Incoming St George Illawarra Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has reportedly gauged the interest of former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor in joining his coaching staff for the 2024 season.
Taylor, who is a lifelong Dragons fan, revealed on Channel 9 on Sunday that he had been approached by Flanagan to work as a leadership coach and assist in a non-football capacity.
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio said the decision to have Taylor join the coaching setup is a good one and speaks volumes to the faith the Dragons fans have in Flanagan.
“We all know that Tubby (Taylor) is a tragic Dragons fan,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“I was fortunate to attend a (Dragons) breakfast and it was basically Flanagan’s plan to drag the team out of the cellar.
“Also in the room was Mark Taylor who got up on stage and spoke about his passion for the Red V.
“Anytime you can get someone of Mark Taylor’s quality around your dressing room (and) especially with this leadership void around St George… is a great idea.
“When Ben Hunt doesn’t captain the Dragons, they are left to appoint Jack De Belin which is always a polarising decision.
“Then it’s left to Blake Lawrie who is emerging as a genuine and passionate leader.
“Mark Taylor’s influence in coming back to the club is a great idea.”
In other coaching news, former Dragons coach Paul McGregor is set to head up North to Townsville to join Cowboys coach Todd Payten for the 2024 season.
“It's a significant move,” Riccio added.
“He will make the venture up North to shake up Payten’s coaching staff (and) he’s a sharp thinker and terrific coach.
“The Cowboys are one club who we haven’t dissected enough in terms of their capitulation.
“Someone like Paul McGregor is a shrewd appointment.”
McGregor coached St George Illawarra for 151 games between 2014-2020 with a 46% winning record.