Tensions have reached boiling point at the St George Illawarra Dragons as a wave of player unrest has erupted following a controversial and unexpected club decision that has left senior figures within the playing group furious and blindsided.
Multiple sources within the Dragons camp have confirmed that a full-scale player revolt is unfolding after the club made the shock call to terminate the contract of veteran forward Blake Lawton, a well-respected leader within the squad and a mentor to many of the club’s younger talents. The decision was reportedly made without consultation with the team leadership group, sparking internal outrage and a breakdown in communication between players and management.
“We Weren’t Even Told”
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, one senior player revealed the extent of the discontent inside the locker room.
“It’s a betrayal, plain and simple. Blake is one of the most respected blokes in the game. To axe him mid-season, out of nowhere, with no warning — we weren’t even told until it was already done,” the player said. “If they can do that to someone like him, what does it say about the rest of us?”
Players were reportedly informed of Lawton’s departure via an internal email late on Monday night, sparking fury among senior squad members who had rallied around Lawton following a difficult start to the season.
Coach and Board Under Fire
Coach Dean Young, who only recently took over full-time coaching duties, has come under fire for failing to stand up for his senior player. Some insiders believe the call came directly from club executives, bypassing the coaching staff entirely — a move that has only widened the rift between players and the front office.
Club CEO Murray Wallace defended the move in a brief media statement, saying:
“This was a difficult but necessary football decision made with the club’s long-term direction in mind. We acknowledge Blake’s contributions and wish him well.”
But that explanation has done little to calm the internal storm. It’s understood that several players are now considering their futures with the club, and emergency meetings between the playing group and club management are scheduled for later this week.
A Club Already Under Pressure
The Dragons have had a turbulent 2025 season, struggling for consistency and languishing outside the top eight. While young talent has emerged — including breakout halfback Jayden Ferrell — the team has lacked cohesion and leadership, roles many believed Lawton helped to fill off the field.
Now, with morale plummeting, insiders fear this latest saga could derail the remainder of the season entirely.
“There’s no trust,” one insider said. “Players are rattled, and the leadership group has lost faith in the decision-makers. It’s a toxic environment right now.”
Fans React with Fury
The backlash hasn’t been limited to the locker room. Dragons fans flooded social media with messages of support for Lawton and anger toward club officials. The hashtag #StandWithBlake was trending nationally by Tuesday morning.
“Lawton bleeds red and white. To dump him like this shows how out of touch the board is,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “No heart, no loyalty.”
What’s Next?
The Dragons board has yet to confirm whether further changes are imminent, but there is growing speculation that player-manager tensions could force early exits or contract renegotiations for several key figures.
If the revolt continues, the Dragons could face more than just another disappointing season — they may be staring down a complete culture collapse.
One thing is clear: St George Illawarra is facing one of its biggest internal crises in years, and the fallout could shape the club’s future for seasons to come.
