2025 Season - The season that was

[Dragon David]

What are the demographic trends or forecasts in Wollongong? Large population increase? Being right on the coast as it is, only so much they can do to expand the facility. Maybe the solution would be to build a new stadium close to the M1 near Thirroul. Easy commute for both sides of the joint venture.

Yes, would be interesting to see the demographic trends and population forecasts. I'd say increases for sure. More chances of kids both male and female wanting to play league in the Wollongong/South Coast areas than in the Kogarah areas. If of course all of the home games are played in the South Coast, then I would hope that those involved would have to put up a financial business plan to see what it would cost to have a new stadium built , in the best easy to get to location and the forecast attendances and whatever else, etc. or do up WIN Stadium to be a more state of the art arena with picturesque sea views.

 

[George Sancti]

I thought the scum were actually doing well financially.

A few years ago, I recall reading that the Sharks were poised to evolve into an NRL super club, driven by the sale of land adjacent to their Leagues Club to property developers. That prediction did support the view they were financially stable, however now appears increasingly unlikely.

According to the club’s 2024 annual report, net assets stand at $53,464,443, yet only $5,636,995 is held in cash. A substantial portion of the non-liquid assets appears to be tied up in property, including the dormant Leagues Club site and the adjacent football field. The report lists $33,311,253 in property assets.

Recent media coverage indicates the club is seeking to borrow $35,000,000 to complete the Leagues Club fitout. Should the loan be secured, the club will require a highly capable financial controller to manage repayments and maintain solvency. Otherwise a fire sale of assets across the Shire may become inevitable.

 

[GCRV]

This is surprisingly accurate from News Ltd

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS​

15th – 8 wins, 16 losses (-130)
The Dragons became the kings of losing close games as they missed the finals again.

GAMES THEY BLEW​

So many to choose from particularly early in the season. There was a one point loss to South Sydney in round two, a one point loss to Parramatta three weeks later and another one point loss to the Warriors in round 10.

INJURIES THAT HURT​

The Dragons have few genuine representative players but they were without Valentine Holmes (14 games) and Jaydn Su’A (18) for an extended part of the season. They had a stack of other long-term injuries.

WHERE THEY GOT IT WRONG​

The Dragons lost their two best players last year (Zac Lomax and Bent Hunt) but struggled to replace them. While the leadership of Damien Cook and Clint Gutherson was important off the field, the Dragons need current representative players.

CONTROVERSIES THAT COST​

The decision to delay offering Jack de Belin a contract was a surprise with the Eels wasting little time to swoop. De Belin was a cornerstone of a Dragons forward pack which has struggled but he still showed he had at least 12 months left.

ROSTER RENOVATION​

The Dragons need speed. They need a player who can turn a half chance into a genuine try-scoring opportunity. They are also a marquee middle short which they need to help some of their young gun forwards.

2026 VERDICT​

Without significant additions will struggle to reach the top eight next year. Probably two seasons – potentially three – from challenging for the title.

 

[Dragon David]

This is surprisingly accurate from News Ltd

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS​

15th – 8 wins, 16 losses (-130)
The Dragons became the kings of losing close games as they missed the finals again.

GAMES THEY BLEW​

So many to choose from particularly early in the season. There was a one point loss to South Sydney in round two, a one point loss to Parramatta three weeks later and another one point loss to the Warriors in round 10.

INJURIES THAT HURT​

The Dragons have few genuine representative players but they were without Valentine Holmes (14 games) and Jaydn Su’A (18) for an extended part of the season. They had a stack of other long-term injuries.

WHERE THEY GOT IT WRONG​

The Dragons lost their two best players last year (Zac Lomax and Bent Hunt) but struggled to replace them. While the leadership of Damien Cook and Clint Gutherson was important off the field, the Dragons need current representative players.

CONTROVERSIES THAT COST​

The decision to delay offering Jack de Belin a contract was a surprise with the Eels wasting little time to swoop. De Belin was a cornerstone of a Dragons forward pack which has struggled but he still showed he had at least 12 months left.

ROSTER RENOVATION​

The Dragons need speed. They need a player who can turn a half chance into a genuine try-scoring opportunity. They are also a marquee middle short which they need to help some of their young gun forwards.

2026 VERDICT​

Without significant additions will struggle to reach the top eight next year. Probably two seasons – potentially three – from challenging for the title.

All I can say is Yuck (see no F)

 

[RedV01]

This is surprisingly accurate from News Ltd

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS​

15th – 8 wins, 16 losses (-130)
The Dragons became the kings of losing close games as they missed the finals again.

GAMES THEY BLEW​

So many to choose from particularly early in the season. There was a one point loss to South Sydney in round two, a one point loss to Parramatta three weeks later and another one point loss to the Warriors in round 10.

INJURIES THAT HURT​

The Dragons have few genuine representative players but they were without Valentine Holmes (14 games) and Jaydn Su’A (18) for an extended part of the season. They had a stack of other long-term injuries.

WHERE THEY GOT IT WRONG​

The Dragons lost their two best players last year (Zac Lomax and Bent Hunt) but struggled to replace them. While the leadership of Damien Cook and Clint Gutherson was important off the field, the Dragons need current representative players.

CONTROVERSIES THAT COST​

The decision to delay offering Jack de Belin a contract was a surprise with the Eels wasting little time to swoop. De Belin was a cornerstone of a Dragons forward pack which has struggled but he still showed he had at least 12 months left.

ROSTER RENOVATION​

The Dragons need speed. They need a player who can turn a half chance into a genuine try-scoring opportunity. They are also a marquee middle short which they need to help some of their young gun forwards.

