2026

Dragons Chris

Dragons Chris

SGI NSW Cup
DT rates us the 17th best backline out of 17.

17. DRAGONS: 63/100 ​

Best backline: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Setu Tu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Daniel Atkinson

How will Daniel Atkinson adjust?

Back five: 14/20​

It’s a complete mix of experience, inexperience, star power and brute force. Coach Shane Flanagan clearly wanted a mix of everything coming out of his backfield. Gutherson is a great leader who directs the team well, with Tu a hopeful try‑scoring machine. Holmes is a solid tackle‑three option and a welcome return to the Dragons’ attack, while Tuipulotu will be hoping to score more tries through his 2026 season. There isn’t a collective style to this back five like other teams; rather individual talent which will hopefully combine into an unpredictable style of play.

Halves: 13/20 ​

There has been a lot of criticism thrown Kyle Flanagan’s way, but he will be there all year so Dragons fans need to get used to him in the No.6 and Atkinson’s playing style, the combination could work. Atkinson is explosive and unpredictable, off the back of second phase, which could be a nightmare for defensive lines. Flanagan unlocks this if they get it right. If Flanagan plays square and direct, engaging the line, it’s Atkinson’s world.

Valentine Holmes has plenty left in the tank.

Attack: 13/20​

The Dragons really struggled to score points last year, only jagging 498 throughout their 24 games, but Atkinson is the big change for them. They didn’t have a ball‑running half like their new No.7 and their main strike, Holmes, finished his season in Round 19. With these two hopefully around for a full season those points should go up.

Defence: 11/20​

With 107 tries conceded in 2025, and a rocky trial period, defence is still a big issue for the club’s backline this year. Their right touchline in particular was responsible for 29 tries. Flanagan‑coached teams are usually tough and renowned for their defence, so Dragons fans will be hoping their side has improved on this stat quite drastically.

Can Gutherson outrun Father Time?

X‑factor: 12/20​

It’s the money man, Tuipulotu, who brings a bit of X‑factor to this Dragons backline. In a team that has struggled to score points, Tuipulotu has managed 16 tries from 21 games for the Dragons. He only managed nine games for the club last year and was sorely missed due to ongoing hamstring problems, but they are such a better side with his try‑scoring ability and undeniable charisma.
I agree with this sentence. He will be there until the coach is sacked.
There has been a lot of criticism thrown Kyle Flanagan’s way, but he will be there all year so Dragons fans need to get used to him in the No.6 and Atkinson’s playing style, the combination could work.
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Dave03

Dave03

SGI NSW Cup
Luke Kerry insights and observations are superb. Mainly listened to him on James Graham podcast (he's okay). Worth listening to Luke as a general footy fan.

He's bullish on Reed but probs need a year in reserve grade, also said he's not too worried about the CS performance but we should've won.

He made some insightful comments on the reduction of the blue shirt trainer on the field. Imo based on what Luke said, it could cause some teams a few issues with their organisation, as they relied on the trainer to communicate messages to other players.
 
Illusion

Illusion

SGI NSW Cup
Dragon David said:
Fox sports has signed a very intelligent ex football player in Luke Keary. Not only was he a great player in the halves for Souths and Roosters but he also had/has a clear thinking brain and this will now come into good use to intelligently give his analysis of teams, players and all news NRL. Thumbs up to Fox sports for hiring him.
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How are your old mate hope you are well 🙏
 
D

Dragon David

SGI Jersey Flegg
Illusion said:
How are your old mate hope you are well 🙏
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I am coping Illusion, thanks. Age shall not weary me. I hope all is well with you mate. This Forum and being able to express myself on it helps a lot.

I won't be able to watch the Vegas game live as I will be out with the missus spending some time with some friends over from NZ so I hope to watch the replay. If we win, replays are great. If we lose that's a different story.

2026 will be a challenging year. I hope it turns out successful for the Dragons.

Take it easy mate.
 
Illusion

Illusion

SGI NSW Cup
Dragon David said:
I am coping Illusion, thanks. Age shall not weary me. I hope all is well with you mate. This Forum and being able to express myself on it helps a lot.

I won't be able to watch the Vegas game live as I will be out with the missus spending some time with some friends over from NZ so I hope to watch the replay. If we win, replays are great. If we lose that's a different story.

