Season 2026

[maestro1]

I don’t think Klem and JDB have too much left in the tank as a fighting unit, but as you say, until we see how the replacements fare, it’s unknown.

I think the current understanding is that smaller forwards with high energy are better than slow leviathans.

And everyone loves a giant back with nimble feet who can still conjure up a break with a powerful fend etc.

And no more wasted tackles. A gain of less than reasonable meter age should be punished at training.

Our biggest improvement will come from our improved long kicking game that Dan Atkinson will bring. This alone means that our opposition will be bringing the ball from their tryline/10 metre line, consistently, and we will be putting up more attacking kicks. Throughout the 80 minutes, this is crucial and also means our opposition isn't always putting up attacking kicks and Gutho, Tu and CT will be able to return the ball with easier metres. This then makes a massive difference for our forwards who will use less petrol in the grind as they will be hitting the ball up around halfway instead of off our tryline / quarter

 

[Flinstone]

Our biggest improvement will come from our improved long kicking game that Dan Atkinson will bring. This alone means that our opposition will be bringing the ball from their tryline/10 metre line, consistently, and we will be putting up more attacking kicks. Throughout the 80 minutes, this is crucial and also means our opposition isn't always putting up attacking kicks and Gutho, Tu and CT will be able to return the ball with easier metres. This then makes a massive difference for our forwards who will use less petrol in the grind as they will be hitting the ball up around halfway instead of off our tryline / quarter

Did you see one of Atkinsons first kicks found the turf.
Gave the chasers a little more time to get there, Oh it was a beautiful, something we haven't seen since Luciano got stuck with the ball on 5th and put in a great kick.

 

[Wolfgang90]

Atko has good hangtime on his kicks which is also important, as it allows our chasers to get a bit closer to the oppo.

 

[dragon thomo]

How about Laurie Guler for Barnett for this year and offer Barnett another 2 yrs on top.

 

[getsmarty]

Meet the man tipped to be the next captain of the Dragons​

MSN

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Our biggest improvement will come from our improved long kicking game that Dan Atkinson will bring. This alone means that our opposition will be bringing the ball from their tryline/10 metre line, consistently, and we will be putting up more attacking kicks. Throughout the 80 minutes, this is crucial and also means our opposition isn't always putting up attacking kicks and Gutho, Tu and CT will be able to return the ball with easier metres. This then makes a massive difference for our forwards who will use less petrol in the grind as they will be hitting the ball up around halfway instead of off our tryline / quarter

Thats a good point and some kicking distance and time definitely helps.

I think he’s an astute purchase.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Current A grade footy mate at work was pondering the life and times of Kyle yesterday.

He agreed with my current factory assessment but he thought he was capable of much better.

He said that a couple of year ago, he was a much stronger player in all respects and that his decline and plateauing out to well under his natural talent had been frustrating to watch.

 

[getsmarty]

NRL season preview: How your team stack up for 2026

Spoiler alert: This WILL be the Warriors' year - of course.

www.rnz.co.nz

 

[getsmarty]

Stupid expectations: Flanagan won't talk up title hopes

St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan insists the Dragons are on the rise, but says he's only being realistic by conceding 2026 won't be a title year.

au.news.yahoo.com

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Stupid expectations: Flanagan won't talk up title hopes

St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan insists the Dragons are on the rise, but says he's only being realistic by conceding 2026 won't be a title year.

au.news.yahoo.com

Yep, the reality is that it doesn’t matter what the coach says to the press, that’s not going to win games.

2024, you couldn’t get on the dragons for the spoon for anything and then you gave the comp the fright of its life for so much of the season.

Apart from the players, I think Flanno said you had Ennis instilling some courage into the halves for the line.

Straightening the attack.

For the youngsters here, there was a time when this was the order of the day.

We didn’t have to introduce rules to preserve the attack.

 

[R&WTILLIDIE]

Stupid expectations: Flanagan won't talk up title hopes

St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan insists the Dragons are on the rise, but says he's only being realistic by conceding 2026 won't be a title year.

au.news.yahoo.com

Inspirational stuff. This is the sort of stuff us supporters love to hear. Sign me up for a membership now. While you’re at it, I’ll go out and spend my hard earned $$$ on the latest supporter gear. At least we can’t accuse the coach of being over confident FMD

 

[An Old Westie Dragon]

Stupid expectations: Flanagan won't talk up title hopes

St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan insists the Dragons are on the rise, but says he's only being realistic by conceding 2026 won't be a title year.

au.news.yahoo.com

Can’t see a problem with this. Flanno is only telling the truth. Better than being bullshitted to.

 

[R&WTILLIDIE]

Can’t see a problem with this. Flanno is only telling the truth. Better than being bullshitted to.

Just my opinion. He doesn’t have to say they can win it all. But how about saying. “It’s going to be tough, there are other great teams out there but we’ll give it our best”

Look at Canberra last year. Tipped to be wooden spooners and then were minor premiers. Give us some friggen hope, please! After all, you helped assemble this rabble of a team…..but again, just my opinion.

 

[An Old Westie Dragon]

Just my opinion. He doesn’t have to say they can win it all. But how about saying. “It’s going to be tough, there are other great teams out there but we’ll give it our best”

Look at Canberra last year. Tipped to be wooden spooners and then were minor premiers. Give us some friggen hope, please! After all, you helped assemble this rabble of a team…..but again, just my opinion.

You’re quite entitled to your opinion R&W. I’m more of straight down the line person. Say it as it is, no bullshit. I find it quite refreshing that Flanno just told the truth. With a bit of luck that “won’t win the comp”statement might motivate the players. I’m more than happy for us to win the comp.

 

[Inisai Toga]

I wish they wouldn’t interview them so frequently; too much of it! Just do the talking on the field.

 

[R&WTILLIDIE]

You’re quite entitled to your opinion R&W. I’m more of straight down the line person. Say it as it is, no bullshit. I find it quite refreshing that Flanno just told the truth. With a bit of luck that “won’t win the comp”statement might motivate the players. I’m more than happy for us to win the comp.

Onya mate. Great post.

 

[The Word]

Stupid expectations: Flanagan won't talk up title hopes

St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan insists the Dragons are on the rise, but says he's only being realistic by conceding 2026 won't be a title year.

au.news.yahoo.com

Not the first time Flanagan has talked about a few more big signings on their way for the 2027 season. He sounds confident about it, as if negotiations are ongoing. Would love to know who we’re after.

 

[jeffdragon]

First 3 games are the toughest in the nrl.
3 wins would be amazing but unrealistic
2-3. Great.
1 from 3 what i expect.
0 from 3 .Season over

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Tough finish today, a bit depressing. Too early to squeeze any goodness from it. I’m sure it’s there, but….

 

[DragonsTop8in26]

Tough finish today, a bit depressing.

I wouldnt say it was depressing we cop the same shit every year. I'm personally proud of the team even though we don't get the 2 points we were up against it all game and showed alot of heart to stick in there until the final seconds. Proud Dragons fan right here