Recruitment and Retention for 2025

[TheRev]

There isnt really 1 way to rebuild a roster, you need players of all level and experience firing... the young ones are very hard to retain during that blooding period that can be 1, 2 or 3 yrs long.. and you cant blood too many at once or its guaranteed losses.... conversely if we cant give them all opportunity... they want out anyway... I mean all the good clubs have similar depth.. but kids tend to be more patient if its a regular Top 4 or Top 8 side.

I think Smyth is an interesting cat.. lot of impact in his runs, he seems to have slimmed down heaps since 2024, and I was surprised he lasted as long as he did on the weekend.. not in the same realm as the big imports like CST, Latu etc.. but I dont mind him.. but ideally hes a bench impact prop.. its probably an indication that its a tough year for forward depth in Dragons SG.

 

[Mailroomsgi]

There isnt really 1 way to rebuild a roster, you need players of all level and experience firing... the young ones are very hard to retain during that blooding period that can be 1, 2 or 3 yrs long.. and you cant blood too many at once or its guaranteed losses.... conversely if we cant give them all opportunity... they want out anyway... I mean all the good clubs have similar depth.. but kids tend to be more patient if its a regular Top 4 or Top 8 side.

I think Smyth is an interesting cat.. lot of impact in his runs, he seems to have slimmed down heaps since 2024, and I was surprised he lasted as long as he did on the weekend.. not in the same realm as the big imports like CST, Latu etc.. but I dont mind him.. but ideally hes a bench impact prop.. its probably an indication that its a tough year for forward depth in Dragons SG.

Yeah I think St George have credit in the bank from winning Ball last year, was gonna be hard to replicate.

So many good players all over the park, fortunately Steelers Matt’s and ball look pretty stacked as well when fully fit.

Very keen to see SG ball in a few weeks with more players back and fit

 

[GCRV]

There isnt really 1 way to rebuild a roster, you need players of all level and experience firing... the young ones are very hard to retain during that blooding period that can be 1, 2 or 3 yrs long.. and you cant blood too many at once or its guaranteed losses.... conversely if we cant give them all opportunity... they want out anyway... I mean all the good clubs have similar depth.. but kids tend to be more patient if its a regular Top 4 or Top 8 side.

I think Smyth is an interesting cat.. lot of impact in his runs, he seems to have slimmed down heaps since 2024, and I was surprised he lasted as long as he did on the weekend.. not in the same realm as the big imports like CST, Latu etc.. but I dont mind him.. but ideally hes a bench impact prop.. its probably an indication that its a tough year for forward depth in Dragons SG.

but it goes both ways. Can't have coaches old favourites playing like most weeks, have a good game once a season (RFM) or not once (Eisenhuth) but continue to pick them while Couchmans tear it up in NSW Cup for part/most of the season and Egan for the whole season. Even in the last round when couldn't make the finals, Egan still couldn't get a run in first grade! Does that many any sense to you at all? If soneone could explain it to me, that would be much appreciated.

For the record, for my favourite and second favourite players in that last game Eisenhuth was on for 69 and ran 69 metres. RFM had one of his better games as far as stats go.

 

[Eric]

but it goes both ways. Can't have coaches old favourites playing like most weeks, have a good game once a season (RFM) or not once (Eisenhuth) but continue to pick them while Couchmans tear it up in NSW Cup for part/most of the season and Egan for the whole season. Even in the last round when couldn't make the finals, Egan still couldn't get a run in first grade! Does that many any sense to you at all? If soneone could explain it to me, that would be much appreciated.

For the record, for my favourite and second favourite players in that last game Eisenhuth was on for 69 and ran 69 metres. RFM had one of his better games as far as stats go.

• LKTs first game starting. Coach wanted old hard-heads in the forwards to support him.
• Coach thinks Tom E is ok.
• Was still a mathematical chance of making the finals.
• Was Egan available? At the end of the season, lots of niggling injuries.

But I agree Egan should've gotten a chance at some point last season. And should be in the round 1 team this season.

 

[Wild383]

but it goes both ways. Can't have coaches old favourites playing like most weeks, have a good game once a season (RFM) or not once (Eisenhuth) but continue to pick them while Couchmans tear it up in NSW Cup for part/most of the season and Egan for the whole season. Even in the last round when couldn't make the finals, Egan still couldn't get a run in first grade! Does that many any sense to you at all? If soneone could explain it to me, that would be much appreciated.

