Dragons forward forced into sad early retirement

Hard-working Dragons forward Tom Eisenhuth is set to retire from rugby league, effective immediately. The 32-year-old played every game for the Dragons last season and was among the club's most consistent players in a disappointing year. But this year, a series of injuries, including a concussion in the trials, have made it difficult for the former Junior Kangaroos forward and he is expected to formally announce his decision to hang up the boots in the next 24 hours. Eisenhuth is far from finished with rugby league, however. He is held in high regard within the Dragons ranks and is hopeful of getting a coaching or junior development role at the club. A Penrith junior, Eisenhuth made his debut for the Panthers in 2012, playing just one game for the club, but then disappeared into the lower grades before being given a chance at the Storm. When he debuted for Melbourne in 2019, it was his first game in the top grade in nearly 2400 days - an NRL record. Eisenhuth thrived under Craig Bellamy's coaching, playing 58 games in five seasons. The busy forward moved to the Dragons last season and his injury and pending retirement is a blow after his fine work in 2024.

Dragons could lose in-form 'hero' as rival clubs circle

St George Illawarra are in danger of losing in-form hooker Jacob Liddle, one of the heroes of last weekend's stunning win over the Broncos. Liddle turned the momentum of the match with an amazing 70-metre dash to the tryline, helping the Dragons to a 30-26 win. Two weeks earlier, he came off the bench, charging over for two tries in a narrow 34-28 loss to the Tigers at Magic Round. Rival clubs are showing interest in the 28-year-old former Australian Schoolboy, who has an option his way for next season. "Jacob is happy at the Dragons but obviously would like to start games and have more match time," his manager Gavin Orr told Wide World of Sports. "We will see how things play out." Liddle was among the Dragons' best players in a disappointing 2024 campaign and was rewarded with a spot in the Prime Minister's XIII.

Young playmaker makes big call on future

Lyhkan King-Togia has signed a contract extension with the Dragons amid reports the young playmaker will replace Lachlan Ilias in the halves for Saturday’s crucial showdown with the Wests Tigers at Magic Round. The 19-year-old has been in stellar form in NSW Cup and is fresh from setting up three tries in his side’s 30-point win over the Sea Eagles. The Dragons Academy graduate has been rewarded for his consistent form with a new two-year deal that means he will progress into the club’s top 30 squad in 2026. King-Togia showed promising signs at the back end of last season when he played four NRL matches, with the young gun in line to return to first grade in Brisbane this weekend with Ilias tipped to be dropped after a mixed start to life at his new club. “Locking down Lyhkan for another couple of seasons is exciting for the club,” Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said. “He got a taste of first grade at the end of last year and has been playing good footy to start this season for our NSW Cup team. “He’s an exciting young half on the up and we’re looking forward to watching him continue to improve over the coming seasons.”

Clubs Lining Up for Dragons Young Gun

The Dragons are going to have to fight hard to retain one of their most promising up-and-comers. Finau Latu, a powerful lock, is off contract at the end of the season and can negotiate with rival clubs after round six of the NSW Cup. The 19- year-old played for the Australian Schoolboys in 2023 and last season, he helped the Dragons break a 32-year SG Ball drought. "Finau is a great kid and clubs are lining up for a chance to talk to him," his manager Mick Chebi told Wide World of Sports.

Enforcer finds new home after early Dragons exit

Francis Molo has been granted an immediate release from his Dragons contract and will link up with the Dolphins. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the club made a decision at a board meeting on Tuesday, with the front-rower free to leave after a lengthy dispute. Molo had not attended St George Illawarra training for a number of weeks and has not featured in the side's first two games of the season. It has been reported that Molo will be forced to repay a six-figure sum to the Dragons. The 30-year-old had previously extended his deal with the Red V until the end of next season, but will now head to Redcliffe on a multi-year agreement. It's believed a rift between Molo and the club stemmed from a comment relating to alcohol, which the former State of Origin enforcer has abstained from in recent years. It's a major boost for the Dolphins, who are still without Tom Flegler due to injury and aren't expecting the front-rower back until later in the season. St George Illawarra last week signed David Klemmer until the end of 2025, while also releasing Fijian winger Mikaele Ravalawa to the Rabbitohs.

