Injury and Suspension update 2026

[RedV01]

Liddle will be a great loss in the early part of the 2026 competition. We really couldn't afford for this to happen but unfortunately things like this do and that is why all positions should be covered really well with back up players that are like for like all through the squads.

I hate how I'm forced to be negative but.....

There is no reason at all this should be a big problem. Flanno said KF was recruited to play 14. That is, coming on to play hooker. He then said fate beyond his control intervened so KF had to play in the halves. Fair enough. I don't buy it for a second but that might be a paranoid nature on my behalf.

Now we have Atkinson, LKT and that new dude from the Grubs. Even Reed is on a development deal as far as I know.

Was it just a rumour Flanno didn't want to extend Liddle and the CEO had to intervene?

The second and third choice hookers are both out so there is no reason KF can't shut us all up and play well as a 14.

 

[Edward]

I hate how I'm forced to be negative but.....

There is no reason at all this should be a big problem. Flanno said KF was recruited to play 14. That is, coming on to play hooker. He then said fate beyond his control intervened so KF had to play in the halves. Fair enough. I don't buy it for a second but that might be a paranoid nature on my behalf.

Now we have Atkinson, LKT and that new dude from the Grubs. Even Reed is on a development deal as far as I know.

Was it just a rumour Flanno didn't want to extend Liddle and the CEO had to intervene?

The second and third choice hookers are both out so there is no reason KF can't shut us all up and play well as a 14.

I heard a rumour O'Neill (the dude from the Grubs) probably won't see much first grade. If anything Reed is more likely at the back end of the year. Right now we have to rely on Kyle, LKT and Atko.

 

[AyiosYiorgos]

Flanno confirmed on Josh Mansour’s podcast today that Liddle won’t play in Vegas

I’d rather they not play him either. If he misses the opening 2 games and fully recovers it’s better than rushing him back and having a constant hammy issue for half the season

Did Flanno give updates on the injuries to
Val
Luch
Nick
Hayden
Lawson

 

[George Sancti]

I heard a rumour O'Neill (the dude from the Grubs) probably won't see much first grade. If anything Reed is more likely at the back end of the year. Right now we have to rely on Kyle, LKT and Atko.

That is very disappointing Edward. I was looking forward to seeing the dude from the grubs (O'Neill) get a run. Of all of our prospective 7s, he appears to be a natural organising halfback, with a good kicking game and experience playing in the seconds.

 

[jodragon40]

Liddle will be a great loss in the early part of the 2026 competition. We really couldn't afford for this to happen but unfortunately things like this do and that is why all positions should be covered really well with back up players that are like for like all through the squads.

Unfortunately our ressies hooker Muhleisen is also out

 

[Dragsters]

That is very disappointing Edward. I was looking forward to seeing the dude from the grubs (O'Neill) get a run. Of all of our prospective 7s, he appears to be a natural organising halfback, with a good kicking game and experience playing in the seconds.

I thought he would be worth considering if while Lids is out, Kyle goes to bench and LKT goes to 6 but struggles over the first few rounds, though I hope he doesn't.

Atko to 6 with O'Neill to 7 but Flano is more likely to just put Kyle back into the 6 which then leaves a hole at 14.

I Flano persists with Kyle at 6 to open the season who is most likely to play 14?

 

[Edward]

That is very disappointing Edward. I was looking forward to seeing the dude from the grubs (O'Neill) get a run. Of all of our prospective 7s, he appears to be a natural organising halfback, with a good kicking game and experience playing in the seconds.

Don't take my word for it just yet.

 

[George Sancti]

I thought he would be worth considering if while Lids is out, Kyle goes to bench and LKT goes to 6 but struggles over the first few rounds, though I hope he doesn't.

Atko to 6 with O'Neill to 7 but Flano is more likely to just put Kyle back into the 6 which then leaves a hole at 14.

I Flano persists with Kyle at 6 to open the season who is most likely to play 14?

Hello Dragsters. Earlier this week, Jodragon40 posted a video in the Round 1 Team of 2026 thread featuring Joseph O’Neill’s NSW Cup highlights. What stood out to me, was his ability to attract defence and put a runner through on either side of the ruck.

I know strong form in the lower grades doesn’t automatically translate to first‑grade success, but if O’Neill was to be paired with a genuine running five‑eighth like Daniel Atkinson they could be a complementary combination. Their styles seem like they could work well together.

Of course, Coach Flanno sees far more than me and may have identified issues I'm not aware of, but I thought it was a possibility to consider.

 

[George Sancti]

Don't take my word for it just yet.

Fair enough Edward. Ideally your source is not the most reliable.

 

[jodragon40]

Hello Dragsters. Earlier this week, Jodragon40 posted a video in the Round 1 Team of 2026 thread featuring Joseph O’Neill’s NSW Cup highlights. What stood out to me, was his ability to attract defence and put a runner through on either side of the ruck.

I know strong form in the lower grades doesn’t automatically translate to first‑grade success, but if O’Neill was to be paired with a genuine running five‑eighth like Daniel Atkinson they could be a complementary combination. Their styles seem like they could work well together.

Of course, Coach Flanno sees far more than me and may have identified issues I'm not aware of, but I thought it was a possibility to consider.

Believe me it's very rare to have a player who can pass proficiently on both sides of his body playing in the halves especially

 

[Justadragon]

I heard a rumour O'Neill (the dude from the Grubs) probably won't see much first grade. If anything Reed is more likely at the back end of the year. Right now we have to rely on Kyle, LKT and Atko.

What was the reason for not playing him ?