Season Preview (need your help)

[JLA]

As the 2025 NRL season approaches, I plan to provide a comprehensive season preview for each team on *The Roar*. To gain a deeper understanding of each club’s prospects, I am reaching out to the most passionate and knowledgeable sources—the fans themselves. Multiple perspectives are welcome to ensure a well-rounded analysis of the Dragons’ outlook for the upcoming campaign.

Shane Flanagan’s Vision
Shane Flanagan previously orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in NRL history, guiding the Cronulla Sharks from wooden spoon recipients to premiership winners in just two seasons. While expecting an immediate title run may be overly ambitious, do you have confidence in Flanagan’s long-term vision for the Dragons?

Spine Stability: Positive or Negative?
Kyle Flanagan appears to be the only player retaining his position within the spine. Do you view this continuity as a stabilizing factor, or is the significant change a cause for concern?

Impact of Player Departures
Last season, the Dragons boasted two State of Origin representatives, both of whom have since departed. Considering the club’s new signings, do you believe the team is stronger or weaker than last year?

Contract Disputes and Squad Stability
Contract disputes plagued the Dragons last year, with Zach Lomax and Ben Hunt’s situations causing distractions. Unfortunately, this trend continues, with Francis Molo now seeking a release. How do you see this situation unfolding, and who do you believe can step up to fill his void?

Tyrell Sloan’s Development
Tyrell Sloan is regarded as a player with immense potential. Do you think moving him away from the fullback position will hinder his development, or could it be beneficial for his growth?

Wooden Spoon Predictions
According to Sportsbet, the Dragons are favorites to claim the wooden spoon this season. Do you believe this prediction is justified, or do you see the team exceeding expectations?

Breakout Players and Rookies
Which player do you believe is poised for a breakout season? Additionally, is there a rookie who could make a significant impact upon debuting?

Best Addition and Biggest Loss
Who do you consider the Dragons' most valuable signing this offseason? Conversely, which departure will hurt the squad the most?

Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement
What is the team’s biggest weakness heading into the season? Do you believe it can be addressed effectively over the course of the year?

Squad Depth and Injury Concerns
Howdo you assess the Dragons' squad depth? In the event of an injury to a key player, do you feel the team has adequate cover?

# Strongest 17
Based on the current roster, what do you believe is the strongest possible starting lineup for the Dragons?

Defining Success and Failure in 2025
What would constitute a successful season for the Dragons in 2025? Conversely, what outcome would be deemed a failure? Lastly, what is your overall prediction for the team’s performance this year?

Your insights and analysis will be invaluable in shaping a well-rounded preview of the Dragons’ upcoming season. Share your thoughts and let’s b uild a comprehensive outlook together!

 

[Mug Fan]

That's a big no from me.

 

[Dragons Chris]

As the 2025 NRL season approaches, I plan to provide a comprehensive season preview for each team on *The Roar*. To gain a deeper understanding of each club’s prospects, I am reaching out to the most passionate and knowledgeable sources—the fans themselves. Multiple perspectives are welcome to ensure a well-rounded analysis of the Dragons’ outlook for the upcoming campaign.

Shane Flanagan’s Vision
Shane Flanagan previously orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in NRL history, guiding the Cronulla Sharks from wooden spoon recipients to premiership winners in just two seasons. While expecting an immediate title run may be overly ambitious, do you have confidence in Flanagan’s long-term vision for the Dragons?

Spine Stability: Positive or Negative?
Kyle Flanagan appears to be the only player retaining his position within the spine. Do you view this continuity as a stabilizing factor, or is the significant change a cause for concern?

Impact of Player Departures
Last season, the Dragons boasted two State of Origin representatives, both of whom have since departed. Considering the club’s new signings, do you believe the team is stronger or weaker than last year?

Contract Disputes and Squad Stability
Contract disputes plagued the Dragons last year, with Zach Lomax and Ben Hunt’s situations causing distractions. Unfortunately, this trend continues, with Francis Molo now seeking a release. How do you see this situation unfolding, and who do you believe can step up to fill his void?

Tyrell Sloan’s Development
Tyrell Sloan is regarded as a player with immense potential. Do you think moving him away from the fullback position will hinder his development, or could it be beneficial for his growth?

Wooden Spoon Predictions
According to Sportsbet, the Dragons are favorites to claim the wooden spoon this season. Do you believe this prediction is justified, or do you see the team exceeding expectations?