Disgruntled dragons brothers on the move

Don't be surprised if Micheal Molo - whose brother Francis quit the Dragons in far from happy circumstances recently - is also on the move from the club. Michael, a bruising 28-year-old prop, is in an awkward position after Francis' fiery exit and is off contract at the end of the season. After playing 19 games for the Dragons in 2023, Michael made just four appearances last year but has been attracting interest from Super League clubs.

'Disastrous' Dragons scenario looms after twin decisions

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). 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).

Jammer's influence on next gen

Popular former Dragons and Bulldogs prop James Graham had a chat to the lads from the Albion Park club last week - and rocked them by a stern declaration. "He said players who took short cuts at training and were not fit were cowards because they were letting their teammates down," coach Josh White told Wide World of Sports. "He spoke really well and that line really hit home to the boys. After his chat, we hit the Wanda sand hills and I don't think I've ever seen them work so hard."

Dragons star completes 'emotional' return after 896 days

Dragons fullback Cody Ramsey has opened up on his "very emotional" return to the field after 896 days away due to illness. Ramsey had missed the past two years after battling ulcerative colitis, spending seven months in hospital and losing 28kg, with doctors telling him it would likely end his career. However, in one of the most feel-good moments in recent memory, the 25-year-old ran out for St George Illawarra's reserve grade team over the weekend, getting through half an hour of playing time before being flocked by friends and family. "We f—ing made history," he said as he walked off the field. "I wanted to play. I was supposed to play 20 [minutes], but I wanted to keep going and they kept me for another 10, which I'm grateful for. "No one really knew how I was going to go. I'm well prepared. I've been training with the NRL squad for the whole pre-season. It was just the footy lungs that needed the work. "Every day that I sat in hospital, I thought about getting out on that field and today I got the opportunity. It was very emotional, but I feel like I'm well prepared. "I wouldn't put myself out there if I didn't think I was in the right position." Ramsey started training with the Dragons again in May of last year, but there were still plenty of question marks over his future. While a spot in the first grade side still appears to be a while away, Ramsey is signed with the club until the end of the 2025 season on a top 30 contract. "I just want a good year, you know, no hiccups," he said. "Just keep playing and the rest will come pretty much. I'll just keep trying my heart out, hopefully get the footy going and then, you know, see what happens after that." The club's first grade team recorded a 26-8 win on Sunday night against the Roosters.

'Showdown' set for disgruntled Dragons star Francis Molo as early exit looms

Unhappy forward Francis Molo's future with the Dragons is likely to be decided at a meeting with club officials on Friday. Molo walked out on the Dragons last week and the situation has remained a stalemate, with the former State of Origin forward training on his own and his fate in limbo. But with the Dragons signing Raiders forward Emre Guler this week, it appears Molo will almost certainly be on the move after Friday's showdown with the club. Several clubs have expressed interest in Molo and he would be a more than handy pick-up so close to the start of the new season.

'Delicate' reason behind star's surprise Raiders exit

Rugby league is a ruthless sport on and off the field - but Emre Guler's move from the Raiders to the Dragons showed that the game still has a heart. Canberra wanted to keep Guler - a tough forward who did a good job holding up the middle and was under contract for the coming season. But Wide World of Sports has learned that Guler was faced with a delicate family situation and wanted to move to a Sydney club on compassionate grounds. Canberra coach Ricky Stuart and chief executive Don Furner weighed up the situation - and decided to allow Guler to walk. The 27-year-old, who represented the Prime Minister's XIII in 2023, had been in secret negotiations with several Sydney clubs before finally coming to terms with the Red V. Guler has joined the club effective immediately, ending a seven-year career as a Raider. His signing is a massive boost after the club battled to hold onto former State of Origin enforcer Francis Molo, who is seeking a release from the joint venture. The big forward will be a handy gain for the Dragons alongside fellow signings Clint Gutherson, Damien Cook, Valentine Holmes and Lachlan Ilias.

