Recruitment & Retention 2027

Dragon David

SGI NSW Cup
I'm seeing that Sloan is starting to hit his straps at long last and I think he will be even more improved as he gets another year older. I think that Deano would love to keep him now - much better winger than before, can play full back if needed, is more robust and less intimidated and has the speed and stamina to quickly run the full field to score dozens of tries - a player that we need similar to Brett Morris when we finally play a grand final again. Being optimistic here.

While Sloan would honor his signing with the Castleford Tigers should Ryan Carr be sacked, he really wants to stay at the Dragons and help us win matches. I think Deano will be looking at trying to get this done if they can get a few more salary cap bucks to keep him (Gutho retiring, maybe or one of the others going possibly). But if not, play out his time in Super League, get more toughened up and come back when he will be about 26.

This is what I have observed with Sloan -

He has become "less intimidated," meaning he feels less fear or worry about physical contact, aggressive opponents, or high-pressure game situations. He now plays with more confidence and courage.

What he looks like on the field
    • Running the ball: He runs straight into the defensive line with full speed instead of slowing down or sliding.
    • Making tackles: He is starting to hit hard and does not pull back from big opposing runners.
    • Handling pressure: He stays calm during tense moments when facing all teams.

Why he has changed
    • Experience: Playing more games has helped him get used to the heavy hits.
    • Training: Hard gym work has built up his muscles and makes him feel safer and stronger.
    • Mental growth: As he has matured, his psyche has enabled him to stop worrying and trust his skills.

    Just my opinion
 

Morgan

SGI NSW Cup
I'm seeing that Sloan is starting to hit his straps at long last and I think he will be even more improved as he gets another year older. I think that Deano would love to keep him now - much better winger than before, can play full back if needed, is more robust and less intimidated and has the speed and stamina to quickly run the full field to score dozens of tries - a player that we need similar to Brett Morris when we finally play a grand final again. Being optimistic here.

While Sloan would honor his signing with the Castleford Tigers should Ryan Carr be sacked, he really wants to stay at the Dragons and help us win matches. I think Deano will be looking at trying to get this done if they can get a few more salary cap bucks to keep him (Gutho retiring, maybe or one of the others going possibly). But if not, play out his time in Super League, get more toughened up and come back when he will be about 26.

This is what I have observed with Sloan -

He has become "less intimidated," meaning he feels less fear or worry about physical contact, aggressive opponents, or high-pressure game situations. He now plays with more confidence and courage.

What he looks like on the field
    • Running the ball: He runs straight into the defensive line with full speed instead of slowing down or sliding.
    • Making tackles: He is starting to hit hard and does not pull back from big opposing runners.
    • Handling pressure: He stays calm during tense moments when facing all teams.

Why he has changed
    • Experience: Playing more games has helped him get used to the heavy hits.
    • Training: Hard gym work has built up his muscles and makes him feel safer and stronger.
    • Mental growth: As he has matured, his psyche has enabled him to stop worrying and trust his skills.

    Just my opinion
I reckon Sloan's done. It's not as if he has been really good the last few weeks. Like 200+ run metres per-game, several tries, lots of tackle busts, a couple oif try saving tackles as what is usually expected for a winger to be given huge wraps. He's just been better than he has been over the past few years. Too little, too late for me.
 

I'm Hornby

SGI Junior League
I reckon Sloan's done. It's not as if he has been really good the last few weeks. Like 200+ run metres per-game, several tries, lots of tackle busts, a couple oif try saving tackles as what is usually expected for a winger to be given huge wraps. He's just been better than he has been over the past few years. Too little, too late for me.
Very best case, give him a haircut on 1-2 year deal and make it clear he will be a depth player only, if he can keep up the good form when he gets an opportunity then he could push for a permanent spot again.

Either that or find another ESL club because no other NRL clubs have been interested it seems.
 

Morgan

SGI NSW Cup
Very best case, give him a haircut on 1-2 year deal and make it clear he will be a depth player only, if he can keep up the good form when he gets an opportunity then he could push for a permanent spot again.

Either that or find another ESL club because no other NRL clubs have been interested it seems.
If her could be persuaded to stay on as a depth player on a minimal contract, I could certainly live with that. Don't think he will though. He'd probably prefer to go to the ESL.
 

RufusRex

SGI NSW Cup
if we had say Metcalf/Kodi in 1sts with one of LKT/Atkinson on the extended
Then in cup Reed with the other of LKT/Atkinson it is almost something you can see

but it would have to mean Kyle is gone.
Hope it is just the Quinn play one game in a blue moon role.
 

TheRev

SGI NSW Cup
makes no sense.. cup halves are hammoud/hodges/reed (think they all age out of 21s) + whoever is left over from 1st grade, potentially atko/kyle/LKT

where on earth does ONeill fit? Is it a squid pro quo thing to get another signing over the line? Madness..
 

RufusRex

SGI NSW Cup
it could just be a train/trial deal ... yet again the club does nothing to inform the supporters.
Twatsford told me in an email they would update the team page ... still has Ice as a coach ... lol
 
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