New recruits for 2023

[Dragon David]

I'm wondering what the go is with the new recruitment especially the type of players that Flanagan has "said" that he wants to have signed up such as a hooker, two backs, two forwards. As he isn't actually employed by the Dragons as yet, has he just passed onto someone at the Dragons to "go and get" those guys on his behalf?

Whomever that person is, what is his success rate and will he just procrastinate until any offer put to those players ends up off the table?

There has not been anything official as yet on any new signings. Kerr and Mbye have gone, several players told that they are free to look elsewhere and some told not needed next year. All airy fairy stuff still and as far as what I think might happen, we will end up with diddly squat and we remain a team of second rate players.

I was hoping for the Dragons to get a good new Head Coach - we got one - the best that was available? Let's see. I was hoping that we would be going for top of the range new players - Ipape, Thompson ... are they top? This transition of new coach and rebuild will see us much the same as in previous years is how I see things. We just meander along and get what we can and suck it in like we have for years as a JV until the next crisis hits us is how I am envisioning things at the moment.

Come on Dragons, give us something to get excited about, please...!!

 

[justadragon]

I'm wondering what the go is with the new recruitment especially the type of players that Flanagan has "said" that he wants to have signed up such as a hooker, two backs, two forwards. As he isn't actually employed by the Dragons as yet, has he just passed onto someone at the Dragons to "go and get" those guys on his behalf?

Whomever that person is, what is his success rate and will he just procrastinate until any offer put to those players ends up off the table?

There has not been anything official as yet on any new signings. Kerr and Mbye have gone, several players told that they are free to look elsewhere and some told not needed next year. All airy fairy stuff still and as far as what I think might happen, we will end up with diddly squat and we remain a team of second rate players.

I was hoping for the Dragons to get a good new Head Coach - we got one - the best that was available? Let's see. I was hoping that we would be going for top of the range new players - Ipape, Thompson ... are they top? This transition of new coach and rebuild will see us much the same as in previous years is how I see things. We just meander along and get what we can and suck it in like we have for years as a JV until the next crisis hits us is how I am envisioning things at the moment.

Come on Dragons, give us something to get excited about, please...!!

I feel your frustration Dave, I do honestly believe that Flanno has a few things up his sleeve, surely he knows what is going on behind the scene, all I can do is keep my faith in him as I said I would, it would be futile of me to start thinking of any alternatives. The way NRL clubs are run these days trying to find out what is happening behind the scenes would be almost impossible. And tbh I think Flanno wants to keep it that way before the media get in and turn it into a circus again. Keep the faith Dave and stay strong.

 

[Walpole]

I'm a bit disappointed we haven't seen a Jarome Luai thread yet...

 

[justadragon]

I'm a bit disappointed we haven't seen a Jarome Luai thread yet...

Give it time, we are a bit slow at the Dragons )

 

[since77]

I'm wondering what the go is with the new recruitment especially the type of players that Flanagan has "said" that he wants to have signed up such as a hooker, two backs, two forwards. As he isn't actually employed by the Dragons as yet, has he just passed onto someone at the Dragons to "go and get" those guys on his behalf?

Whomever that person is, what is his success rate and will he just procrastinate until any offer put to those players ends up off the table?

There has not been anything official as yet on any new signings. Kerr and Mbye have gone, several players told that they are free to look elsewhere and some told not needed next year. All airy fairy stuff still and as far as what I think might happen, we will end up with diddly squat and we remain a team of second rate players.

I was hoping for the Dragons to get a good new Head Coach - we got one - the best that was available? Let's see. I was hoping that we would be going for top of the range new players - Ipape, Thompson ... are they top? This transition of new coach and rebuild will see us much the same as in previous years is how I see things. We just meander along and get what we can and suck it in like we have for years as a JV until the next crisis hits us is how I am envisioning things at the moment.

Come on Dragons, give us something to get excited about, please...!!

Your expectations are a bit fanciful. He’s just arrived and technically he’s still employed by another club. Where are all off contract top of the range players you’re talking about? There’s slim pickings out there. Be patient. We’ve finally got a decent coach for the first time since 2011. That in itself is the most positive thing that’s happened at the club in more than a decade.
I’m sure news will come in good time. At least we won’t be signing useless castoffs like McCullough, Burgess, McGuire and Woods under Flanagan. And the players who are here will actually get competent coaching - some of our younger players have never played under an NRL standard coach before.

