Recruitment and Retention for 2025

[jodragon40]

This over analysing and criticism of the top 30 is over the top.
It's a top 30 + 6 not a FG squad.
It's to fill FG and Cup thay are not all FG regulars if they were they would leave.
All clubs have nobody's and over 30 players
Here's a small snap shot of sone of Storm squad. 9 players of various ages that started 1 or no games this year.
They also had 5 players 30 or over.
How about we ease the f*ck up until the comp starts and teams are selected.

View attachment 498

What the normal punters on here dont understand is that the club under McGregor and then Hook had a cultural and discipline problem. In the realms of the RL community the Dragons were a no go zone especially for talented young players because of these perceived issues. Any player manager worth his salt would have never recommended to their clients that the Dragons was a place to go. I was informed of this back in 2019 by a reliable mate who at the time was still involved with the Dragons. Last season was the first season in many that we made productive steps forward without taking 2 steps backwards. Our culture and discipline have taken a turn for the better under Flanagan and will continue to do so. Actions speak louder than words and Flanagan actions especially post season has me confident we can continue our efforts to improve both on and off the field and eventually attract the players we need to make us a competitive top 8 team in the next few seasons.

 

[Edward]

What the normal punters on here dont understand is that the club under McGregor and then Hook had a cultural and discipline problem. In the realms of the RL community the Dragons were a no go zone especially for talented young players because of these perceived issues. Any player manager worth his salt would have never recommended to their clients that the Dragons was a place to go. I was informed of this back in 2019 by a reliable mate who at the time was still involved with the Dragons. Last season was the first season in many that we made productive steps forward without taking 2 steps backwards. Our culture and discipline have taken a turn for the better under Flanagan and will continue to do so. Actions speak louder than words and Flanagan actions especially post season has me confident we can continue our efforts to improve both on and off the field and eventually attract the players we need to make us a competitive top 8 team in the next few seasons.

Those are very good points.

 

[Mailroomsgi]

Josiah Pahulu leaving titans, would have loved us to get him. Have watched him for the last few years and he is a huge talent.

Perfect modern day forward and only 20. Will be a really good pickup for Canterbury unfortunately

 

[Ryan]

Josiah Pahulu leaving titans, would have loved us to get him. Have watched him for the last few years and he is a huge talent.

Perfect modern day forward and only 20. Will be a really good pickup for Canterbury unfortunately

Seems like a gun but why would Gold Coast sign RCG when they already have him, Tino F********, Fotuacre? Too bad we couldn't nab one of them but I guess Flanno thinks the Couchmans are in for a big season along with Pasifiki Tonga. I think it's reason to be optimistic personally. He would still be chasing a prop if he didn't expect big things from those already on the books.

 

[Mailroomsgi]

Seems like a gun but why would Gold Coast sign RCG when they already have him, Tino F********, Fotuacre? Too bad we couldn't nab one of them but I guess Flanno thinks the Couchmans are in for a big season along with Pasifiki Tonga. I think it's reason to be optimistic personally. He would still be chasing a prop if he didn't expect big things from those already on the books.

Carayannis said on SEN yesterday Flanno Is desperate for a prop, makes sense with who we’ve been chasing. I’m sure something will pop it’s head up at cronulla with the logjam of forwards and cap issues they’ve got.

Hazelton or Hamlin Uele would be relatively straight forwards signings IMO and fit the bill of what Flanno wants

 

[Ryan]

Carayannis said on SEN yesterday Flanno Is desperate for a prop, makes sense with who we’ve been chasing. I’m sure something will pop it’s head up at cronulla with the logjam of forwards and cap issues they’ve got.

Hazelton or Hamlin Uele would be relatively straight forwards signings IMO and fit the bill of what Flanno wants

You think Carayannis would know or just guessing? Suddenly I'm not so optimistic anymore.

 

[Mailroomsgi]

You think Carayannis would know or just guessing? Suddenly I'm not so optimistic anymore.

Yeah he’s got his finger on the pulse with the dragons, same with Chammas and Riccio.
I’m still very optimistic for 2025 and beyond. We’ve got 4/5 of the most talented players in the league coming through and just need time, we’ll go fine next year

 

[TheRev]

i think he might be guessing on where we will source a prop from, same issue as Atkinson, even if we can convince a player... they still have to be let go from a contract... which the sharks didnt do the last time.

2026 a different story... im open to whatever there....

 

[Edward]

i think he might be guessing on where we will source a prop from, same issue as Atkinson, even if we can convince a player... they still have to be let go from a contract... which the sharks didnt do the last time.

2026 a different story... im open to whatever there....

Would imagine Carayannis knows what he is talking about but honestly, Flanno's actions suggest otherwise.

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

Generally pleased with Flannos recruitment, still wants a prop for this season. But he has missed the boat. Is that why he has extended BMM and retained Fatala-Mariner, both of whom are not consistent First graders. Ressies fior mine. Just as well BOD saw sense and extended Jack as no doubt he will again be the leader of the pack. vroom vroom.

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

We need to buy a hardened experienced prop.

Jeez mate how long have you and I been saying that.

 

[Mailroomsgi]

Article by the Mole this morning, think he’s a shite journalist but gets one right every now and then. Is it true we are trying to extend him past 2026?

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

Watsford does have an NRL background having worked for the league itself earlier in his career.

Will do me fine.

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

View attachment 501Article by the Mole this morning, think he’s a shite journalist but gets one right every now and then. Is it true we are trying to extend him past 2026?

If we are so desperate to lock Loko Jr long term then pull out the proverbial finger and get on with it BOD. He Jake and Finau.

 

[Eric]

Generally pleased with Flannos recruitment, still wants a prop for this season. But he has missed the boat. Is that why he has extended BMM and retained Fatala-Mariner, both of whom are not consistent First graders. Ressies fior mine. Just as well BOD saw sense and extended Jack as no doubt he will again be the leader of the pack. vroom vroom.

RFM is already under contract. Bullgrubs apparently paying a large part of his salary.

 

[jodragon40]

I've watched young LFT for years now. If he can take that last step, both physically and mentally and stays injury free he could very well be our answer to our bookend issue. Perhaps not next season but 2026 could see him stamp himself as a sought after prop. Time will tell

 

[jodragon40]

Jeez mate how long have you and I been saying that.

4 yrs

 

[Illusion]

I've watched young LFT for years now. If he can take that last step, both physically and mentally and stays injury free he could very well be our answer to our bookend issue. Perhaps not next season but 2026 could see him stamp himself as a sought after prop. Time will tell

Why not next year , it's time for him to take that next step , if he is all that I am reading about then it's next year ...... If he has the ticker and and mongrel he will make it ...... Can't keep these guys in cotton wool ........

 

[Mailroomsgi]

Why not next year , it's time for him to take that next step , if he is all that I am reading about then it's next year ...... If he has the ticker and and mongrel he will make it ...... Can't keep these guys in cotton wool ........

Very rare that a forward can come in and be ready for first grade at 19/20 YO same with Halves. The only position where they generally can handle it is in the outside backs

 

[Edward]

Very rare that a forward can come in and be ready for first grade at 19/20 YO same with Halves. The only position where they generally can handle it is in the outside backs

I've heard that but special talents like Hass can make it.