Gorden Tallis has issued a warning to Dragons coach Shane Flanagan following the team's 30-18 loss to Cronulla, stating that Flanagan may risk losing his job if he doesn't drop his son Kyle from the squad.

The Dragons' performance in the 2025 NRL season has been inconsistent, with a significant defeat against the Dolphins and a loss to the Sharks despite previous wins over the Broncos and Knights. Kyle Flanagan, the team's halfback, struggled during the game, failing to make a significant impact in the second half.

While Flanagan had previously denied accusations of favoritism after dropping Kyle's halves partner Lachlan Ilias, Tallis emphasized that tough decisions may need to be made if Kyle's performance doesn't improve. Tallis drew on his own experience of being benched by his father during his playing career, highlighting the challenges of coaching a family member.

Former Dragons player James Graham raised concerns about the team's limited options in the halfback position, suggesting that Ilias could be a potential replacement. However, the issue of Kyle Flanagan being the coach's son remains a significant factor in the decision-making process.

Despite the criticism, Graham defended Flanagan by pointing out other mistakes made by the team during the game against the Sharks. With the Dragons currently on a bye, Flanagan has time to evaluate his next steps and address the team's performance moving forward.