For the record, for my favourite and second favourite players in that last game Eisenhuth was on for 69 and ran 69 metres. RFM had one of his better games as far as stats go.

The main thing here is you have to remember that people value different things so your opinion on someone being rubbish, which your entitled to have, may be completely different to other peoples and more importantly the coaches.

Like in this example, everyone is well aware of your thoughts that Tom is a rubbish plodder who doesn't offer much threat in attack, but the fact is he is very good defensively with a high work rate and Flanno has always been a very defense-oriented coach who also wants some of that old head experience in the squad so he will likely make an appearance. The thing for us fans is hoping that there is a good balance with the young guys getting the chance they deserve, which I think they will, and that his inclusion doesn't detriment both their development but also the team's chance of winning.

Also side note - mathematically we still could've made the finals in that last game, but it was also dependent on other team's results (very slim chance i.e. draw or blow-out).

 

[jodragon40]

The main thing here is you have to remember that people value different things so your opinion on someone being rubbish, which your entitled to have, may be completely different to other peoples and more importantly the coaches.

Like in this example, everyone is well aware of your thoughts that Tom is a rubbish plodder who doesn't offer much threat in attack, but the fact is he is very good defensively with a high work rate and Flanno has always been a very defense-oriented coach who also wants some of that old head experience in the squad so he will likely make an appearance. The thing for us fans is hoping that there is a good balance with the young guys getting the chance they deserve, which I think they will, and that his inclusion doesn't detriment both their development but also the team's chance of winning.

Also side note - mathematically we still could've made the finals in that last game, but it was also dependent on other team's results (very slim chance i.e. draw or blow-out).

Who would be a coach? If you aren't achieving the fans expectations then no matter what you have achieved in the past you receive no credit, even if you are wearing a premiership winning ring.

In any job, no matter what it may be you rely heavily on those people in your business to pass on their experiences to the new employees, even your star recruits.

A good manager/coach will blend experience with youthful exuberance, its a fine balance get it wrong and you will have a failing business or in this case a football team.

No doubt in my mind that the initial 17 will have more experience than youthful exuberance. Time will tell if I'm right

 

[Wild383]

Who would be a coach? If you aren't achieving the fans expectations then no matter what you have achieved in the past you receive no credit, even if you are wearing a premiership winning ring.

In any job, no matter what it may be you rely heavily on those people in your business to pass on their experiences to the new employees, even your star recruits.

A good manager/coach will blend experience with youthful exuberance, its a fine balance get it wrong and you will have a failing business or in this case a football team.

No doubt in my mind that the initial 17 will have more experience than youthful exuberance. Time will tell if I'm right

Exactly right, that experience is what will drive those young guys forward, build relationships and experience and also weed out those that don't fit the club culture you're striving to achieve, all of it is built around that balance.

Completely agree that experience will likely be the go-to at the start of the year, particularly with all the new recruits and combos being thrown into the team. Then hopefully we find some consistency and that starts to sway again as the season progresses with young guys featuring more in a stable system with less pressure.

 

[GCRV]

The main thing here is you have to remember that people value different things so your opinion on someone being rubbish, which your entitled to have, may be completely different to other peoples and more importantly the coaches.

Like in this example, everyone is well aware of your thoughts that Tom is a rubbish plodder who doesn't offer much threat in attack, but the fact is he is very good defensively with a high work rate and Flanno has always been a very defense-oriented coach who also wants some of that old head experience in the squad so he will likely make an appearance. The thing for us fans is hoping that there is a good balance with the young guys getting the chance they deserve, which I think they will, and that his inclusion doesn't detriment both their development but also the team's chance of winning.

Also side note - mathematically we still could've made the finals in that last game, but it was also dependent on other team's results (very slim chance i.e. draw or blow-out).

Excuse me but my opinion is not that Eisenhuth is a rubbish plodder. It's that both Couchmans were much better for the entire year. That Egan or Stewart or even LPT should've been picked for the last round. And this year we have a number of young players ahead of him. That isn't meant to be any criticism of Eisenhuth but praise for a number of young players coming through. If you don't rate the young forwards at the club, good for you. I don't care and has no effect on my opinion.

 

[GCRV]

Who would be a coach? If you aren't achieving the fans expectations then no matter what you have achieved in the past you receive no credit, even if you are wearing a premiership winning ring.

