FLANNO FACING FIERCE BATTLE
All signs point to a long, painful season for the Dragons as new coach Shane Flanagan starts his rebuild of the club. The Dragons have never won a wooden spoon as a joint venture but have Flanagan’s premiership-winning experience in their favour. Will it be enough to avoid a last-place finish?
BACKS
Between Zac Lomax, Mikaele Ravalawa, Moses Suli and Jack Bird, there is enough skill and strike-power to find points in 2024.
Coach Flanagan is relying on Lomax’s size and height out on the wing to give the backline an edge through his back-field carries and under the high ball. Christian Tuipulotu (Sea Eagles) will be in the mix, as will rising winger Sione Fainu. Mathew and Max Feagai are out of favour and have everything to play for in 2024.
SPINE
Halfback Ben Hunt insists he now wants to stay, the only way to prove his commitment is to stamp his authority on his side. Hunt’s combination with Kyle Flanagan is a work in progress, while Jacob Liddle is still the best option at hooker.
Jesse Marschke is another option at five-eighth. Coach Flanagan is putting his faith in Tyrell Sloan at the back, which the youngster must repay with Lomax breathing down his back.
FORWARDS
Raymond FaitalaMariner (Bulldogs) and Luciano Leilua (Cowboys) add welcomed immediate experience but they don’t solve the Red V’s pack problem – the lack of mongrel and starch. That might come from untried rookie Viliami Fifita, who is poised to make his NRL debut in 2024. Blake Lawrie looks fitter than he has ever been and could be the big improver in the forwards, while backrower Jaydn Su’A is coming into his prime and will be called upon to show the form that earned him Queensland Origin selection.
Francis Molo and Ben MurdochMasila have to find another gear, as does lock Jack de Belin. Tom Eisenhuth, Michael Molo and rising juniors Toby and Ryan Couchman round out the pack.
The knock on Tyrell Sloan has been his poor defence and kick-returns. It has overshadowed his attacking prowess. With 10 tries, eight try assists and 16 linebreaks in 2023, Sloan unleashed as a genuine strike weapon. If coach Shane Flanagan can instil the confidence that sometimes eludes the fullback, Sloan’s potential is uncapped.