Dragons prop stops training, asks for immediate release

Francis Molo's future at the Dragons is in doubt, with the front-rower absent from pre-season training in recent weeks. According to 9News and The Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas, the 30-year-old Samoan international is on mental health leave from official club duties. Molo has been with St George Illawarra since 2022 and has been the club's first-choice prop through the majority of his tenure. "He hasn't been seen at training for the past 10 days or so," Chammas said. "The club has since granted him a leave of absence on mental health grounds, and he will be away from training for some time to come. "It's my understanding that Molo and his management have asked the Dragons about the prospect of being granted a release from the club. "It isn't formal requests, but the conversations have been had. Molo will front the Dragons board over the next week or so to discuss his future at the club." Molo's contract runs until the end of 2026, while younger brother Michael remains signed with the joint venture until the end of this year. The news comes just days after head coach Shane Flanagan shut down rumours the club had signed off-contract enforcer Matt Lodge. Flanagan has publicly expressed his desire to bring in another middle forward for the 2025 season and Molo's potential exit would leave the Red V even thinner in the position.

Coach's son extended despite Dragons roster move

Kyle Flanagan has inked a two-year contract extension with the Dragons, just one day after the club announced the signing of Sharks playmaker Daniel Atkinson. The 26-year-old Flanagan - the son of head coach Shane - was the first choice No.6 at the joint venture this season, partnering Ben Hunt in the halves. Flanagan is expected to line up alongside new recruit Lachlan Ilias next season, but beyond that his role could be a little different when Atkinson arrives. In a statement released on Thursday, the coach claimed that the "competition for spots" would be vital for St George Illawarra moving forward. "Kyle was an integral part of our team this year and will continue to be an important player for us moving forward," he said. "He plays his 100th NRL game at the start of next season and his experience and versatility will continue to be an asset for us. "With Daniel Atkinson joining the club from 2026 that competition for spots across the key spine positions will strengthen the whole squad." Flanagan has hopped around to multiple clubs during his NRL career, spending time at the Sharks, Roosters and Bulldogs before linking up with his dad in the Red V. Dragons chief executive Ryan Webb lauded the five-eighth for his impact on and off the field since joining the club in 2024. "Kyle has been playing in the halves but can also play hooker and is a back-up goal kicker, so he adds value to our team in many ways," he said. "Off the field, he has displayed tremendous professionalism and been a great example for the younger players in our squad, so we are happy he's committed." Flanagan's new contract will see him remain in red and white until the end of 2027.

League great reveals 'risk' in potential Hunt move

Broncos great Corey Parker has questioned why rival clubs would entertain signing Ben Hunt, admitting there is "risk attached" when it comes to the wantaway Dragons star. The 34-year-old has a year to run on his deal with St George Illawarra, but the club told him recently they would not be offering him an extension. Hunt had a poor end to the season as the Red V missed out on the finals, before copping some criticism from Shane Flanagan during a performance review. The halfback will hit the open market on November 1 for the 2026 season, but there's still a strong chance Hunt pushes for an early release. Speaking on SEN radio, one of his former teammates at Red Hill in Parker brought up the fact that Hunt would be 36 years of age by the time a potential move rolls around and doesn't believe many clubs would want to fork out big money for a short-term deal. "Ben Hunt is trying to get an extension at the moment with the Dragons ... Shane Flanagan and the Dragons are currently holding out and rightly so," he said. "He's on contract for next year, he's looking for an extension for 2026 where he will be 36 years of age on big money. I think Flanagan may be doing the right thing by not going for Ben Hunt but does that mean he goes to the open market? "There's a risk attached to that and I am one of Hunt's biggest fans but there is certainly risk attached to a 36-year-old halfback. "You have to understand why you are bringing in a player and what you want to achieve out of them. It would only be for one year because I can't see Hunt playing beyond 36. "Father Time catches up with you very quickly and it could come in the space of one small injury." Hunt has been among the Dragons' best players for a number of years, but during his big-money tenure at the club, they have only won one finals game. The issue for Flanagan as it stands is their lack of depth in the halves, with his son Kyle failing to prove his worth as a long-term solution, while young gun Lykhan King-Togia has only played a handful of first grade games. The captaincy may be less of a concern for the Dragons heading into next year, with star back-rower Jaydn Su'A inking an extension and emerging as a leader within the squad. Hunt addressed his future during Kangaroos camp last week and said he remains open to finishing his career in Queensland.

