The Dragons shape as the mystery team of the 2025 premiership.
The club has lost its two main strike weapons from last season – Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax – and that could prove disastrous.
But they have picked up four quality, battle-hardened performers in Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Clint Gutherson (Eels), Lachlan Ilias (Rabbitohs) and Val Holmes (Cowboys).
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If Ilias and Kyle Flanagan can fire as a halves combination, the loss of Hunt and his 32 try assists last season will be greatly lessened, while Kangaroos star Holmes has the class to replace Lomax out wide with his speed and ability to find the tryline.
Gutherson seems a great addition as captain with his experience and will to win and his talk at the back will keep the Dragons’ young forwards focused on the task at hand.
Cook looked sharp in the win over the Roosters last weekend and is a player with a point to prove in 2025 after being unwanted by Souths.
There’s no doubt the Dragons relied too much on Hunt’s experience and class in recent seasons – the arrival of Gutherson and Cook gives the Red V a more balanced squad.
There are plenty of ‘ifs’ – but the potential is there for a better year than 2024 when the Dragons finished 11th – but just a win outside the top eight.
One of the biggest teams in the NRL, the Dragons have the size to bully smaller rivals.
But with that extra size, some of the bulky forwards struggle for lateral movement in defence and that was exploited by smart rival coaches last season.
2025 gains
Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Clint Gutherson (Eels), Lachlan Ilias (Rabbitohs), Valentine Holmes (Cowboys), Nathan Lawson (Australian Rugby 7s), Emre Guler (Raiders)
2025 losses
Zac Lomax (Eels), Savelio Tamale (Raiders), Jack Bird (Wests Tigers), Max Feagai (Dolphins), Alec Tuitavake (Leigh Leopards), Ben Hunt (Broncos), Dan Russell (Warrington), Fa’amanu Brown (released), Jesse Marschke (North Sydney Bears)
Best buy
Clint Gutherson is a tough, smart player who will give the Dragons direction from the back and push players at vital stages of games to keep their minds on track.
It’s a big season for
Kyle Flanagan and Lachlan Ilias – if they can fire in the halves the Dragons may be set to prove the critics wrong.
Biggest question mark
A few too many players were inconsistent for the Dragons last season – hence no finals footy. Can they produce week in, week out this time around?
Predicted finish: 17th
Predicted 17 for round one: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Toby Couchman
Odds to win comp: $81