2025 Squad List

[Nutz]

Hmm. Flanno is going to have problems in the halves this year then.

Exactly, that's what I was going stupid about yesterday when I said Saints are going to find it hard to replace Hunt, love or hate him.
There are 3 play makers in a side imo.
One is your conventional half that comes more into play on the 4th and 5th tackle. He usually does most of the kicking because it doesn't matter what side of the field he plays, he's close to to ruck.
The second is ⅝ who has more of a running game and the third one is your ball playing lock. He is one of the most important players. Yeo says it all.
One common trait they all have is they keep the ball in play and bodies in motion.
But the ½ has to have an awesome kicking game. So Saints need an Akinson or Moses type. I don't think the Sharks could have finished where they did without the Atko/Trindall combo whilst their marquee ½ was out injured.

 

[Jubilee]

Exactly, that's what I was going stupid about yesterday when I said Saints are going to find it hard to replace Hunt, love or hate him.
There are 3 play makers in a side imo.
One is your conventional half that comes more into play on the 4th and 5th tackle. He usually does most of the kicking because it doesn't matter what side of the field he plays, he's close to to ruck.
The second is ⅝ who has more of a running game and the third one is your ball playing lock. He is one of the most important players. Yeo says it all.
One common trait they all have is they keep the ball in play and bodies in motion.
But the ½ has to have an awesome kicking game. So Saints need an Akinson or Moses type. I don't think the Sharks could have finished where they did without the Atko/Trindall combo whilst their marquee ½ was out injured.

And people may think it is scraping the barrel, but that explains the interest in Douehi, who does have a boot. It is a difficult situation for 2025

 

[Nutz]

And people may think it is scraping the barrel, but that explains the interest in Douehi, who does have a boot. It is a difficult situation for 2025

AD's biggest asset is his size and he hates losing. He's a top player. He has a decent boot, mainly long up and unders but I can't recall him kicking a 40/20 or very many grubbers in goal for repeat sets. This really wasn't his job at the tigers, never was a ½. He's no Hunt
At best, AD is a running centre and now his knee is good to go, he might be a jewel you've been waiting for.

 

[getsmarty]

Stay True, Stay Steadfast

The Dragon in our new secondary logo has been adapted directly from the one within our traditional shield, ensuring a respectful tribute to the past while meeting the demands of today’s digital world.

www.dragons.com.au

 

[John moz]

JS captain 2025 Ben hunt removed from video clip

 

[Draginzaaar]

AD's biggest asset is his size and he hates losing. He's a top player. He has a decent boot, mainly long up and unders but I can't recall him kicking a 40/20 or very many grubbers in goal for repeat sets. This really wasn't his job at the tigers, never was a ½. He's no Hunt
At best, AD is a running centre and now his knee is good to go, he might be a jewel you've been waiting for.

Showed pace when scoring a try on his comeback this year.

 

[Jubilee]

Showed pace when scoring a try on his comeback this year.

With only 3 spots left we need either
1. Two props and a half
2. One prop, one half, and a cover for half, for which I favor AD.

 

[Nutz]

Showed pace when scoring a try on his comeback this year.

He did hey. He really stretched out. If that was Tommy Turbo, Tom would have pulled a other hammy.
AD is actually a rep player and it shows in his will to win.
I think if we (WT) were not such a basket case in the past we would be in a better position now to keep him, if that makes sense.

 

[Nutz]

With only 3 spots left we need either
1. Two props and a half
2. One prop, one half, and a cover for half, for which I favor AD.

What about ½ a prop

 

[TheRev]

He did hey. He really stretched out. If that was Tommy Turbo, Tom would have pulled a other hammy.
AD is actually a rep player and it shows in his will to win.
I think if we (WT) were not such a basket case in the past we would be in a better position now to keep him, if that makes sense.

I think AD will end up here because Flanno is such a fan.. and I think there is better opportunity for him... we have basically 2 centres in our Top30.. and we are yet to sign our 5/8... so there are 2 paths to first grade for him.