In any job, no matter what it may be you rely heavily on those people in your business to pass on their experiences to the new employees, even your star recruits.

A good manager/coach will blend experience with youthful exuberance, its a fine balance get it wrong and you will have a failing business or in this case a football team.

No doubt in my mind that the initial 17 will have more experience than youthful exuberance. Time will tell if I'm right

Claytons premiership. NRL admits Sharks were over the cap during the season but were "compliant on GF day". And they were using PEDs on top of that. If it wasn't for the reputational and financial damage it would've done, their premiership would have been stripped.

But anyway, I'm not going to give any Dragons coach much leeway at all until he brings the Dragons premiership success.

 

[Wild383]

Excuse me but my opinion is not that Eisenhuth is a rubbish plodder. It's that both Couchmans were much better for the entire year. That Egan or Stewart or even LPT should've been picked for the last round. And this year we have a number of young players ahead of him. That isn't meant to be any criticism of Eisenhuth but praise for a number of young players coming through. If you don't rate the young forwards at the club, good for you. I don't care and has no effect on my opinion.

You have made it very clear that you don't rate him and that's fine but you're completely missing or ignoring the point of my reply. You asked for an explanation as to why he's getting picked ahead of those juniors you mentioned, and my point is that what he views as valuable to the team and what you view could be completely different.

The Couchman's, particularly Toby, have and will feature whether Toms in the team or not, but the point of my example relating to your question about last year's final game is that Flanno may well think Tom's experience and defence is more valuable and important to the teams structure then Egans attack (at that point in time). It's very subjective to the balance of the team as a whole that Jo is also talking about above.

 

[GCRV]

You have made it very clear that you don't rate him and that's fine but you're completely missing or ignoring the point of my reply. You asked for an explanation as to why he's getting picked ahead of those juniors you mentioned, and my point is that what he views as valuable to the team and what you view could be completely different.

The Couchman's, particularly Toby, have and will feature whether Toms in the team or not, but the point of my example relating to your question about last year's final game is that Flanno may well think Tom's experience and defence is more valuable and important to the teams structure then Egans attack (at that point in time). It's very subjective to the balance of the team as a whole that Jo is also talking about above.

Really?

Tom Eisenhuth is a decent player. Far from the worst regular first grader in the competition. But I think behind Toby and Ryan Couchman, Egan, Stewart, LPT and Latu. That is to make it as clear as I can.

 

[Wild383]

Really?

Tom Eisenhuth is a decent player. Far from the worst regular first grader in the competition. But I think behind Toby and Ryan Couchman, Egan, Stewart, LPT and Latu. That is to make it as clear as I can.

Yes.

I know what your saying I'm just answering your original question why I think he picked him over Egan. What you view as 'better' and what he views as 'better' can be completely different things depending on what the team needs. He obviously thought that what Tom offers in defence and experience outweighed what the other guys offered to the team at that time.

That doesn't mean this year will be the same though. Maybe the team jells really well and the young guys come in earlier in the season. Maybe Loko kills it and forces his hand. Maybe the opposite happens, we have to wait and see.

 

[Dave03]

They need to resolve the molo situation before the season starts. We can't have a top 30 spot wasted on someone not playing. Amy release needs to stipulate he can't play against us including finals.

 

[Wild383]

If you don't rate the young forwards at the club, good for you. I don't care and has no effect on my opinion.

Also just to clarify; not once have I said I don't rate our juniors, I've stated the opposite quite strongly. And I also have never said that Tom should be getting a start over any other, I would love to throw either of the Couchman's into his starting spot and hope they do get that chance. Thats not what you asked though I'm purely just responding to your question of what I think his reasoning is to why he picked him over Egan.

 

[Eric]

Excuse me but my opinion is not that Eisenhuth is a rubbish plodder. It's that both Couchmans were much better for the entire year. That Egan or Stewart or even LPT should've been picked for the last round. And this year we have a number of young players ahead of him. That isn't meant to be any criticism of Eisenhuth but praise for a number of young players coming through. If you don't rate the young forwards at the club, good for you. I don't care and has no effect on my opinion.

Yes.

I know what your saying I'm just answering your original question why I think he picked him over Egan. What you view as 'better' and what he views as 'better' can be completely different things depending on what the team needs. He obviously thought that what Tom offers in defence and experience outweighed what the other guys offered to the team at that time.