Breakout Players and Rookies
Which player do you believe is poised for a breakout season? Additionally, is there a rookie who could make a significant impact upon debuting?

Best Addition and Biggest Loss
Who do you consider the Dragons' most valuable signing this offseason? Conversely, which departure will hurt the squad the most?

Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement
What is the team’s biggest weakness heading into the season? Do you believe it can be addressed effectively over the course of the year?

Squad Depth and Injury Concerns
Howdo you assess the Dragons' squad depth? In the event of an injury to a key player, do you feel the team has adequate cover?

# Strongest 17
Based on the current roster, what do you believe is the strongest possible starting lineup for the Dragons?

Defining Success and Failure in 2025
What would constitute a successful season for the Dragons in 2025? Conversely, what outcome would be deemed a failure? Lastly, what is your overall prediction for the team’s performance this year?

Your insights and analysis will be invaluable in shaping a well-rounded preview of the Dragons’ upcoming season. Share your thoughts and let’s b uild a comprehensive outlook together!

When I've got 4 or 5 hours free.

 

[DragonsTragic]

As the 2025 NRL season approaches, I plan to provide a comprehensive season preview for each team on *The Roar*. To gain a deeper understanding of each club’s prospects, I am reaching out to the most passionate and knowledgeable sources—the fans themselves. Multiple perspectives are welcome to ensure a well-rounded analysis of the Dragons’ outlook for the upcoming campaign.

Shane Flanagan’s Vision
Shane Flanagan previously orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in NRL history, guiding the Cronulla Sharks from wooden spoon recipients to premiership winners in just two seasons. While expecting an immediate title run may be overly ambitious, do you have confidence in Flanagan’s long-term vision for the Dragons?

Spine Stability: Positive or Negative?
Kyle Flanagan appears to be the only player retaining his position within the spine. Do you view this continuity as a stabilizing factor, or is the significant change a cause for concern?

Impact of Player Departures
Last season, the Dragons boasted two State of Origin representatives, both of whom have since departed. Considering the club’s new signings, do you believe the team is stronger or weaker than last year?

Contract Disputes and Squad Stability
Contract disputes plagued the Dragons last year, with Zach Lomax and Ben Hunt’s situations causing distractions. Unfortunately, this trend continues, with Francis Molo now seeking a release. How do you see this situation unfolding, and who do you believe can step up to fill his void?

Tyrell Sloan’s Development
Tyrell Sloan is regarded as a player with immense potential. Do you think moving him away from the fullback position will hinder his development, or could it be beneficial for his growth?

Wooden Spoon Predictions
According to Sportsbet, the Dragons are favorites to claim the wooden spoon this season. Do you believe this prediction is justified, or do you see the team exceeding expectations?

Breakout Players and Rookies
Which player do you believe is poised for a breakout season? Additionally, is there a rookie who could make a significant impact upon debuting?

Best Addition and Biggest Loss
Who do you consider the Dragons' most valuable signing this offseason? Conversely, which departure will hurt the squad the most?

Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement
What is the team’s biggest weakness heading into the season? Do you believe it can be addressed effectively over the course of the year?

Squad Depth and Injury Concerns
Howdo you assess the Dragons' squad depth? In the event of an injury to a key player, do you feel the team has adequate cover?

# Strongest 17
Based on the current roster, what do you believe is the strongest possible starting lineup for the Dragons?

Defining Success and Failure in 2025
What would constitute a successful season for the Dragons in 2025? Conversely, what outcome would be deemed a failure? Lastly, what is your overall prediction for the team’s performance this year?

Your insights and analysis will be invaluable in shaping a well-rounded preview of the Dragons’ upcoming season. Share your thoughts and let’s b uild a comprehensive outlook together!

We have an understanding here that what is discussed in this forum stays in this forum.

 

[Dave03]

Are you going to credit us for our info provided to you? or will this be purely under your own name? Why does this need to be on the roar? Why can't you discuss it here? Honestly, this feels like a big set up to gain our info then present it as your own.

I'll let others decide for themselves but I don't feel comfortable in giving you information to present as your own.

 

[Dave03]

This feels like a survey lol. I don't want to help another site gain popularity through info posted here. Will you credit the SGI forum & tell people to visit the site? It's a bit disrespectful to this site owners asking their own forum members to provide such detailed information for the use of it being represented on another competitors site.

 

[Dave03]

When I've got 4 or 5 hours free.

hahahaha

 

[JLA]

Are you going to credit us for our info provided to you? or will this be purely under your own name? Why does this need to be on the roar? Why can't you discuss it here? Honestly, this feels like a big set up to gain our info then present it as your own.