Burgess Sign PNG Star

Much travelled Dragons forward Dan Russell has been signed by Sam Burgess' English club Warrington. The Wolves has swooped on Russell, who has played eight NRL games for the Dragons as well as ten Tests for Papua New Guinea. Warrington see the 28-year-old as the ideal replacement for Matty Nicholson, who has signed with the Canberra Raiders for 2025. Russell has done the rounds, playing with Souths Logan Magpies, Mackay Cutters and Brisbane Tigers as well as being part of the Cowboys roster. He spent the past two seasons at the Dragons but was not offered a contract for 2025, opening the door for Warrington to swoop.

Ben Hunt and Shane Flanagan's relationship 'unworkable' as ugly new details come to light

Ben Hunt's relationship with Shane Flanagan is reportedly at the point of no return following a brutal end-of-season review. The Dragons captain is expected set to voluntarily relinquish his captaincy ahead of next season and there are widespread reports the halfback may never play for the Red V again. Hunt endured a tough season in the NRL in 2024 and came under fire for his side's late-season collapse that saw them drop out of the top eight and miss out on playing finals footy. In the Dragons' season review Hunt, whose contract is worth over $1 million a season, was told "his performances – including his defence, kicking game and leadership – when his team’s finals hopes hung in the balance were not befitting of his standing in the side". And according to SMH’s Danny Weidler, Hunt was deeply hurt and offended at being 'salary shamed'. "It has been several weeks now since we revealed that Ben Hunt’s salary was thrown in his face during his season review. There has been no denial from the Dragons in that time," Weidler wrote in an SMH column on Saturday. "The situation is unworkable and the best thing is for Hunt to walk away from the club. You will remember Hunt was forced to stay when he asked for an early release last year. Then at the end of the season he was criticised for being on a big contract. It feels like the time is up on the relationship between player and club, and a fresh start for both is needed." Weidler also noted that Hunt felt singled out due to the widespread praise his fellow playmaker Kyle Flanagan received. The No.7's situation at the Red V has also led rugby league great Andrew Johns to form the opinion that he won't play another game for the Dragons. The Knights legend suggested a three-way move with Hunt to the Titans, Gold Coast hooker Sam Verrills to the Roosters to cover the injured Brandon Smith and Storm utility Tyran Wishart to the Dragons could solve several issues. “I’ve heard Sam Verrills may be going back to the Roosters … have a look at Brandon Smith, he won’t play until mid-next year,” Johns said on WWOS’ Freddy and the Eighth. “So that opens the way for Ben Hunt to go to the Titans.

Zac Lomax's $2.6m mistake laid bare as NRL star crowned winger of the year at Dally M

