Shane Flanagan admits to 'tricky' situation over selection of Dragons star Tyrell Sloan
St George Illawarra Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has masterminded his best result yet since taking over the club, defeating Melbourne 18-16 in Melbourne.
But there's a complex situation that faces Flanagan after Tyrell Sloan put in an inspired performance at the back.
Sloan was dropped to NSW Cup last week but earned a recall due to Mat Feagai's concussion.
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Post-game, Flanagan was asked about the performance of his fullback after he finished with a try and two line breaks.
Shane Flanagan has described the selection issue with Tyrell Sloan as "tricky". Getty
"It's a tricky one. I thought he had moments, some really good moments and some moments we'd like to tidy up," he said in his press conference.
"There's never been a question mark about Tyrell's talent especially with the football, so we just need to make sure he's focused on the other side of the game and that goes for the team as well. The team need to be good around him and I think they were tonight.
"It's good to see him back because he's a dangerous player and keeps opposition on their toes and we need that.
"He's a good kid and understands football and what he needs to do.
"It's a little bit harder to do sometimes, to go out there and make tackles and put yourself in front of Nelson Asofa-Solomona running hard ... he did a good job tonight and there's a challenge. It's on every week."
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Melbourne started the match in front after Harry Grant's try in the 14th minute.
However, the Dragons hit back with Jaydn Su'A and Sloan going over in quick succession.
A try to Melbourne winger Grant Anderson before half time meant the Dragons held a slim 12-10 lead at the break.
The Dragons were first over in the second half when Su'A grabbed his double.
Grant then claimed his second as well in the 59th minute to make it 18-16 but the score would stay the same to full time with the Dragons putting themselves well and truly in the hunt to play finals.
Along with the loss, Melbourne have two concerns from the game with Eli Katoa and Asofa-Solomona both on report.
