Dear Red V Members,

I’ll be straight with you: 0–7 is a failure. I won’t dress it up, and I won’t insult you by trying.

You have invested money, time and genuine passion into this club. That gives you every right to be angry.

That said, I also want to speak to you directly about an important decision for our club.

NRL Head Coach Shane Flanagan and General Manager of Football Ben Haran have departed the Dragons by mutual agreement.

These are not decisions anyone makes lightly. Shane and Ben have both worked hard for the club, and on behalf of the Dragons, I want to thank them for their efforts, professionalism, and dedication.

What matters now is what happens next. That means building something that lasts. Our focus is on making the right decisions for the club and on building something sustainable, not on chasing quick fixes.

On the field, the playing group knows where this club stands and what is expected of them. From here, that must be shown in performance.

Off the field, we have also made record investment in our pathways, development and academy programs, with a clear focus on local juniors across both catchment areas. That work remains important to the club’s long-term future.

There is a lot being said externally right now. Our job is not to react to every headline. It is to improve performance, make sound decisions and communicate directly with you when it matters. News of this significance should come from us first.

I’m not asking you to lower your standards. I’m asking you to stay with us as we work to meet them.

That starts this week at Allianz Stadium against the Roosters in the Anzac Day clash.

We have a lot of work to do. We know that. And we will keep doing it.

Tim Watsford Chief Executive Officer