I'll let others decide for themselves but I don't feel comfortable in giving you information to present as your own.

No of course not I will happily acknowledge whoever responds, thought be cool concept to for general public get perspective of passionate fans. I don't make anything from this just as a hobby. I am doing this for every team. The Roar is huge platform that allows guests post articles.

 

[AyiosYiorgos]

Speaking for myself i would prefer if you got your info from somewhere else, your presence here will only keep some forum members from posting.

 

[JLA]

Speaking for myself i would prefer if you got your info from somewhere else, your presence here will only keep some forum members from posting.

Totally up to you you. Reason I asked this forum as you are most in tune with team and give best answers to these questions

 

[Wild383]

Totally up to you you. Reason I asked this forum as you are most in tune with team and give best answers to these questions

I think most others have covered it off pretty well that we have a general rule we like to keep it all 'in house' so to speak to encourage those that might otherwise not share info to feel comfortable here.

However I'd just like to add that I appreciate you actually taking the time to write out what your doing and post it as a question to the forum rather then the other approach, that im know for a fact happens, of just snooping around grabbing bits and pieces of info from people to post without actually talking to or crediting anyone for their opinions.

All that said we now know if something juicy pops up who to point fingers at...

 

[Wild383]

Side note: I will answer one for you - Top 8 baby!

 

[GCRV]

As the 2025 NRL season approaches, I plan to provide a comprehensive season preview for each team on *The Roar*. To gain a deeper understanding of each club’s prospects, I am reaching out to the most passionate and knowledgeable sources—the fans themselves. Multiple perspectives are welcome to ensure a well-rounded analysis of the Dragons’ outlook for the upcoming campaign.

Shane Flanagan’s Vision
Shane Flanagan previously orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in NRL history, guiding the Cronulla Sharks from wooden spoon recipients to premiership winners in just two seasons. While expecting an immediate title run may be overly ambitious, do you have confidence in Flanagan’s long-term vision for the Dragons?

Yes but not really happy about a few NRL journeymen he signed. Not against signing such players but feel he went overboard with it.

Spine Stability: Positive or Negative?
Kyle Flanagan appears to be the only player retaining his position within the spine. Do you view this continuity as a stabilizing factor, or is the significant change a cause for concern?

A big improvement on last year but remains to be seen if that's good enough .

Impact of Player Departures
Last season, the Dragons boasted two State of Origin representatives, both of whom have since departed. Considering the club’s new signings, do you believe the team is stronger or weaker than last year?

Won't be missed. I personally was a Lomax fan but looking back, was a bit overrated.

Contract Disputes and Squad Stability
Contract disputes plagued the Dragons last year, with Zach Lomax and Ben Hunt’s situations causing distractions. Unfortunately, this trend continues, with Francis Molo now seeking a release. How do you see this situation unfolding, and who do you believe can step up to fill his void?

I think all 3 leaving will be positive for the team.

Tyrell Sloan’s Development
Tyrell Sloan is regarded as a player with immense potential. Do you think moving him away from the fullback position will hinder his development, or could it be beneficial for his growth?

Really don't kno.I think he can learn a lot from Gutho.

Wooden Spoon Predictions
According to Sportsbet, the Dragons are favorites to claim the wooden spoon this season. Do you believe this prediction is justified, or do you see the team exceeding expectations?

New spine, it's justified though I disagree.

Breakout Players and Rookies
Which player do you believe is poised for a breakout season? Additionally, is there a rookie who could make a significant impact upon debuting?

LPT, Latu.

Best Addition and Biggest Loss
Who do you consider the Dragons' most valuable signing this offseason? Conversely, which departure will hurt the squad the most?

Holmes and Gutho equal.

Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement
What is the team’s biggest weakness heading into the season? Do you believe it can be addressed effectively over the course of the year?

Pressure is on the halves.

Squad Depth and Injury Concerns
Howdo you assess the Dragons' squad depth? In the event of an injury to a key player, do you feel the team has adequate cover?

Depth is good. Must be among the best teams for depth.

# Strongest 17
Based on the current roster, what do you believe is the strongest possible starting lineup for the Dragons?

Answer later

Defining Success and Failure in 2025
What would constitute a successful season for the Dragons in 2025? Conversely, what outcome would be deemed a failure? Lastly, what is your overall prediction for the team’s performance this year?