Zac Lomax's incredible season for the Dragons has been rewarded with being named Dally M winger of the year, but it once again raises the question over what prompted his move to the Eels in 2025. Jahrome Hughes was the talk of the night after eclipsing James Tedesco in a close battle for his maiden Dally M award. However, Lomax's achievement to be selected in the Dally M team of the season has also raised eyebrows within the NRL community. Earlier this year, Lomax put an end to months of speculation when the Dragons released him from his contract so he could join the Eels in 2025. Lomax was reportedly unhappy at playing on the wing for the Dragons and wanted to switch to his preferred centre position. And with rival clubs lurking, the Eels signed the star on a reported $2.6 million deal. This is a reported pay cut from the final year of his Dragons deal, where he was earning $850,000 per year. However, it could be hard to see Lomax moving away from the wing at the Eels after producing a career-best year. The winger was selected for NSW in State of Origin and was one of the Blues' best in a series victory. He scored 14 tries in 21 appearances at club level, which earned him a debut in the Dally M team of the year. Lomax would also be hard to look past for a debut for the Kangaroos this year in Mal Meninga's Australia team. This leaves incoming Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles with a huge decision to make. Circumstances have changed a lot since Lomax struck an agreement with the Eels in April, most notably with former coach Brad Arthur - the man who convinced Lomax to join - departing.

Flanno Furious at Boss Axing

Times are a bit testy at the Dragons, with coach Shane Flanagan far from happy with the club's decision to part ways with chief executive Ryan Webb last week. Webb was a big supporter of Flanagan and helped him get the head coach job this year in the face of opposition from some board members due to Flanagan's history at the Sharks. The coach was keen to repay that loyalty and has told anyone who wants to listen that he is fuming with the Dragons' move to cut ties with Webb.

'Bullies' exposed as big money forward called out

In most circumstances, when a team jumps five places on the ladder in 12 months, it would be deemed a successful season. But the start of the Shane Flanagan era at the Dragons, while undoubtedly an improvement on the dismal second last placing in 2023, was another year of frustration and angst for fans. The Dragons were far more competitive, so much so that for much of the year they looked like playing finals footy. But a late collapse saw them slide down the ladder, losing five of their last seven games, including their final three on the bounce. Adding to the frustration, Zac Lomax - the club's most exciting attacking player - agitated for a release for several weeks before finally being granted his wish for 2025, with fans left wondering why the club would surrender such a rare talent. And worse still, the rumbles continue that skipper Ben Hunt, who produced an incredible 34 try assists - almost as many as the rest of the entire squad combined - remains restless and wants to return to Queensland. Remarkably, the Dragons' two standout players also came first and second for most errors out of more than 400 NRL players in 2024 - Lomax with 50 and Hunt with 43. As well as the pair played, many of those 93 errors came at crucial times in games and proved the difference between winning and losing. Wins in four of their first seven games saw the new-look Dragons begin brightly, but they soon fell back into their old ways and fans had a feeling of deja vu as they slipped slowly but surely out of the top eight. There were positives, though, especially compared to the dismal 2023 season. Flanagan managed to rebuild enigmatic fullback Tyrell Sloan into a real NRL force, as his 13 tries and 12 try assists shows. Sloan has that 'wow' factor when his game is on, but needs to work on his defence and add a few kilos to his slender frame over the off-season. Winger Christian Tuipulotu (eight tries in 12 games) was a good pick-up from Manly and the coach's son Kyle had some impressive moments, but still needs to develop his attacking game. Big men Jack De Belin and Tom Eisenhuth both played every game and were strong in the middle while the Couchman twins were lively and should develop into regular first graders in 2025. Hooker Jacob Liddle was superb, getting the Dragons on the front foot with his clever work from dummy half.

St George Illawarra Dragons: 2023 finish: 16th | 2024 finish: 11th

2025 gains: Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Val Holmes (Cowboys)

2025 losses: Zac Lomax (Eels), Savelio Tamale (Raiders)

Holmes move confirmed despite last-minute twist

At least three clubs have joined the Dragons in the pursuit of Cowboys star Valentine Holmes - but it has all come to nought. Just in the last few hours, Holmes has agreed to a long term deal with the Dragons, re-uniting him with former coach Shane Flanagan. The Dragons got the jump on the field last week, with coach Flanagan making the long trek to Townsville to sit down with his former premiership-winning player at Cronulla. At one stage, Holmes was even having second thoughts about moving because his wife runs several highly successful businesses in Townsville. But in the end, Flanagan's persistence won out and he got his man in a massive boost for the Big Red V in 2025.