Why Dragons CEO backs Reed debut

Dragons CEO Tim Watsford has backed Dean Young and Kade Reed after the interim coach decided to select the 20-year-old as the starting halfback over Kyle Flanagan.

It’s been a week of absolute chaos for the Dragons, who, after starting the season 0-7, sacked under-pressure coach Shane Flanagan on Monday.

One of the main sticking points during Flanagan’s tenure as coach had been the use of his son Kyle as the club’s No. 7 from 2025 following Ben Hunt’s departure.

On The Dragons Den Podcast, last July, Watsford said that the club would be looking to sign a halfback during the off-season, but nothing came of it with Flanagan remaining as the starter.

With their poor form alongside Young wanting to shake things up, Flanagan’s spot at halfback has been taken up by the 20-year-old in Reed, with Kyle now on the bench.

When asked whether there was anyone to blame for their lack of recruitment, Watsford didn't feel there was anyone specific to blame.

But he did throw his support behind Young's decision.

“It's not so much about appointing blame,” he told SEN’s Kick Off.

“If a club starts to pick teams and rosters, then we're in some real trouble.

“I think the head coach and coaching staff have the responsibility of putting the team out in the paddock each week.

“I think when I came online and early on, I said, yes, we're after some halves amongst other positions.

"But look, we're at a position where we are. You know, Kyle did a job. Deano (has) got a separate view on the direction we're going forward.

“Now, we get behind Deano, and this weekend Kade Reed makes his debut and fingers crossed, he has a blinder.”

The Dragons’ next feature on ANZAC Day against the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.

SEN League will have live coverage of the match beginning from 3pm AEST across our radio network and on the SEN app.

Kick-off taking place at 4:05pm.