 

[Dragon David]

Your expectations are a bit fanciful. He’s just arrived and technically he’s still employed by another club. Where are all off contract top of the range players you’re talking about? There’s slim pickings out there. Be patient. We’ve finally got a decent coach for the first time since 2011. That in itself is the most positive thing that’s happened at the club in more than a decade.
I’m sure news will come in good time. At least we won’t be signing useless castoffs like McCullough, Burgess, McGuire and Woods under Flanagan. And the players who are here will actually get competent coaching - some of our younger players have never played under an NRL standard coach before.

I feel your frustration Dave, I do honestly believe that Flanno has a few things up his sleeve, surely he knows what is going on behind the scene, all I can do is keep my faith in him as I said I would, it would be futile of me to start thinking of any alternatives. The way NRL clubs are run these days trying to find out what is happening behind the scenes would be almost impossible. And tbh I think Flanno wants to keep it that way before the media get in and turn it into a circus again. Keep the faith Dave and stay strong.

Yes, you guys are right I suppose. I'm getting a bit ahead of myself i guess. I'm no good at crystal balling anything so I will just wait patiently as usual and see what develops in due course. Yes, we wanted a new coach and I guess we won't know anything until he officially comes to us - what in November? That's only about 3 and a half months away so that is OK, I'll hang in there.

Slim pickings at the moment. Good pickings in a few months time? Who knows?

 

[hewi]

If Flanagan wants to look really good piss off Bird

 

[Dragon David]

Well here we go again. The Bulldogs just don't stop. They are well and truly chopping and changing like there is no tomorrow. Who else will they get (ex Roosters guy coming back from Super League - https://www.zerotackle.com/former-rooster-set-for-nrl-return-with-multiple-clubs-interested-160265/

Api blindside as signing mess exposes Tigers war; Storm stars in Tino bid: Jimmy Brings

Api blindside as signing mess exposes Tigers war; Storm stars in Tino bid: Hoops

www.foxsports.com.au

So, when there is talk that there are slim pickings available now, I guess that applies to those bods the Bulldogs will be signing.

 

[redVinme]

Gus must be confident he can trim the fat. Surely everyone hates him. 16 club embargo on Bulldogs players would be great thanks

 

[SAP58]

Flannagan said again on the weekend that he is not rushing into signing players he is speaking to potential signings some that will be available at the end of 2023 some that would have to ask for a release as they are under contract. He said he is working at either Kogarah or Wollongong on the days he doesnt have any commitments to Manly so the wheels are in motion. It would appear he has spoken to a number of current Dragons players & is working through who he wants to keep & encouraging others he doesnt to move on to free up cap space. I think all of us would love to see a signing or two but I think we will have to be patient & trust he will do so in good time, we hope !

 

[qld redvee]

Gus must be confident he can trim the fat. Surely everyone hates him. 16 club embargo on Bulldogs players would be great thanks

I think gus wants to pretty well buy a premiership to make him and his 5 year coach winners so he can tell the world he's good. Don't worry about juniors and keep turning over the roster until it gets better results.. must be throwing good coin at his signings

 

[jak]

I'm wondering what the go is with the new recruitment especially the type of players that Flanagan has "said" that he wants to have signed up such as a hooker, two backs, two forwards. As he isn't actually employed by the Dragons as yet, has he just passed onto someone at the Dragons to "go and get" those guys on his behalf?

Whomever that person is, what is his success rate and will he just procrastinate until any offer put to those players ends up off the table?

There has not been anything official as yet on any new signings. Kerr and Mbye have gone, several players told that they are free to look elsewhere and some told not needed next year. All airy fairy stuff still and as far as what I think might happen, we will end up with diddly squat and we remain a team of second rate players.

I was hoping for the Dragons to get a good new Head Coach - we got one - the best that was available? Let's see. I was hoping that we would be going for top of the range new players - Ipape, Thompson ... are they top? This transition of new coach and rebuild will see us much the same as in previous years is how I see things. We just meander along and get what we can and suck it in like we have for years as a JV until the next crisis hits us is how I am envisioning things at the moment.