Success is making the 8. Bottom 4 is a failure

Your insights and analysis will be invaluable in shaping a well-rounded preview of the Dragons’ upcoming season. Share your thoughts and let’s b uild a comprehensive outlook together!

 

[jodragon40]

As the 2025 NRL season approaches, I plan to provide a comprehensive season preview for each team on *The Roar*. To gain a deeper understanding of each club’s prospects, I am reaching out to the most passionate and knowledgeable sources—the fans themselves. Multiple perspectives are welcome to ensure a well-rounded analysis of the Dragons’ outlook for the upcoming campaign.

Shane Flanagan’s Vision
Shane Flanagan previously orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in NRL history, guiding the Cronulla Sharks from wooden spoon recipients to premiership winners in just two seasons. While expecting an immediate title run may be overly ambitious, do you have confidence in Flanagan’s long-term vision for the Dragons?

Spine Stability: Positive or Negative?
Kyle Flanagan appears to be the only player retaining his position within the spine. Do you view this continuity as a stabilizing factor, or is the significant change a cause for concern?

Impact of Player Departures
Last season, the Dragons boasted two State of Origin representatives, both of whom have since departed. Considering the club’s new signings, do you believe the team is stronger or weaker than last year?

Contract Disputes and Squad Stability
Contract disputes plagued the Dragons last year, with Zach Lomax and Ben Hunt’s situations causing distractions. Unfortunately, this trend continues, with Francis Molo now seeking a release. How do you see this situation unfolding, and who do you believe can step up to fill his void?

Tyrell Sloan’s Development
Tyrell Sloan is regarded as a player with immense potential. Do you think moving him away from the fullback position will hinder his development, or could it be beneficial for his growth?

Wooden Spoon Predictions
According to Sportsbet, the Dragons are favorites to claim the wooden spoon this season. Do you believe this prediction is justified, or do you see the team exceeding expectations?

Breakout Players and Rookies
Which player do you believe is poised for a breakout season? Additionally, is there a rookie who could make a significant impact upon debuting?

Best Addition and Biggest Loss
Who do you consider the Dragons' most valuable signing this offseason? Conversely, which departure will hurt the squad the most?

Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement
What is the team’s biggest weakness heading into the season? Do you believe it can be addressed effectively over the course of the year?

Squad Depth and Injury Concerns
Howdo you assess the Dragons' squad depth? In the event of an injury to a key player, do you feel the team has adequate cover?

# Strongest 17
Based on the current roster, what do you believe is the strongest possible starting lineup for the Dragons?

Defining Success and Failure in 2025
What would constitute a successful season for the Dragons in 2025? Conversely, what outcome would be deemed a failure? Lastly, what is your overall prediction for the team’s performance this year?

Your insights and analysis will be invaluable in shaping a well-rounded preview of the Dragons’ upcoming season. Share your thoughts and let’s b uild a comprehensive outlook together!

JLA I understand that you have just joined this forum. This forum is made up of ex players, ex coaches and those within the know in the club and team circles. Being anonymous is each individuals choice but has worked well so far in this forum where we have agreed not to share our news and views with any other forum . As a moderator on this sight it falls upon me to ensure that the forum remains a anonymous tight knit community with each member allowed to air their opinions . Therefore I request unless an individual on this forum wishes to co operate and answer your insightful questions you refrain from conducting such questions in the future on behalf of another forum.
I hope you understand my position. Thank you

 

[JLA]

JLA I understand that you have just joined this forum. This forum is made up of ex players, ex coaches and those within the know in the club and team circles. Being anonymous is each individuals choice but has worked well so far in this forum where we have agreed not to share our news and views with any other forum . As a moderator on this sight it falls upon me to ensure that the forum remains a anonymous tight knit community with each member allowed to air their opinions . Therefore I request unless an individual on this forum wishes to co operate and answer your insightful questions you refrain from conducting such questions in the future on behalf of another forum.
I hope you understand my position. Thank you

Fair enough. Went on other teams forum and they were happy to answer questions on their teams so didn't think be an issue here but I understand not all forums are the same. Whatever you feel comfortable sharing be greatly appreciated as I know many dragons fans will enjoy reading this.

 

[Eric]

Fair enough. Went on other teams forum and they were happy to answer questions on their teams so didn't think be an issue here but I understand not all forums are the same. Whatever you feel comfortable sharing be greatly appreciated as I know many dragons fans will enjoy reading this.

