2025 Squad List

[BLM01]

Christian Nicolussi has reported that we have zero interest in Brodie Croft

Sharks and Storm both do not want to release Atkinson and Wishart respectively

As of now options are Illias and Doueihi

Only for 2025
26 signings different deal

 

[BIG RIG]

They still have to buy someone for 2026 bcs we do not have anyone coming through.

That’s when I think they are trying to get Atkinson or Wishart

 

[BIG RIG]

Only for 2025
26 signings different deal

Yeah we know that but 2025 is the current problem they need to fix and for that it is Illias or Doueihi

 

[TheRev]

Flanno said if it takes another 1-2 weeks.. he wont be rushed.. my suspicion is we want Atkinson for 2025.. but were not getting the release.. atleast not yet.. but we can keep pushing..

It rly stuffs us if we cant get him though, cause then we gotta come up with 12mth fill-in options.. and I dont think Ilias is signing for 12mths.. so then 2026 could be tricky with LKT.. but anyway.. in Flanno we trust..

Oh.. Flanno also mentioned they are likely to leave that 30th spot empty for emergency signings.. so I assume that means no Douieh.. or.. we are going to clear someone else off the books before the season begins.

 

[Jubilee]

It rly stuffs us if we cant get him though, cause then we gotta come up with 12mth fill-in options.. and I dont think Ilias is signing for 12mths...

Both Douehi and Ilias have 2025 contracts. Douehi was reportedly on $600k at the tiges in 2024 but has signed for $350k for 2025. However, tiges need spots and would probably release him for 2025 but we surely would not offer more money than that. No more than two years.

At Saints he might at least get first grade time.

According to the Souths forum, Ilias is on over $500k. Why on earth would he leave the rabbits when he is on that? Flanno won't give it to him.

The opinion at Souths is split between "he is a dud" and "he will come good". That is a bad sign.

On this page linked below it is said that he has no kicking, long or short, no speed, and can't organize, but can tackle.

Lachlan Ilias

I’ve heard Lachlan will be at the dogs next season.

prideoftheleague.com

 

[BIG RIG]

Flanno said if it takes another 1-2 weeks.. he wont be rushed.. my suspicion is we want Atkinson for 2025.. but were not getting the release.. atleast not yet.. but we can keep pushing..

It rly stuffs us if we cant get him though, cause then we gotta come up with 12mth fill-in options.. and I dont think Ilias is signing for 12mths.. so then 2026 could be tricky with LKT.. but anyway.. in Flanno we trust..

Oh.. Flanno also mentioned they are likely to leave that 30th spot empty for emergency signings.. so I assume that means no Douieh.. or.. we are going to clear someone else off the books before the season begins.

That’s definitely interesting considering they are publicly after Terrell May

Maybe someone is definitely being moved on ??

 

[Jubilee]

That’s definitely interesting considering they are publicly after Terrell May

Maybe someone is definitely being moved on ??

Flanno. Deeper than the Marianas Trench.

 

[TheRev]

That’s definitely interesting considering they are publicly after Terrell May

Maybe someone is definitely being moved on ??

He said we r still shooting for a prop and a half.. those 2 slots are fine, its the final slot he wanted left open..

But yah for sure still more slots to open up, but that could take weeks/months..

 

[maestro1]

Flanno said if it takes another 1-2 weeks.. he wont be rushed.. my suspicion is we want Atkinson for 2025.. but were not getting the release.. atleast not yet.. but we can keep pushing..

It rly stuffs us if we cant get him though, cause then we gotta come up with 12mth fill-in options.. and I dont think Ilias is signing for 12mths.. so then 2026 could be tricky with LKT.. but anyway.. in Flanno we trust..

Oh.. Flanno also mentioned they are likely to leave that 30th spot empty for emergency signings.. so I assume that means no Douieh.. or.. we are going to clear someone else off the books before the season begins.

When Flanno was asked whether Kyle would start the season at 7, he said he couldn't say. It is too early to say and we'll probably have someone by then. I'm thinking Illias is on his way and I think Lodge might be here as well. Atkinson to sign for 2026. These are just my thoughts.

 

[Biglance]

When Flanno was asked whether Kyle would start the season at 7, he said he couldn't say. It is too early to say and we'll probably have someone by then. I'm thinking Illias is on his way and I think Lodge might be here as well. Atkinson to sign for 2026. These are just my thoughts.

