Recruitment and Retention for 2025

Ryan

Ryan

SGI Jersey Flegg
st george tragic said:
I know everyone is saying we need a big bookend. I wonder if flanno has big plans for Tonga he could be an exciting unknown. Love to see a new face come in with a lust to perform well on the big stage. Maybe that is why flanno is not in hurry to sign an outsider. To be honest I have no idea didn't see Atkinson coming but loving all this off season
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Speculated that just a few days ago but was immediately shot down. Apparently Flanno is still desperate to sign a good prop.
 
RedVHeartbeat

RedVHeartbeat

SGI NSW Cup
jodragon40 said:
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
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So have I since his first games in Saints Ball side. Loko Jr has exceptional ball skills for a big Polynesian dude, something we lack with our other big units, now and previously. If Flanno dont pick up the pack enforcer we want I say give Loko jr a crack. Sometimes we see an exceptional sportsman mature at a young age. In swimming there was Shane Gould and the Campbell sisters. In cricket we had Bradman then Ponting now Sam Konstas at a similar teen age has emerged. I put Loko Jr in that category. He looks born to play rugby league, along with his Aussie & Dragon team mates, Finau and Jake.
 
RedVHeartbeat

RedVHeartbeat

SGI NSW Cup
So who is this mystery prop Flanno wants. Are we still talking to Leo Thompson for next season or is he a bridge too far like the other props we have targeted.
 
jodragon40

jodragon40

Staff
RedVHeartbeat said:
So have I since his first games in Saints Ball side. Loko Jr has exceptional ball skills for a big Polynesian dude, something we lack with our other big units, now and previously. If Flanno dont pick up the pack enforcer we want I say give Loko jr a crack. Sometimes we see an exceptional sportsman mature at a young age. In swimming there was Shane Gould and the Campbell sisters. In cricket we had Bradman then Ponting now Sam Konstas at a similar teen age has emerged. I put Loko Jr in that category. He looks born to play rugby league, along with his Aussie & Dragon team mates, Finau and Jake.
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High praise some legends in those that you have mentioned but and a big but is whether his body and mind are anywhere near ready for the rigours of 1st grade. My personal experience is that we should err on the side of caution unless we have no choice.
 
Chris M

Chris M

SGI NSW Cup
RedVHeartbeat said:
You'd know better than I, being a former coach. Lets only hope that Flanno has the prop that we need, lined up for this year. Other than Jack our other props are iffy at best. Also hope like buggery Vili Fifita comes good and we dont need that imported enforcer.
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Couchmans are de Belin part II and part III. But for sure a big prop taking early hit ups, making metres, falling on his front would help the Couchmans and JDB be more effective with some footwork and offloads, than otherwise.
 
GCRV

GCRV

SGI NSW Cup
Is it now 7 days left for Atkinson to backflip? I think we are pretty safe. Sharks are busy re-signing other players which is a good sign. Only a question is, can we get him on board for next year. I know it's looking unlikely but I think there is a chance.
 
Ryan

Ryan

SGI Jersey Flegg
GCRV said:
Is it now 7 days left for Atkinson to backflip? I think we are pretty safe. Sharks are busy re-signing other players which is a good sign. Only a question is, can we get him on board for next year. I know it's looking unlikely but I think there is a chance.
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Would be huge if we could get him for 2025.
 
