle efficiency in the NRL last year, he remains overlooked for first-grade selection.”
Clifton said Tonga had mixed support from coaching staff, with some holding reservations while others were very supportive of him.
“This becomes confusing and somewhat demoralising and it appears to some he does not feature in the club’s long-term strategic plans for first grade,” Clifton said. “While we appreciate the candour, it reinforces our position that Loko is currently in an environment where he is neither valued nor viewed as a genuine first-grade prospect.
“Staying at a club where his pathway is blocked and his contributions are undervalued is detrimental to Loko’s development and mental wellbeing. He requires an environment that believes in his ability and is willing to invest in his growth by providing consistent NRL opportunities.
“From the club’s perspective, granting permission to negotiate and subsequently facilitating a release will free up valuable salary cap space and a Top 30 roster spot for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, allowing you to recruit players who better align with the club’s vision for the squad.
“We respectfully request that the club grant Loko permission to speak with other NRL clubs immediately on compassionate and professional grounds, allowing him to explore opportunities with a club that will provide him with the first-grade pathway his form demands …”
Creagh responded in writing, assuring Clifton that Tonga was a valued member of the club and denying the release request. That prompted further correspondence from Clifton, who doubled down on a release request after labelling the situation “untenable”.
“While I note your written assurances that the Dragons hold Loko in high regard and see a genuine pathway for him, the reality of his situation at the club directly contradicts these sentiments,” Clifton wrote.
“Words mean very little when they are not supported by action.”
Clifton said no one at the club had spoken to Tonga about his concerns in the week since they were first raised, and that “this deafening silence speaks volumes about where he actually sits in the club’s priorities.”
“Furthermore, your assertion that he has a genuine pathway is entirely undermined by the public comments made by your head coach. Following the team’s recent loss, Shane Flanagan publicly stated regarding squad changes: ‘If I had someone that was better out of the side, I would put them in, trust me.’”
Clifton said Flanagan’s comments were a clear and public declaration that Tonga was not viewed as a first-grade option by the man picking the team.
“You cannot tell us privately that he is a valued part of your future while the head coach states publicly that he has no better options to call upon. The contradiction is glaring, and it is entirely unfair to expect a 20-year-old player of Loko’s calibre to languish in an environment where his pathway is so clearly blocked.
“Our position has not changed. The current situation is untenable and detrimental to Loko’s career. We are formally reiterating our demand for immediate permission for Loko to speak and negotiate with other NRL clubs.
“We expect a prompt and realistic resolution to this matter.”
The flashpoint between the bottom-placed club and one of its most promising stars comes just days after Maroons forward Jaydn Su’A opted not to take up an extension option, to instead link with Parramatta from next season. The Eels want Su’A to join immediately if the Dragons allow a release.
The Dragons have been contacted for comment.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.