After a disappointing finish to 2021, the St George Illawarra Dragons have been busy on a recruitment drive, bringing in a decent mix of veterans and youth.
They finished 2021 in eleventh position and struggled on both sides of the ball, scoring under 20 points a game while conceding almost 26.
They scored a comeback 26-22 trial win over the Eels on the weekend, in positive signs for coach Anthony Griffin.
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Here’s Wide World of Sports’ preview on how the Dragons look going into the 2022 season.
2021 finishing position: 11th
Gains: Jaydn Su’A (Rabbitohs), Francis Molo (Cowboys), George Burgess (Wigan), Moses Mbye (Wests Tigers), Moses Suli (Sea Eagles), Aaron Woods (Sharks), Jack Gosiewski (Sea Eagles), Tautau Moga (Rabbitohs).
Losses: Cameron McInnes (Sharks), Matt Dufty (Bulldogs), Jordan Pereira (Broncos), Adam Clune (Knights), Paul Vaughan (Bulldogs), Kaide Ellis (Wigan), Brayden Wiliame (French rugby), Corey Norman (retirement), Gerard Beale, Billy Brittain, Hayden Lomax (all released).
Best 17: 1.Tyrell Sloan, 2. Mikaele Ravalawa, 3. Zac Lomax, 4. Moses Suli, 5. Cody Ramsay, 6. Jayden Sullivan, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Josh McGuire, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Jack de Belin, 11. Tariq Sims, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Jack Bird. 14. Moses Mbye, 15. Josh Kerr, 16. Aaron Woods. 17. Blake Lawrie.
Greatest strength: The Dragons have a well-balanced squad – a mixture of some of the best kids coming through the NRL ranks mixed with the experience of the likes of Hunt, Sims, Lomax and Mbye.
Biggest question mark: The all-important spine could be the Dragons’ undoing – Sloan is unproven at fullback, Hunt is up and down at half and McCullough’s best football is behind him.
Man under pressure: Bent Hunt invariably – and sometimes unfairly – cops the brunt of criticism whenever the Dragons attack splutters. One of the highest paid players in the comp, he carries the Dragons on his shoulders.
Biggest loss: Cameron McInnes missed almost all of last season but is still a massive out for the Dragons – a leader on and off the field.
Predicted 2022 finishing position: 13th
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