Why Flanagan feels 'sorry' for son Kyle following contract extension

Shane Flanagan will remain the coach of St George Illawarra after signing an extension on his coaching contract.

The 2016 premiership-winning coach has re-signed with the club for a further two years, which will now take him to 2028.

In a statement released by the club, Dragons CEO Tim Watsford was pleased that Flanagan had agreed to the extension, believing he fits into the long-term vision of the club.

“Shane has played a critical role in setting the foundation for where this club is heading,” he said.

“He’s re-instilled belief in our playing group, coaches and supporters together with reiterating the privilege of wearing the Red V.”

Speaking exclusively on SEN Afternoons with Joel Caine, Flanagan said that he was honoured and privileged to remain as coach.

"I take it as an honour and a privilege to coach the Dragons or coaching any NRL club," he said.

"I'm in charge of a lot of young men but also responsible for getting the Dragons back up the ladder, which is a great challenge."

Flanagan was also asked questions about his son Kyle who currently plays as the starting halfback for the side.

In the No. 7 jersey, he has faced plenty of criticism with some believing that he is being afforded opportunities due to his surname.

However, Shane feels sorry for Kyle believing that despite the critics he has had a great season.

“It’s been tricky, but I can handle it,” Shane said.

“They can throw as much mud as you like at me, and it won’t stick.

“I feel sorry for Kyle as he has had a good year. He works his butt off, tries that hard week in and week out.

“Kyle wasn’t brought here to be our NRL halfback. When he came here, Ben Hunt was the halfback, and we know what happened there.

“So, we’ve had to shuffle the decks really quickly and, whether he’s my son or not, if anyone watches, he has done a really good job this year.

“He can play hooker, he can play halfback, he can play five-eighth. So down the track, I’m not quite sure where he will end up. But at the moment, he is doing a really good job.

“And you know, yeah, he’s got the same surname as me, but he doesn’t get any favours from me.

“He’s up for a big finish to the year."

Earlier in the show, Caine reacted to the news believing that it was the right decision for the club noting that Flanagan's previous premiership with the Sharks is a desirable trait that not many clubs have with their head coaches.

“Yeah, I think so,” Caine said.

“There’s not a lot of premiership coaches lying around.

“He took the Sharks to their first ever premiership so he can win, he can get it done.”

This season, the Dragons have flirted with the top eight, but after a four-game loss streak before their last game against Parramatta, they now sit 11th on the ladder and are three games adrift from the top eight.

Their next match is against the Sharks on Saturday afternoon at Jubilee Park.