I feel ull be disappointed when lodge is not coming and Atkinson stays at sharks

 

[TheRev]

I feel ull be disappointed when lodge is not coming and Atkinson stays at sharks

This is not the friday pick-me-up I needed!

 

[getsmarty]

Flanagan: 'We can start at another level'

Head coach Shane Flanagan talks all things preseason and recruitment in his first presser since the squad's return to training.

www.dragons.com.au

 

[Jubilee]

I feel ull be disappointed when lodge is not coming and Atkinson stays at sharks

If Atkinson stays at the sharks, we are in a tough situation. We might have to hope that LKT grows up fast. Brad Fittler played firsts at 17 and SOO at 18. So fingers crossed.

 

[denis preston]

Lets face it though, he ain't going anywhere so whinge and moan about him all you like, the best we can hope is that he can reach his peak fitness and get back to his best to provide some value while he is here...

He always even at best form , was going to be the 4th prop.

 

[denis preston]

Both Douehi and Ilias have 2025 contracts. Douehi was reportedly on $600k at the tiges in 2024 but has signed for $350k for 2025. However, tiges need spots and would probably release him for 2025 but we surely would not offer more money than that. No more than two years.

At Saints he might at least get first grade time.

According to the Souths forum, Ilias is on over $500k. Why on earth would he leave the rabbits when he is on that? Flanno won't give it to him.

The opinion at Souths is split between "he is a dud" and "he will come good". That is a bad sign.

On this page linked below it is said that he has no kicking, long or short, no speed, and can't organize, but can tackle.

Lachlan Ilias

I’ve heard Lachlan will be at the dogs next season.

prideoftheleague.com

The fans are the best judges of a players abilities. Sounds like a 2012-23 type signing if we take him on. Atkinson or bust !

 

[matPORTS]

In terms of our targets:

In the case of Atkinson & Wishart, they are off contract for 2026. Their current clubs aren't going to early release for 2025.

In the case of Ilias, Souths are reportedly keen to get him off the books but we (likely) want to pay less than current salary (reportedly $500k).

In th case of Doueihi, it's going to come down to whether the Tigers want to free up more roster spots.

My thoughts - as much as I'd like the local junior and family tied Wishart back at the club... this could be too far gone. We may have a chance should they bounce back with a premiership and Bellamy retire at the end of next season.

Ideal Plan A - Atkinson signs for 2025 and beyond

Plan B - Adam Doueihi as a stop gap with either Atkinson or Wishart coming onboard in 2026 and beyond.

Ilias is too much of a risk and there is no way we will be able to get him on our books at less coin (Flanno ain't paying $500k)

Personally I like Adam Doueihi and it's just terrible luck with injury that's prevented him going to his full potential. Even beyond 2025 we could still have a role for him at the club. My plan B potentially opens up a lot of flexibility for us.

Let's not write off LKT either, who will be keen to rip and tear during this off season.

 

[Saints Forever]

looking forward to the pre-season and development of the Coachman twins/ the giant 19 year old prop LPT.

We have a huge number of young forwards coming through the system.

Flanno has a lot of backs that are capable of playing several positions.

Gutho will improve our defensive line and the decisions of other players.

The young half LKT played in multiple grades last season. Without Hunt dominating possession we will have a much move balanced and less predictable attack.

We have difference makers in attack:

Cook
Liddle
Gutho
Holmes
Sloan

2025 will see us play finals footy

 

[Draginzaaar]

If Atkinson stays at the sharks, we are in a tough situation. We might have to hope that LKT grows up fast. Brad Fittler played firsts at 17 and SOO at 18. So fingers crossed.

Fittler is Fittler, LKT is not.

 

[Saints Forever]

Fittler is Fittler, LKT is not.

Let’s give the kid 6-8 matches this season and we will better understand his ability

 

[BigRedVee]

If you are feeling down about our recruitment, take a look at our 2023 squad and signings.

Team Talk: Dragons 2023 overview, best 17, squad update

The Dragons are guaranteed two points from the opening round bye but it is what happens in the four weeks after that which is likely to determine the direction their season takes.

www.nrl.com

We have come a long way and we have a much better squad and I’m backing Flano to be patient and bring the right people to the club!