2026 VERDICT​

Without significant additions will struggle to reach the top eight next year. Probably two seasons – potentially three – from challenging for the title.

Couchman in round 1 was the biggest loss by far. Then his brother for about half the season.

They are right about JDB but even though he has one season left in him, maybe it wasn't with the Dragons who have several blokes to take his place. The 2 Couchmans, Stewart and wouldn't surprise me to see Egan or Halangahu or Tsugranis turned into a lock.

 

[GCRV]

Couchman in round 1 was the biggest loss by far. Then his brother for about half the season.

Analysis = true

That plus the poor form of Ilias and Lawson and Flanno's obstinate refusal to pick Finau for whatever reason is where it went wrong. I'd really like to know what Flanno's problem with Finau was.

 

[Dave03]

Analysis = true

That plus the poor form of Ilias and Lawson and Flanno's obstinate refusal to pick Finau for whatever reason is where it went wrong. I'd really like to know what Flanno's problem with Finau was.

Finau defence was poor tbh. Injuries didn't help either.

 

[redv13]

Personally, I don’t like the beat up of who Flanno ( or other coaches ) picks and doesn’t pick each week. There is plenty of reasons behind the scenes that supporters don’t see. Training, attitude on and off the field, player chemistry in the team environment, extras at/away from training, rehab etc.

We only see the end of the week product on game day so in my opinion the coach and his staff have their reasons why a player is/isn’t selected. Not as straightforward as we supporters think when we jump up and down when the 17 is named each week.

 

[Dragon David]

Finau defence was poor tbh. Injuries didn't help either.

A good judgement we will see when Finau is playing more first grade games for the Raiders.

I honestly thought when we played Souths in the trials and he was outside Holmes that wow, we have a beaut combo there only to never really see much of him after he scored those 4 tries only to fall in a heap due to maybe heat stroke combined with an injury late in the game. What a real pity it just didn't turn out. He ran like the wind. A few games in firsts and several in the Cup and then nothing in the end period of 2025 when he signed up to play for the green machine.

 

[GCRV]

Finau defence was poor tbh. Injuries didn't help either.

Analysis = true

Tyrell Sloan says, "hold my beer". CT misses a lot due to lack of speed as well.

 

[Dragon David]

Analysis = true

Tyrell Sloan says, "hold my beer". CT misses a lot due to lack of speed as well.

Oh for another Brett Morris and Jason Nightingale.

 

[Justadragon]

This is surprisingly accurate from News Ltd

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS​

15th – 8 wins, 16 losses (-130)
The Dragons became the kings of losing close games as they missed the finals again.

GAMES THEY BLEW​

So many to choose from particularly early in the season. There was a one point loss to South Sydney in round two, a one point loss to Parramatta three weeks later and another one point loss to the Warriors in round 10.

INJURIES THAT HURT​

The Dragons have few genuine representative players but they were without Valentine Holmes (14 games) and Jaydn Su’A (18) for an extended part of the season. They had a stack of other long-term injuries.

WHERE THEY GOT IT WRONG​

The Dragons lost their two best players last year (Zac Lomax and Bent Hunt) but struggled to replace them. While the leadership of Damien Cook and Clint Gutherson was important off the field, the Dragons need current representative players.

CONTROVERSIES THAT COST​

The decision to delay offering Jack de Belin a contract was a surprise with the Eels wasting little time to swoop. De Belin was a cornerstone of a Dragons forward pack which has struggled but he still showed he had at least 12 months left.

ROSTER RENOVATION​

The Dragons need speed. They need a player who can turn a half chance into a genuine try-scoring opportunity. They are also a marquee middle short which they need to help some of their young gun forwards.

2026 VERDICT​

Without significant additions will struggle to reach the top eight next year. Probably two seasons – potentially three – from challenging for the title.

Cant say I really disagree with most, except for Hunt and Lomax, both a destabilizing figure in the team, and both didnt want to be there. Their excuses for leaving made them bigger flogs than what they already were.

 

[Dragon David]

Cant say I really disagree with most, except for Hunt and Lomax, both a destabilizing figure in the team, and both didnt want to be there. Their excuses for leaving made them bigger flogs than what they already were.

Who are Hunt and Lomax Justa?

 

[DragonsTragic]

Flanno and Watsford on the Dragons Den podcast out this morning. Interesting listen.

 

[GCRV]

Cant say I really disagree with most, except for Hunt and Lomax, both a destabilizing figure in the team, and both didnt want to be there. Their excuses for leaving made them bigger flogs than what they already were.

Analysis = true

I was going to say I disagreed with Lomax and Hunt in particular being our best.

 

[Justadragon]

Good to see that Mr F$#k-knuckle kicked the winning field goal to get the Broncos to the prelim. All those years with us and all that money we paid him, couldn't do f$#k all to save his life, top recruitment that.

 

[Edward]

Good to see that Mr F$#k-knuckle kicked the winning field goal to get the Broncos to the prelim. All those years with us and all that money we paid him, couldn't do f$#k all to save his life, top recruitment that.

Reynolds will be halfback for their next game and Hunt will be on the bench. God I hope they lose.

 

[Dragon David]

Reynolds will be halfback for their next game and Hunt will be on the bench. God I hope they lose.

Hunt had a shocker. Definitely to cop the bullet with Reynolds playing. Reynolds controls the games better. Hunt had zero impact and made many mistakes resulting in a couple of tries. He was very lucky with his field goal which he never was able to kick one for us.