Recruitment and Retention for 2026

[Mailroomsgi]

Burton turns 18 in 2027 so he won’t be a first grade option at that stage, that’s the last year of gutho’s deal anyway

2028 could be an awkward year wirh burton still being very young and you wouldn’t want to throw him in too early like we did with sloan although you don’t want to sign a fullback who could block his path and make him leave

Will just have to see how it plays out, they might even put him on the wing or in the centres to start his career then transition to fullback after a year or 2

 

[Morgan]

Burton turns 18 in 2027 so he won’t be a first grade option at that stage, that’s the last year of gutho’s deal anyway

2028 could be an awkward year wirh burton still being very young and you wouldn’t want to throw him in too early like we did with sloan although you don’t want to sign a fullback who could block his path and make him leave

Will just have to see how it plays out, they might even put him on the wing or in the centres to start his career then transition to fullback after a year or 2

So Burton is 16 playing in the NSW CCC or CHS U18s? Isn't that almost unheard of?
I don't think Sloan was thrown in too early. He doesn't have the game for NRL. Too quiet, too slight, not willing to put his body on the line enough. Holmes might be ok to sign an extension for another year and play fullback. I don't think Gutho will be able to do that. Not a good enough athlete to play well into his 30s.

 

[Edward]

Which of LPT, Stewart, Couchmans, Cyrus Stanley-Traill in 2027? I'd add Liu to that as well.

I think we can say the first 4 of those are going to be very good, long-term first graders. Still too early to say about the last 2 but I'm backing both if they have the motivation and discipline to do the hard work.

 

[Mug Fan]

Just a Mug Fan can you clarify, if we currently have 28 positions locked in for top 30, or does Lawson grab spot 29 now or next year he grabs a top30 spot.

We have 28 signed to top 30, also because we had 30 we don't have to but can replace them by June 30.

 

[Wild383]

We have 28 signed to top 30, also because we had 30 we don't have to but can replace them by June 30.

Interested to see what shuffling will take place and if anything does come about involving Latu and some kind of swap.

 

[Ryan]

Anyone watching the Cronulla - NZ game? I hope Atkinson can be a good game managing halfback for 2 years before Reed takes over because he isn't quick enough to be a good 5/8.

 

[Dave03]

If we're unable to sign a good middle for 26 would we trial Su'a in the middle? A bit like Koala from souths...a bit more wild imo. Egan should lock up left edge & potentially Ryan the other edge imo.

 

[Justadragon]

Cobbo looks as though he's on the outer at Brisbane, is he worth a look ? Just asking.

 

[Dragon David]

Cobbo looks as though he's on the outer at Brisbane, is he worth a look ? Just asking.

He will end up like Luc and Lawrie and to me he is a poor communicator and somehow won't fit into the clubs culture in my opinion Justa.

 

[Justadragon]

He will end up like Luc and Lawrie and to me he is a poor communicator and somehow won't fit into the clubs culture in my opinion Justa.

Yeah you're probably right Dave, But he reminds me of Sloan, all the talent in the world but falling from grace.

 

[Edward]

He will end up like Luc and Lawrie and to me he is a poor communicator and somehow won't fit into the clubs culture in my opinion Justa.

Very talented but unless he's going to play prop, I think the Dragons shouldn't make a play for him. First thing Flanno needs to do is put Luch on a diet and inform him he's not going to play first grade until he is under a certain weight. A few kgs lighter than he is now.

 

[Justadragon]

Very talented but unless he's going to play prop, I think the Dragons shouldn't make a play for him. First thing Flanno needs to do is put Luch on a diet and inform him he's not going to play first grade until he is under a certain weight. A few kgs lighter than he is now.

Didn't Bennett do that to one of his forwards ?

 

[Edward]

Didn't Bennett do that to one of his forwards ?

Did he? Not sure. Been a while since he coached us and I haven't followed since. I really don't know.

 

[jodragon40]

Anyone watching the Cronulla - NZ game? I hope Atkinson can be a good game managing halfback for 2 years before Reed takes over because he isn't quick enough to be a good 5/8.

Atkinson is a 6 so in my view we will have 3 x 666. The number 666 in my Catholic faith in part means a message from the Angels to refocus and prioritize your goals. Very befitting considering our current situation. Sermon over. Amen

 

[RedV01]

Atkinson is a 6 so in my view we will have 3 x 666. The number 666 in my Catholic faith in part means a message from the Angels to refocus and prioritize your goals. Very befitting considering our current situation. Sermon over. Amen

Atkinson, LKT and......? Flanangan?

 

[jodragon40]

Atkinson, LKT and......? Flanangan?

All are 6s not 1 7 amongst them

 

[RedVictory]

Liddle extends

 

[Wild383]

The big one I was pretty confident about, and certainly hoping for, fan favourite Liddle officially extends until 2028! Very happy about this one, well deserved!

Liddle Extends till 2028

 

[Edward]

Liddle extends

3 more years! So much for him being unhappy due to limited time on the field.

 

[Dave03]

You bloody beauty!