The Mole: Mass player cleanout looms as 'poorly run' Dragons scramble for answers
Shane Flanagan may be in the crosshairs at the moment - but it's the underperforming Dragons players who will be the big losers unless they turn their season around.
Wide World of Sports has learned that the St George Illawarra board has had enough - and a mass cleanout is planned for next season.
There are 11 members of the Dragons' top 30 squad who are coming off contract in November and most will be told they are free to leave.
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Included in the list are big names Damien Cook, Jaydn Su'A, Luciano Leilua, Tyrell Sloan, Blake Lawrie and Christian Tuipulotu.
Tyrell Sloan of the Dragon. Getty
"There's no doubt the roster is one of our main problems," a Dragons source told Wide World of Sports.
"We can't do much about it now but we certainly can for 2027."
Flanagan has been given a temporary stay of execution by the board despite the club's worst start in the joint venture's history.
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But if the Dragons keep losing - the streak now extends nine games and over 250 days - it's only a matter of time before the board caves to public pressure, with fans in Wollongong and St George fed up with the mediocrity at a once big club.
"Everyone talks about fixing things but they are all to scared to actually do anything about it," a source close to the board told Wide World of Sports.
"The club is being poorly run from the top and that is flowing right down through the ranks."
'WORRYING' FALL FOR NRLW STAR
Maddie Studdon. Getty
Controversial NRLW player Maddie Studdon has left her job at Sydney Ferries after being sent a show cause letter warning that she may be dismissed.
The letter was sent after Studdon, who worked as a deck hand on the ferries - did not fill several shifts.
It's the latest incident in Studdon 's life as she attempts to get career back on track.
Studdon is currently serving a two-year intensive correction order – a form of punishment which is served in the community – after she was found guilty of stalking her former partner.
She has since claimed her ex-partner assaulted her, a case that won't be heard until later in the year.
Her ex-partner has pleaded not guilty and will defend the charges at a local court hearing on October 15.
WIGAN STAR ACCUSED OF UGLY ACT
Wigan player Brad O'Neill. CameraSport via Getty Images
An English player has been referred to Super League's match review panel after he was accused of spitting at an opponent during a fiery Wigan-St Helens clash last weekend.
Early in the game, several players clashed in a melee, with Wigan hooker Brad O'Neill placed on report by the referee.
O'Neill has been referred for further investigation by the match review panel after the allegation of spitting against him.
It must be stressed that at this point O'Neill has not been found guilty.
St Helens have been asked to provide further evidence to prove the allegation.
BEARS SET SIGHTS ON SPEEDSTER
Charlie Staines during his time with the Tigers. Getty
Former NRL journeyman Charlie Staines could be the Perth Bears' next signing.
Stains, the 26-year-old former Panther and Tiger, is currently playing for Catalans Dragons in Super League.
A handy centre, wing or fullback, he has scored six tries in his eight games for Catalans and is enjoying the change of scenery.
He's in the first season of a three-year deal but reportedly has a get-out clause to return to the NRL should an opportunity arise.
