Dave03
SGI NSW Cup
Yep. Amazing body shapes this year. I'm very surprised, thankfully in a good way!
2026
- Thread starter jodragon40
- Start date
jodragon40
Staff
Don't believe that fitness will be an issue this season, perhaps ability may but every game you start even
Justadragon
SGI NSW Cup
Well when you think about it, Vegas is not too far away and I certainly want to see a young fit and healthy side take on those dogs. The last thing I want is another embarrassing exhibition of how poor we can be on a big stage.
Frank Facer
SGI Jersey Flegg
It makes me think of when Masters had Graham Wynn kicking for us in the mid 80's.
not likely . keaon tried . bunnies said f no
RedV01
SGI NSW Cup
Justadragon
SGI NSW Cup
They would be still pissed they couldn't keep him even with WB. No way were they going to release him. My suspicious mind tells me they might flog him to death this year.
Dragon David
SGI Jersey Flegg
2026 will be a pivotal year for Dean Young as to whether or not he can bring success to the Dragons with his "expertise" in defence. I doubt it because his "expertise" is not much. Yes he was able to get the team defending well in a few games especially the one against the Storm and the Sharks last year but overall he was poor. Our Against was 628 points and our For was 498 last season. He needs to reverse those numbers to be F 628, A 498 or better for this year and in that regard we should sit better on the ladder.
jodragon40
Staff
Agree Im not sold on him as a defensive coach . The reality is to my eye he priorities were to improve our missed tackle count for defensive line speed, and he did that successfully.
So believe this or not in the last 2 seasons we have had the least missed tackles in the competition. Yet we have finished 11th in 24 and 15th in 25.
Dragons Chris
SGI NSW Cup
DRAGONS — Loko Pasifiki Tonga
The hulking prop scored one try in 10 games in his rookie season in 2025 and will only get better with another pre-season under his belt.The knock on Pasifiki Tonga is that he was found out in defence at times last season, but he will improve with increased fitness and more time in the saddle for the Dragons.
And the club needs him amid their lean front row stocks, after the departures of Francis Molo and David Klemmer last season, so now is Pasifiki Tonga’s time to step up.
The 20-year-old has all the physical attributes to be a cornerstone of the Dragons’ pack for the next decade and he can provide plenty of X-factor off the bench for Shane Flanagan in 2026 and a starting spot is also within reach.
jodragon40
Staff
Certainly has the physical attributes, the question is how big is that engine under the bonnet.? He is a big kid still growing into his body.
They are a bit harsh on him, yes he was caught out a couple of times, very slow to get up after completing a tackle but he played 12 games last year and only missed the 4 tackles. He's a big unit who will improve his fitness levels and techniques.
Next season we will have this kid and his new mentor KK. Watch him grow then. As long as he stays injury free which isn't easy in today's games.
My guess if I was coaching him, this year and next hes the 1st rotation off the bench. I'd be starting young Couchman if injury free . Pretty bloody exciting if you ask me.
The idea of that is, if you have KK and Couchman starting both can easily play 25/30 minute stints then replace either with LPT there would be no respite for the opposition.
This season we will see a precursor to our 27 season with Couchman starting with id suggest Kerr or Guler.
Can you just imagine just for one moment like I am imagining our 2027 prop rotation. KK, Kerr, Couchman and LPT. Wow just wow. Watch the mighty Dragons roll up the middle of the park then.
You never as a coach get too excited like I have here but if I was in Flanagan shoes I know with that engine room there would be no excuses for not playing semi finals football in 2027.
Dragons Chris
SGI NSW Cup
I wasn't aware he had been found out in defence but for a 20 year-old prop, not surprising.
Frank Facer
SGI Jersey Flegg
I agree on all parts.
jodragon40
Staff
Mate they are talking about laying in the ruck after making a tackle and his speed off the defensive line a bit harsh but I've learnt not to pay to much attention to sports writers who have never laced up a boot.
Justadragon
SGI NSW Cup
And most sports writers are anti Dragons anyway !!
No Surrender
SGI Jersey Flegg
My recollection is that Beath was a second rower
I remember him catching the ball from the kickoff at Sydney Sports Ground against Easts, braking the first tackle and running diagonally past Alan McKean the Easts fullback to score in the corner.
Damaging runner.
Accidentally cut a toe off cutting his lawn.
Great player.
No Surrender
SGI Jersey Flegg
My recollection is that Beath was a second rower
I remember him catching the ball from the kickoff at Sydney Sports Ground against Easts, braking the first tackle and running diagonally past Alan McKean the Easts fullback to score in the corner.
Damaging runner.
Accidentally cut a toe off cutting his lawn.
Great player.
Eric
Staff
I know you are replying to messages but just to remind you, you can quote someone in one thread by selecting "+Quote" then paste the quote in a more appropriate thread or a new one you make if you think there isn't an appropriate thread.
Frank Facer
SGI Jersey Flegg
OK. Expect I wasn't posting in this thread. If you were to let me know which thread, it would help me in starting a new appropriate thread.
Eric
Staff
That's the point. You can use +Quote to quote a comment in one thread and post it in another. Just in case you didn't know.