Dragon David
SGI NSW Cup
Take whatever you want from what I produced here from what I have read as reasonable or not when I explored why the Dragons have not reached the top 30 target:
The Dragons are deliberately holding back on filling their top 30 roster due to a massive, board-mandated cleanout and a focus on long-term recruitment for future seasons. Rather than bringing in stopgap players to reach 30, they are prioritizing a major roster overhaul for 2027 under a revised front office structure.
Key factors influencing this approach include:
- Massive 2027 Recruitment Drive: The club has already secured major external signings for the 2027 season, including Scott Drinkwater, Phillip Sami, Luke Metcalf, Keaon Koloamatangi, and Connor Watson. They are saving cap space and roster spots for these high-profile arrivals.
- Impending Roster Culling: Following the termination of head coach Shane Flanagan and a poor run of results, the Dragons are looking to offload more than a dozen players. Veterans such as Moses Suli, Damien Cook, and Luciano Leilua have been told to look elsewhere or granted permission to leave.
- Revising Coach Power: The St George Illawarra board has stripped the coaching staff of absolute power regarding player retention and recruitment to avoid past roster mistakes, meaning a more measured and strategic approach is being taken to list management.
- Contract Freezes: A prolonged contract freeze on the current squad was instituted in the lead-up to Flanagan's sacking, halting impulsive mid-season roster adjustments.
Interim head coach Dean Young and the recruitment committee are aggressively reshaping the spine and pack to complement the major signings already locked in for the 2027 season. The specific positions being actively targeted include:
1. Second-Row / Edge Back-Rowers
While the club made a massive splash by landing Keaon Koloamatangi, they are aggressively hunting for a premier edge back-rower to balance their forward pack. The Dragons are heavily linked to Storm forward Shawn Blore, viewing him as a top-priority target to add size and physical running options on the fringes.
2. Halves / Creative Playmakers
The halves remain a critical development area for the Red V. Even after securing Warriors playmaker Luke Metcalf on a long-term deal, the club is actively searching for another high-caliber half or five-eighth. This target is intended to permanently restructure the creative spine, bringing more tactical variety and kicking pressure alongside Metcalf.
3. Outside Backs (Speed & Power)
Following a mandate from management to inject "X-factor" and raw pace into the backline, the front office is still shopping for dominant outside backs. Although fullback Scott Drinkwater and winger Phillip Sami have already signed, they are pursuing another powerful strike centre or athletic winger. They also recently upgraded rookie winger Setu Tu to a top-30 deal as part of this ongoing backline evolution.
Roster Strategy Summary
| Position Target [1, 2, 3, 4] | Rationale | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Edge Back-Rower | Looking for explosive power on the edges to partner Koloamatangi. | Chasing Melbourne’s Shawn Blore. |
| Halves | Seeking an organizational general to complement Luke Metcalf. | Actively auditing the market for off-contract options. |
| Outside Back | Demanding raw speed to overhaul a historically slow backline. | Fast-tracked Setu Tu to Top 30; hunting another outside back. |
Based on the above, the Club looks like for once they are working to a purposeful strategic plan to ensure the Dragons will be successful from 2027 and onwards rather than panic ad hoc signings. Not too happy about them "fast tracking" Setu Tu to the Top 30 though.
I hope you guys don't pull this post to shreds. Just put it up for you to read, that's all.