Come on Dragons, give us something to get excited about, please...!!

lets hope flanagan doe's not give that job to ben Haran

 

[JubileeJeffro]

If Flanagan wants to look really good piss off Bird

I get the sense he is almost medical retirement. Knees clearly impacting him and has put a lot of weight onto his frame and is now way less mobile. Hopefully Flanno doesn’t think he is the 2016 version…

 

[Kolum Kid]

I think gus wants to pretty well buy a premiership to make him and his 5 year coach winners so he can tell the world he's good. Don't worry about juniors and keep turning over the roster until it gets better results.. must be throwing good coin at his signings

Gus must have made a quick trip to Mexico to buy a sombrero so he can fit all his buys under the cap.

 

[Dragon David]

Gus must have made a quick trip to Mexico to buy a sombrero so he can fit all his buys under the cap.

Gus is the new Uncle Nic. He is going to make sure that the Bulldogs make top 8 next year and the "sombrero" will help pay for the top dogs.

 

[Desperate Dragon]

Sure whilst Flanagan does not start officially with the Dragons until 1 November, I think in the background his fingerprints are all over our possible recruitment targets and who is being tapped on the shoulder.
Flanagan mentioned in an interview a little while back that on his days off from his assistant coaching role at Manly, he would be focusing on the the Dragons needs for 2024.
That showed again today with the news the Dragons have tabled a 3 year deal for ex Rooster's prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho from 2024.
Flanagan has already confirmed some specific targets by name, and also that he has spoken to between 15/20 off contract and some still on contract players for 2024.
I am just as inpatient as many others here wanting some signings news, but I still believe we will all get some positive news on this front soon.

 

[hewi]

I thought it was the Dogs not us who were after Sio Siua Taukeiaho

 

[mickeylane]

I'm wondering what the go is with the new recruitment especially the type of players that Flanagan has "said" that he wants to have signed up such as a hooker, two backs, two forwards. As he isn't actually employed by the Dragons as yet, has he just passed onto someone at the Dragons to "go and get" those guys on his behalf?

Whomever that person is, what is his success rate and will he just procrastinate until any offer put to those players ends up off the table?

There has not been anything official as yet on any new signings. Kerr and Mbye have gone, several players told that they are free to look elsewhere and some told not needed next year. All airy fairy stuff still and as far as what I think might happen, we will end up with diddly squat and we remain a team of second rate players.

I was hoping for the Dragons to get a good new Head Coach - we got one - the best that was available? Let's see. I was hoping that we would be going for top of the range new players - Ipape, Thompson ... are they top? This transition of new coach and rebuild will see us much the same as in previous years is how I see things. We just meander along and get what we can and suck it in like we have for years as a JV until the next crisis hits us is how I am envisioning things at the moment.

Come on Dragons, give us something to get excited about, please...!!

I actually think Flanagan will pull out all stops to make his comeback a success...hes a wily fox nothing like the previous numb nut...hes connected and respected... for Flanno its all about Flanno in the first year and he wont want an underwhelming first year...just look at the way he's shifting out all the shit quicksmart in our roster...theres more to come as well...I think Flanno is burning up the phones with some support from Dean Young after work ..Im certain he will be trotting out a different attitude team next year...wont be the same old ...

 

[Desperate Dragon]

I thought it was the Dogs not us who were after Sio Siua Taukeiaho

Dogs, us and Tigers.
Dogs are the favourites (again) to sign him, but their offer is for 2 years.
Regardless of whether we sign him or miss out, at least it shows Flanagan is throwing the recruitment net far and wide.

 

[BLM01]

Gus is the new Uncle Nic. He is going to make sure that the Bulldogs make top 8 next year and the "sombrero" will help pay for the top dogs.

LOL a lot of so called experts predicted Dogs to make the 8 this year. Buying a mis matched group of overpaid stars does not always = success. Us Dragon supporters know that all too well.
But the media are a funny lot and are different with GUS, whatever he does, whoever he buys or lets go is always a good move or good signing, no mention about sombreros and pubs especially offered by the major sponsor.
For the Dragons its front page news and club in crisis