Chris M

Chris M

SGI NSW Cup

ST. GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS​

Off contract for 2026: ​

  • Corey Allan (won't be re-signed)
  • Jack de Belin (hope he has one more good year left in him after next year.)
  • Dylan Egan (Hope he has a breakout year)
  • Tom Eisenhuth (won't be re-signed)
  • Raymond Faitala-Mariner (won't be re-signed)
  • Viliami Fifita (very much doubt he'll be re-signed)
  • Sione Finau (hope he has a breakout year next year)
  • Kyle Flanagan (won't be re-signed)
  • Michael Molo (won't be re-signed)
  • Christian Tuipulotu (doubt he'll be re-signed unless he can transform himself into a prop.)
Analysis: The Dragons have a third of their squad coming off-contract and it is fair to say most of them are playing for their futures at the club. Kyle Flanagan needs a big year alongside new halfback Lachlan Ilias, before Daniel Atkinson joins the club from the Sharks in 2026. Flanagan and Ilias could be playing off next season for who will partner Atkinson. Winger Christian Tuipulotu needs a big season with the Dragons not short on outside backs, especially with Tyrell Sloan a potential winger in 2025. Jack de Belin turns 35 in 2026 and while he spent time out of the game due to suspension, which could add a couple of years on the end of his career, few forwards play past 35 in the NRL. Corey Allan needs to take his opportunities next season after a tough run with injuries in recent years. Michael Molo might be one the Dragons need to keep given the lack of quality front-rowers on their roster, unless they can land a big fish in that area. Raymond Faitala-Mariner turns 33 in 2026 and may hang up the boots, unless he can have a big 2025 and earn a one year extension. Tom Eisenhuth turns 34 and will likely retire. Meanwhile, Dylan Egan is highly rated by Shane Flanagan, but needs to prove him right in 2025 to earn a long-term extension.
Wonder why LKT isn't being talked about anymore. In his one game, I was impressed by the way he took the ball right to the line before passing. When he runs more it'll keep the opposition guessing allowing him to break the line or create overlaps outside him. Tackled well in the second half when the team had no ball. I thought it was an impressive first 80 min. Not sure what his kicking game is like but that can be taught.
 
Edward

Edward

SGI Jersey Flegg
Chris M said:

ST. GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS​

Off contract for 2026: ​

  • Corey Allan (won't be re-signed)
  • Jack de Belin (hope he has one more good year left in him after next year.)
  • Dylan Egan (Hope he has a breakout year)
  • Tom Eisenhuth (won't be re-signed)
  • Raymond Faitala-Mariner (won't be re-signed)
  • Viliami Fifita (very much doubt he'll be re-signed)
  • Sione Finau (hope he has a breakout year next year)
  • Kyle Flanagan (won't be re-signed)
  • Michael Molo (won't be re-signed)
  • Christian Tuipulotu (doubt he'll be re-signed unless he can transform himself into a prop.)
Analysis: The Dragons have a third of their squad coming off-contract and it is fair to say most of them are playing for their futures at the club. Kyle Flanagan needs a big year alongside new halfback Lachlan Ilias, before Daniel Atkinson joins the club from the Sharks in 2026. Flanagan and Ilias could be playing off next season for who will partner Atkinson. Winger Christian Tuipulotu needs a big season with the Dragons not short on outside backs, especially with Tyrell Sloan a potential winger in 2025. Jack de Belin turns 35 in 2026 and while he spent time out of the game due to suspension, which could add a couple of years on the end of his career, few forwards play past 35 in the NRL. Corey Allan needs to take his opportunities next season after a tough run with injuries in recent years. Michael Molo might be one the Dragons need to keep given the lack of quality front-rowers on their roster, unless they can land a big fish in that area. Raymond Faitala-Mariner turns 33 in 2026 and may hang up the boots, unless he can have a big 2025 and earn a one year extension. Tom Eisenhuth turns 34 and will likely retire. Meanwhile, Dylan Egan is highly rated by Shane Flanagan, but needs to prove him right in 2025 to earn a long-term extension.
Wonder why LKT isn't being talked about anymore. In his one game, I was impressed by the way he took the ball right to the line before passing. When he runs more it'll keep the opposition guessing allowing him to break the line or create overlaps outside him. Tackled well in the second half when the team had no ball. I thought it was an impressive first 80 min. Not sure what his kicking game is like but that can be taught.
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I read the club doesn't rate him very highly at this time. Lacks acceleration or something like that.
 
GCRV

GCRV

SGI NSW Cup
Edward said:
I read the club doesn't rate him very highly at this time. Lacks acceleration or something like that.
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No Way Wtf GIF by Harlem

Wally Lewis was apparently slow as a wet week. The best 5/8s nowadays are far from slow but not fast either. Trent Barrett wasn't fast. Widdop could get going but didn't have really good acceleration.
 
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Mailroomsgi

Mailroomsgi

SGI Jersey Flegg
Heard Chammas and Weidler saying that Bulldogs and Canberra are the 2 clubs in the chase for Leo Thompson and Josiah Pahulu.

Anyine else find it baffling that we aren’t involved in these talks? Even if not Thompson then go get Pahulu while the other 2 are battling it out for Thompson, would love to see our recruitment a lot more proactive with things like this, not very often a supremely talented young forward leaves their club with only 2 clubs keen
 
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