Mole’s season review: ‘Better times ahead’ for Dragons after historic rock-bottom season
Rarely has a team that finished with the wooden spoon been so optimistic about what lies ahead than the Dragons.
Yes, the team won just five games, losing their first 11 in a nightmare start that saw coach Shane Flanagan depart, and conceded an average of 30 points a game as the joint venture finished in last place for the first time in club history.
The wooden spooners finished on a high note. Getty Images
But the Dragons are certain of better times ahead, recruiting more aggressively than any club in the league as well as unearthing some great rising talent in the forwards in such a difficult year.
The six new faces – Keaon Koloamatangi (Rabbitohs), Scott Drinkwater (Cowboys), Phil Sami (Titans), Luke Metcalf (Warriors), Connor Watson (Roosters) and Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins) – are all representative-calibre players who will bring class and experience to an eager young squad.
Most significantly will be Metcalf, Drinkwater and Nikorima, who are noted attacking players capable of igniting the Dragons attack that looked so clunky and predictable in most games this year.
Throw in rising youngsters like the Couchman brothers, Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart, Jacob Halangahu and Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga – all a year older and more experienced – and the Dragons are suddenly looking a real chance for finals footy.
Veteran hooker Damien Cook will be a loss, but the Dragons boast one of the most under-rated No.9s in the game in Jacob Liddle.
The club has got rid of plenty of dead wood, although I would have kept winger Tyrell Sloan, the club’s top try-scorer for the past two seasons.
Premiership-winning forward Dean Young has been given the keys to the team and should find the going much easier with so much more talent in his roster.
But question marks remain over his ability to get the best out of his players on the field and man-management off it - questions he can hopefully answer in a positive manner with a new-look team.
Clint Gutherson isn’t getting any faster but his leadership and will to win will ensure he gets a spot in the team, possibly at lock with Drinkwater to inherit the fullback position.
Best player: In a team that struggled for consistency, Hamish Stewart gave his all and his work rate and impact in the pack made him an instant fan favourite.
Biggest disappointment: Valentine Holmes is a former Test and Origin player but really struggled in the centres. I’m told he played a lot of games with injury and that may explain it, but he needs to lift.
Luke Metcalf runs away from Liam Martin. NRL Imagery
Key signing: Metcalf is all class and did some wonderful things with the Warriors - if he can stay injury free this team should rocket up the ladder.
2027 gains: Keaon Koloamatangi (Rabbitohs), Scott Drinkwater (Cowboys), Phil Sami (Titans), Luke Metcalf (Warriors), Connor Watson (Roosters), Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins)
2027 losses: Jaydn Su’A (Eels), Damien Cook (Castleford), Emre Guler (Wakefield Trinity), Mat Feagai (Castleford), Tyrell Sloan (Castleford)