But I'd hardly call you guys a basket case.. Luai and Galvin, FMD what a halves combination.. Fainu as backup.. even Sullivan is much better than is being made out.. definitely dont need a 5th option in your 30, not even sure how you managed to fit so many in.. you must be short in other positions?

 

[Biglance]

With only 3 spots left we need either
1. Two props and a half
2. One prop, one half, and a cover for half, for which I favor AD.

Unless we are moving on other players there's potentially a lot more movement about to take place

 

[Nutz]

I think AD will end up here because Flanno is such a fan.. and I think there is better opportunity for him... we have basically 2 centres in our Top30.. and we are yet to sign our 5/8... so there are 2 paths to first grade for him.

But I'd hardly call you guys a basket case.. Luai and Galvin, FMD what a halves combination.. Fainu as backup.. even Sullivan is much better than is being made out.. definitely dont need a 5th option in your 30, not even sure how you managed to fit so many in.. you must be short in other positions?

I agree Rev.
I am more pointing out that whilst AD was out with injuries we've collected some unwanted silverware because imo we had a crap front office. If AD didn't get injured he could have had Old man Clearey as coach and Nathan playing at ½, now you would agree how things could have been rosy for AD.
BUT a fairytale like that didn't happen. Instead another failure was not having a quality half during that period, Brooks is a running ⅝, then quiet bizarre we went out and purchased a thousand of them, now AD and Sullivan are being squeezed out.
It's a crazy game.
Failure is not an option when it comes to sponsorships and memberships. Die hard supporters like us hang around but it's a monumental task in keeping the dollars rolling in. Clubs as a whole aren't that rich compared to other big international sports. Remember the NRL pay the majority of players salary.
Why in the he'll did I start rambling on about this...."Wilmaaaaarrrr" "yabbadabbadoo"

 

[Dragonslayer]

So, taking a look at our current top 30 list, by my calculations we have only 2 spots left (happy to be shown we have 3)

Backs - 10
Tuipolotu, Gutherson, Allen, Flanagan, Feagai, Ravalawa, Suli, Finau, Sloan, Holmes

Forwards - 18
Lawrie, Cook, Egan, Molo F, Sele, DeBelin, Liddle, Su'A, Pasifiki-Tonga, Leilua, Molo M, Faitala-Mariner, Couchman R, Couchman T, Eisenhuth*, Fifita, Latu, Stewart.

*As said on another thread, I can't see when we re-signed Huth.

If it is only 2 spots (and i'm not 100% sure), then we would have to be very careful who, and how, we recruit these last 2 positions. Yes, we need a half, and yes, we need a forward leader. So, how can we fit 6 names into 2. This is the challenge for our recruiting team.

Halves prospects - Atkinson, Douehi, Ilias, Croft
Forward prospects - Lodge, May

For mine, I wouldn't entertain Croft, it's a bit messy given the contractual situation with his SL club. Atkinson needs a release from the Sharks, which maybe problematical given they aren't impressed with Kennedy at fullback this year. Flano is a fan of Douehi, but he would come with past injury concerns (as did Gutho), and Ilias could also fit into that bucket.
IMO, Atkinson should be the #1 target, however, I could easily see us sign Douehi on a top 30 contract and Ilias on a T&T as cover.

I'm not particularly fussed with either Lodge or May. Both have qualities that may not fit with our current cultural shift. I was cold on Lodge yesterday, but in hindsight, I feel he would be the better of the 2 choices, as I have a feeling there's more to the may story that is yet to unfold.

 

[Jubilee]

But I'd hardly call you guys a basket case.. Luai and Galvin, FMD what a halves combination..

Absolutely.

 

[Dragsters]

So, taking a look at our current top 30 list, by my calculations we have only 2 spots left (happy to be shown we have 3)

Backs - 10
Tuipolotu, Gutherson, Allen, Flanagan, Feagai, Ravalawa, Suli, Finau, Sloan, Holmes

Forwards - 18
Lawrie, Cook, Egan, Molo F, Sele, DeBelin, Liddle, Su'A, Pasifiki-Tonga, Leilua, Molo M, Faitala-Mariner, Couchman R, Couchman T, Eisenhuth*, Fifita, Latu, Stewart.

