The Dragons only missed the finals by two wins last season and, on paper, appear to have a stronger squad in 2023.
Yet the “vibe” is not good at the Red V – they had two awful trial hit-outs, there’s talk of a poor culture and there’s a rift between coach Anthony Griffin and several players.
The club appears to be treading water, having missed the finals for the past four seasons.
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2022 finishing position: 10th
Gains: Zane Musgrove (Wests Tigers), Nick Lui-Toso (Northern Pride), Jacob Liddle (Wests Tigers), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Warriors)
Losses: Jackson Ford (Warriors), George Burgess (retired), Poasa Faamausili (Dolphins), Jack Gosiewski (Cowboys), Andrew McCullough (retired), Tariq Sims (Storm), Josh McGuire (Warrington).
Best 17:
Tyrell Sloan
Mat Feagai
Zac Lomax
Moses Suli
Mikaele Ravalawa
Talatau Amone
Ben Hunt
Zane Musgrove
Jacob Liddle
Blake Lawrie
Jack Bird
Jaydn Su’A
Jack de Belin
Bench: Moses Mbye, Francis Molo, Ben Murdoch-MasilaAaron Woods
Best buy
Ben Murdoch-Masila is an experienced forward who looked good in the trials and should add strike power to the Dragons up front.
Biggest loss
Tariq Sims is a leader of men and an experienced forward who gave his heart and soul to the Dragons in recent seasons. Should have been retained.
Greatest strength
The class of Ben Hunt won the Dragons most of their 12 victories last season and he will again be the club’s great hope. Hopefully he will get more support and then the Dragons are a rough hope of finals footy.
Biggest question mark
Tyrell Sloan wanted out over the summer but made his peace with the club and will start in the key fullback spot. He’s a talented youngster but has mistakes in his game that need to be sorted out.
Man under pressure
Zac Lomax is all class in the centres – but he also made more errors than any player in the NRL last season. If he can play more consistent football, the Dragons will have a lot more points in them.
Predicted 2023 finishing position: 15th
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