Dual-code legend Mat Rogers has slammed the NRL’s merger golf equipment the Tigers and Dragons, with each groups at present battling to win the wood spoon.
The Tigers have been shaped on the finish of the 1999 NRL season, with each the Balmain Tigers and Western Suburbs Magpies merging to type the Leichhardt-based membership.
Meanwhile, the Dragons have been based in 1998 and characterize each the St George Dragons and Illawarra Steelers.
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Both golf equipment have endured turbulents seasons in recent times and the noise has solely continued to develop in 2023.
The Dragons sacked Anthony Griffin mid-season and have employed skilled coach Shane Flanagan for 2024, whereas star halfback Ben Hunt is determined to depart the Red V.
The Tigers have been additionally flogged 74-0 in Round 18, the most important ever loss within the NRL period, with rugby league pundits calling for Tim Sheens to step down from his publish.
For Rogers, who performed 200 NRL video games for the Sharks and Titans, it’s no shock that the 2 golf equipment fastened on the backside of the ladder the place those that merged within the 90s.
“It’s no coincidence that the two clubs that are really struggling are four clubs that have been made into two,” Rogers mentioned on SEN 1170.
“Wests and Balmain (forming the Tigers) and Illawarra Steelers and St George Dragons (forming the Dragons).
“There’s obviously something that is happening, behind closed doors at executive management level that just has the inability for (the Dragons and Tigers) to run smoothly.
“This involves all operations, recruitment and managing the salary cap.”
Rogers’ feedback come after Tigers chair Lee Hagipantelis reportedly stormed out of a charity fundraiser on Friday after he was slammed by veteran broadcaster Alan Jones.
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St George Dragons Press Conference | 06:42
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The pair have been amongst a crowd of round 650 NRL figures from membership CEOs to coaches and gamers who gathered to boost funds for Daniel Anderson.
Jones was requested in regards to the Tigers’ state of affairs throughout an on-stage interview and reportedly mentioned “fish rots from the head” which was “enough for me to leave” in accordance with Hagipantelis.
Meanwhile, Rogers believes Flanagan has an enormous job on his fingers to vary the fortunes of the Dragons.
“If you think Shane Flanagan is going to be a miracle worker at the Dragons, you’re kidding yourself,” Rogers mentioned.
“He’s not going to make a lick of difference while that board is still there.”
He additionally questioned why free brokers David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui would make the transfer to the Red V after it emerged the membership would pursue the star duo.
“Why would you even consider going to the Dragons? There’s only so much money,” he mentioned.
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