2026 will be a challenging year. I hope it turns out successful for the Dragons.

Take it easy mate.
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Enjoy your time with family ........ Stay safe and Healthy that's all we can hope for ........ Then a bonus win would be good on the weekend .......
 
Frank Facer

Frank Facer

SGI Jersey Flegg
Dragon David said:
Fox sports has signed a very intelligent ex football player in Luke Keary. Not only was he a great player in the halves for Souths and Roosters but he also had/has a clear thinking brain and this will now come into good use to intelligently give his analysis of teams, players and all news NRL. Thumbs up to Fox sports for hiring him.
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I take note of another ex Easts player getting a job with Foxsports. How many is that now on their books? Anasta, Fletcher, Cronk.

Lets see if Cherry Evans get a job there too?
 
D

Dragon David

SGI Jersey Flegg
Frank Facer said:
I take note of another ex Easts player getting a job with Foxsports. How many is that now on their books? Anasta, Fletcher, Cronk.

Lets see if Cherry Evans get a job there too?
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"Lets see if Cherry Evans get a job there too?"

I think highly likely Frank. He is a man of many words. He might also end up doing a bit of coaching for the Roosters as well. This is what Uncle Nick can arrange with friends in high places.

Life after footy is an important stage of all league players when they decide to put away their boots in the loft. It is probably more important to the retirees to have something worthwhile lined up for the many years that lie ahead of them and its no wonder that many players would sooner take a drop in salary (not too much of course) and know that if the Roosters gives them the added incentive of work after footy, they sign with the club. That would apply to a player who is more or less a marquee, not just the everyday player.

I think the Bulldogs would be another club that can provide these incentives as well.

The Dragons will have changes in 2026 - a couple more players to sign for this year plus working on signings for 2027. They also have the C of E soon to be available for all players to train at and do their gym work, swim, educational sessions etc. I don't know about incentives though. How Daniel Anderson signs players is up to him. I hope that he signs some goodies for us.
 
Mug Fan

Mug Fan

SGI NSW Cup
Dragon David said:
Fox sports has signed a very intelligent ex football player in Luke Keary. Not only was he a great player in the halves for Souths and Roosters but he also had/has a clear thinking brain and this will now come into good use to intelligently give his analysis of teams, players and all news NRL. Thumbs up to Fox sports for hiring him.
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I though Luke had signed to the new channel 7 league show, what Fox show is he on.
 
RufusRex

RufusRex

SGI Jersey Flegg
it was a recording from a few weeks back ... the insight on trainers was top shelf.
It was on "The Bye Round Podcast" with James Graham.

now doing a bit of googling ... he was on "KAYO NRL Podcast", part of the MMM commentary team and will be on the Channel 7 show "Agenda Setters" with Parker/Woods/Ricico ...

perhaps there is a bit of crossover between shows/talent ..
 
D

Dragon David

SGI Jersey Flegg
Mug Fan said:
I though Luke had signed to the new channel 7 league show, what Fox show is he on.
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Didn't realise that Keary is joining that Channel 7 league show. He has been guest analyst on Foxsports doing several shows at half time, on podcasts as well so I thought he had signed up on a deal with Fox. Maybe he had been doing freelance stuff before this Channel 7 one came up?

Anyway, shows that he is in demand.
 
AyiosYiorgos

AyiosYiorgos

SGI Jersey Flegg
Dragon David said:
"Lets see if Cherry Evans get a job there too?"

I think highly likely Frank. He is a man of many words. He might also end up doing a bit of coaching for the Roosters as well. This is what Uncle Nick can arrange with friends in high places.

Life after footy is an important stage of all league players when they decide to put away their boots in the loft. It is probably more important to the retirees to have something worthwhile lined up for the many years that lie ahead of them and its no wonder that many players would sooner take a drop in salary (not too much of course) and know that if the Roosters gives them the added incentive of work after footy, they sign with the club. That would apply to a player who is more or less a marquee, not just the everyday player.

I think the Bulldogs would be another club that can provide these incentives as well.

The Dragons will have changes in 2026 - a couple more players to sign for this year plus working on signings for 2027. They also have the C of E soon to be available for all players to train at and do their gym work, swim, educational sessions etc. I don't know about incentives though. How Daniel Anderson signs players is up to him. I hope that he signs some goodies for us.
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Noticed JWH was on last week as well..
 
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