*As said on another thread, I can't see when we re-signed Huth.

If it is only 2 spots (and i'm not 100% sure), then we would have to be very careful who, and how, we recruit these last 2 positions. Yes, we need a half, and yes, we need a forward leader. So, how can we fit 6 names into 2. This is the challenge for our recruiting team.

Halves prospects - Atkinson, Douehi, Ilias, Croft
Forward prospects - Lodge, May

For mine, I wouldn't entertain Croft, it's a bit messy given the contractual situation with his SL club. Atkinson needs a release from the Sharks, which maybe problematical given they aren't impressed with Kennedy at fullback this year. Flano is a fan of Douehi, but he would come with past injury concerns (as did Gutho), and Ilias could also fit into that bucket.
IMO, Atkinson should be the #1 target, however, I could easily see us sign Douehi on a top 30 contract and Ilias on a T&T as cover.

I'm not particularly fussed with either Lodge or May. Both have qualities that may not fit with our current cultural shift. I was cold on Lodge yesterday, but in hindsight, I feel he would be the better of the 2 choices, as I have a feeling there's more to the may story that is yet to unfold.

Agree.

Atkinson and Lodge would be enough to round out a quality recruitment drive and go a long way to fixing much needed issues.

Whilst May looks like quality, he is a big gamble not only with potential issues but his self-confessed lack of commitment to the game.

Pole could also be worth considering...

 

[RedVee]

Pole has been very good the few times I’ve seen him play

 

[Saints Forever]

So, taking a look at our current top 30 list, by my calculations we have only 2 spots left (happy to be shown we have 3)

Backs - 10
Tuipolotu, Gutherson, Allen, Flanagan, Feagai, Ravalawa, Suli, Finau, Sloan, Holmes

Forwards - 18
Lawrie, Cook, Egan, Molo F, Sele, DeBelin, Liddle, Su'A, Pasifiki-Tonga, Leilua, Molo M, Faitala-Mariner, Couchman R, Couchman T, Eisenhuth*, Fifita, Latu, Stewart.

*As said on another thread, I can't see when we re-signed Huth.

If it is only 2 spots (and i'm not 100% sure), then we would have to be very careful who, and how, we recruit these last 2 positions. Yes, we need a half, and yes, we need a forward leader. So, how can we fit 6 names into 2. This is the challenge for our recruiting team.

Halves prospects - Atkinson, Douehi, Ilias, Croft
Forward prospects - Lodge, May

For mine, I wouldn't entertain Croft, it's a bit messy given the contractual situation with his SL club. Atkinson needs a release from the Sharks, which maybe problematical given they aren't impressed with Kennedy at fullback this year. Flano is a fan of Douehi, but he would come with past injury concerns (as did Gutho), and Ilias could also fit into that bucket.
IMO, Atkinson should be the #1 target, however, I could easily see us sign Douehi on a top 30 contract and Ilias on a T&T as cover.

I'm not particularly fussed with either Lodge or May. Both have qualities that may not fit with our current cultural shift. I was cold on Lodge yesterday, but in hindsight, I feel he would be the better of the 2 choices, as I have a feeling there's more to the may story that is yet to unfold.

Eisenhuth yet to be signed , hence 3 spots available

Fifita/RFM/Lawrie/Rava all may be tapped on the shoulder

3 of the 4 would not like a long stint in KOE may be the best medicine to free some spots by mid season

 

[Jubilee]

Eisenhuth yet to be signed , hence 3 spots available

Fifita/RFM/Lawrie/Rava all may be tapped on the shoulder

3 of the 4 would not like a long stint in KOE may be the best medicine to free some spots by mid season

I suppose that if we had to have their spots, both RFM and Fifita could be paid out bcs 2025 is their last year.

 

[TheRev]

We haven't had many dragons make it onto these SEN Tier lists for 2025, but pretty happy Kyle finally gets a shout-out:

 

[blacksafake]

We haven't had many dragons make it onto these SEN Tier lists for 2025, but pretty happy Kyle finally gets a shout-out:

View attachment 96514

Not very flattering though.
Hopefully he’ll be in the 7 jersey next season with a certain shark in 6.