That doesn't mean this year will be the same though. Maybe the team jells really well and the young guys come in earlier in the season. Maybe Loko kills it and forces his hand. Maybe the opposite happens, we have to wait and see.

I think I'm Egan's biggest supporter on this forum. But one more thing, he's an edge backrower and Tom E is a middle forward. I'm unhappy with Flanno for not giving Egan a chance at some stage, maybe even in the last round with a reshuffle but a straight swap for Tom E was never going to be on the agenda. jodragon40 would know better than me but I think it's not easy to swap a middle forward for an edge forward. Just my views.

Claytons premiership. NRL admits Sharks were over the cap during the season but were "compliant on GF day". And they were using PEDs on top of that. If it wasn't for the reputational and financial damage it would've done, their premiership would have been stripped.

But anyway, I'm not going to give any Dragons coach much leeway at all until he brings the Dragons premiership success.

Yep.

 

[jodragon40]

There isnt really 1 way to rebuild a roster, you need players of all level and experience firing... the young ones are very hard to retain during that blooding period that can be 1, 2 or 3 yrs long.. and you cant blood too many at once or its guaranteed losses.... conversely if we cant give them all opportunity... they want out anyway... I mean all the good clubs have similar depth.. but kids tend to be more patient if its a regular Top 4 or Top 8 side.

I think Smyth is an interesting cat.. lot of impact in his runs, he seems to have slimmed down heaps since 2024, and I was surprised he lasted as long as he did on the weekend.. not in the same realm as the big imports like CST, Latu etc.. but I dont mind him.. but ideally hes a bench impact prop.. its probably an indication that its a tough year for forward depth in Dragons SG.

I agree, blooding too many young talented players is fraught with danger especially if it is around a losing culture. Back in my day they had a funny thing called loyalty, that word is no longer relevant.

 

[Wild383]

I agree, blooding too many young talented players is fraught with danger especially if it is around a losing culture. Back in my day they had a funny thing called loyalty, that word is no longer relevant.

Particularly with the scummy games that player managers get up to these days (clubs as well), it's such a shame that its so rare to see the die hard clubmen these days. I guess that's just something that has to be accepted now that everything driven by the NRL is focused on being 'big buisness'.

 

[jodragon40]

I think I'm Egan's biggest supporter on this forum. But one more thing, he's an edge backrower and Tom E is a middle forward. I'm unhappy with Flanno for not giving Egan a chance at some stage, maybe even in the last round with a reshuffle but a straight swap for Tom E was never going to be on the agenda. jodragon40 would know better than me but I think it's not easy to swap a middle forward for an edge forward. Just my views.

Yep.

It's not as hard as trying to get a back to bend his back and put his head into a scrum. Basically middle forwards do not have the skillset of edge forwards especially in attack nor should they. Middle forwards play 20 min each half edges can play the full 80 if required. Edge forwards are required to run certain lines, be evasive in attack and link with the halves . Having the ability to offload and set up 2nd phase attacking opportunities. Defensively must have good techniques, hit hard and target the opposition playmakers

 

[jodragon40]

Particularly with the scummy games that player managers get up to these days (clubs as well), it's such a shame that its so rare to see the die hard clubmen these days. I guess that's just something that has to be accepted now that everything driven by the NRL is focused on being 'big buisness'.

Agree it's a business these days.

 

[Ryan]

I think I'm Egan's biggest supporter on this forum. But one more thing, he's an edge backrower and Tom E is a middle forward. I'm unhappy with Flanno for not giving Egan a chance at some stage, maybe even in the last round with a reshuffle but a straight swap for Tom E was never going to be on the agenda. jodragon40 would know better than me but I think it's not easy to swap a middle forward for an edge forward. Just my views.

Yep.

In hindsight, should've reshuffled. Does anyone think it was the right decision to start the Couchman's in NSW Cup last year? I thought based on what they did the year before in their handful of games, should've been the first forwards picked after Su'A, JDB and Liddle. Will never know if it was right or not but in my opinion, was a big mistake.

Anyone other than Flanno that is. Suprised if Deano didn't make a noise about Couchmans in NSW Cup. Considering the environment he was given his debut in. Browny used to just throw the young blokes in and Chase Stanley is really the only one who didn't turn out very good and that was as much because of the notorious Stanley knees more than anything else.