Recruitment and Retention for 2026

RedVHeartbeat

SGI NSW Cup
That’ll be hard to replace considering what he’s done with the tools he had
Could say same of Deano. Some blokes are natural tacklers, like he was, some arent. Unfortunately a good percentage of guys we have had here for past 5 yrs lack that natural defensive instinct while some others have been plain lazy. You can bet Deano tears whats left of his hair from the roots when he sees some of our abysmal middle and online defense. Having said that, was hoping Jack had've played out his career with us then stayed on as our defense coach.
 
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Eric

Staff
And Soward left on bad terms as well, lets not all forget Craig Young :)
There was a story around the middle of this season where apparently only a handful of old boys turned up for some reunion. Mug Fan Mug Fan confirmed it was total BS. Only Sowie and Coops didn't turn up out of spite. Sowie is salty about failing as a coach. The club gave him every opportunity and when he gets over it and if he can swallow his pride, he'll come to thank the club for giving him a chance. Not sure what Coops problem is. Craig Young reached the end of his tenure. I believe they have no choice but to change every few years. It's club policy. As far as I know, Craig Young is still employed by the club.
 

TheRev

SGI NSW Cup
If Young misses the Newcastle (and potentially Cowboys) gigs, which I think he will because he is so inexperienced.. maybe this is his chance to atleast go off and get some more experience elsewhere.. its probably a good indication he has some way to go to get to that point.. theyre saying Holbrook is favourite for Newcastle currently.

That said behind Holbrook and Hannay... there arent many coaches left in the market that arent very green (if we fast forward 12mths when the next coach sacking frenzy occurs).. apart from maybe a Willie Peters.. or Brad Arthur if indeed clubs want to give him another shot.
 

GCRV

SGI NSW Cup
If Young misses the Newcastle (and potentially Cowboys) gigs, which I think he will because he is so inexperienced.. maybe this is his chance to atleast go off and get some more experience elsewhere.. its probably a good indication he has some way to go to get to that point.. theyre saying Holbrook is favourite for Newcastle currently.

That said behind Holbrook and Hannay... there arent many coaches left in the market that arent very green (if we fast forward 12mths when the next coach sacking frenzy occurs).. apart from maybe a Willie Peters.. or Brad Arthur if indeed clubs want to give him another shot.
Didn't Cowboys confirm Payton is staying for at least one more year?
 

Dragon David

SGI Jersey Flegg
And Soward left on bad terms as well, lets not all forget Craig Young :)
Exactly Justa. The people running this joint venture club of ours don't appear to be ex-player friendly for some reason. Remember the Dragons 15 year anniversay of winning the 2010 Premiership and this was the result -

"The St. George Illawarra Dragons held a 15-year reunion for their 2010 premiership team on July 12, 2025, at Kogarah Oval, but the event was poorly attended, with only five premiership-winning players present. Players like Jamie Soward and Matt Cooper explained their absences due to lack of communication, other prior commitments, or perceived slights from the club. The low turnout was widely criticized, with some players and fans calling it an embarrassment for the club."

Sorry, Eric posted something similar above. Sorry mate!
 

GCRV

SGI NSW Cup
I know the name isn't very popular here for good reason but I thought Gordon Tallis is spot on when he suggested Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is overpaid. He didn't say that but said he's on A LOT (emphasis included) of money for a prop. I certainly hope the Dragons wouldn't offer more than 1 mil a season for him and for that, he'd be taking a pay cut to come.
 

RedVHeartbeat

SGI NSW Cup
I know the name isn't very popular here for good reason but I thought Gordon Tallis is spot on when he suggested Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is overpaid. He didn't say that but said he's on A LOT (emphasis included) of money for a prop. I certainly hope the Dragons wouldn't offer more than 1 mil a season for him and for that, he'd be taking a pay cut to come.
I have a gut feeling that with the dire predicament of the Titans and a new coach and Tino being a club leader that he will stay with the Titans to help rebuild them. He has also let his passion run free by blasting club management for playing its part in their present situation.
 
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