Some of the posters whose comments everyone wants to read have had issues with people taking comments and sharing them on other platforms. Technically speaking it's breaching copyright laws to do it without permission. I never have any useful info so I can't comment much. As a result, I'm asking/have asked jodragon40 to sort this one out.

 

[Dragons Chris]

As the 2025 NRL season approaches, I plan to provide a comprehensive season preview for each team on *The Roar*. To gain a deeper understanding of each club’s prospects, I am reaching out to the most passionate and knowledgeable sources—the fans themselves. Multiple perspectives are welcome to ensure a well-rounded analysis of the Dragons’ outlook for the upcoming campaign.

Shane Flanagan’s Vision
Shane Flanagan previously orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in NRL history, guiding the Cronulla Sharks from wooden spoon recipients to premiership winners in just two seasons. While expecting an immediate title run may be overly ambitious, do you have confidence in Flanagan’s long-term vision for the Dragons?

Spine Stability: Positive or Negative?
Kyle Flanagan appears to be the only player retaining his position within the spine. Do you view this continuity as a stabilizing factor, or is the significant change a cause for concern?

Impact of Player Departures
Last season, the Dragons boasted two State of Origin representatives, both of whom have since departed. Considering the club’s new signings, do you believe the team is stronger or weaker than last year?

Contract Disputes and Squad Stability
Contract disputes plagued the Dragons last year, with Zach Lomax and Ben Hunt’s situations causing distractions. Unfortunately, this trend continues, with Francis Molo now seeking a release. How do you see this situation unfolding, and who do you believe can step up to fill his void?

Tyrell Sloan’s Development
Tyrell Sloan is regarded as a player with immense potential. Do you think moving him away from the fullback position will hinder his development, or could it be beneficial for his growth?

Wooden Spoon Predictions
According to Sportsbet, the Dragons are favorites to claim the wooden spoon this season. Do you believe this prediction is justified, or do you see the team exceeding expectations?

Breakout Players and Rookies
Which player do you believe is poised for a breakout season? Additionally, is there a rookie who could make a significant impact upon debuting?

Best Addition and Biggest Loss
Who do you consider the Dragons' most valuable signing this offseason? Conversely, which departure will hurt the squad the most?

Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement
What is the team’s biggest weakness heading into the season? Do you believe it can be addressed effectively over the course of the year?

Squad Depth and Injury Concerns
Howdo you assess the Dragons' squad depth? In the event of an injury to a key player, do you feel the team has adequate cover?

# Strongest 17
Based on the current roster, what do you believe is the strongest possible starting lineup for the Dragons?

Defining Success and Failure in 2025
What would constitute a successful season for the Dragons in 2025? Conversely, what outcome would be deemed a failure? Lastly, what is your overall prediction for the team’s performance this year?

Your insights and analysis will be invaluable in shaping a well-rounded preview of the Dragons’ upcoming season. Share your thoughts and let’s b uild a comprehensive outlook together!

In a nutshell. My take is that the team will struggle early which will force Flanno's hand and the team will be going quite well by the end of the season.

So the breakout player I'm tipping is one starting the season on a development contract. Lyhkan King-Togia is big for a 5/8. Maybe not weight because he isn't that tall but built strongly. He's a strong defender but what impressed me in his one game in first grade, last game of the season last year, he digs right into the line before passing with the ball in hand.

Success if obviously making the 8. I don't think anyone really believes this squad is going to win the competition. Failure won't be improving on last year.

As for depth, there are a number of young players, including the one mentioned above but especially in the forwards. Are they ready for first grade? If there are a significant amount of injuries or suspensions, we will find out.

Gutho signing will be good for Sloan but if he comes good, will he wait 3 years? I think his fullback career at the Dragons is over unless Gutho has a serious injury.

Biggest signing is Gutho. I think Cook isn't a big signing simply because Liddle has been one of the best over the last 2 years. If I were Flanno I wouldn't have signed Cook simply because I think Liddle is good.

Hunt being gone is a good thing. No doubt at all. I'm not saying he's a bad player. He's good. Just very overrated. He needs a playmaker at 5/8 becasue he isn't one. It wouldn't suprise me with Reynolds pulling the strings, Hunt goes well at the Donkeys. Lomax leaving is probably best for the club and himself. He needed a fresh start and so does the Dragons backline. As for Frank Molo, this probably happened a year early but not a big loss.

As for weakness, I think it's glaring and has to do with digging into the line before passing, or lack thereof.

Spine is better than last year. Gutho in particular I think is going to make the players around him better.