The Dragons are regarded as the enigmatic team heading into the 2025 NRL season. Following the departure of key players Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax, the club faces significant challenges. However, they have secured notable recruits: Damien Cook, Clint Gutherson, Lachlan Ilias, and Valentine Holmes, enhancing their squad’s depth and experience.
If Ilias and Kyle Flanagan can develop a strong halves partnership, the impact of losing Hunt—who provided 32 try assists last season—may be mitigated. Holmes’ speed and scoring capability could also make up for Lomax’s absence on the wings. Gutherson brings invaluable leadership, potentially guiding the younger forwards through tough matches, while Cook aims to prove his worth after being let go by the Rabbitohs.
Despite past reliance on Hunt’s skills, the new additions provide a promising balance. The Dragons, who finished just outside the top eight last year, have the physicality to outmuscle smaller rivals. Their defence, however, raises concerns, particularly with oversized forwards struggling for agility.
While uncertainty remains, the Dragons have a pathway to improve upon their previous season. Key personnel Flanagan and Ilias must find consistency to elevate the team’s performance.
Predicted finish for the season stands at 17th, with odds to win the premiership set at $81.