St. George Illawarra Dragons 2025 season preview
2024 recap
2024 was a promising year for the Dragons, who only missed out on finals by two points. New coach Shane Flanagan had the Red V in and around for the top eight right up until the final two rounds, but a poor performance against the Eels saw them knocked our of contention in round 26.
There were some notable highs though, including a 10-22 win at Premiers Penrith, and they’ve made some big-name signings for 2025.
2024 position: 11th
Key signings
Damien Cook (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Emre Guler (Canberra Raiders), Clint Gutherson (Parramatta Eels), Valentine Holmes (North Queensland Cowboys), Lachlan Ilias (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Key departures
Jack Bird (Wests Tigers), Max Feagai (Dolphins), Ben Hunt (Brisbane Broncos), Zac Lomax (Parramatta Eels), Jesse Marschke (North Sydney Bears), Dan Russell (Warrington Wolves), Savelio Tamale (Canberra Raiders), Alec Tuitavake (Leigh Leopards), Paul Turner (Released)
Players to watch
Lachlan Ilias arrives at the Dragons with something of a point to prove after being dumped, perhaps harshly, by South Sydney. The halfback looked set to be Adam Reynolds’ long-term replacement at the Bunnies, but after a broken leg last year he was cast aside and told to look elsewhere for 2025 and beyond. He has big boots to fill at the Red V too, now that Ben Hunt’s gone back to Brisbane. Although with just one top eight finish in Hunt’s seven-year spell at the club, maybe Ilias’ task isn’t as big as it was at Souths.
Valentine Holmes is another new signing with big expectations on him, given his stellar career so far. The centre-cum-winger has done the lot in his NRL career – a Premiership, multiple Origin victories, two World Cup wins – the list goes on. Still only 29, he’s got plenty left in the tank, and his experience will be vital.
Young gun
Lyhkan King-Togia made his first grade debut in 2024, and the versatile back will be hoping for more chances to impress in 2025. The 19 year-old has had a rapid rise through the age groups and reserve grade in the past couple of years, and will start the new campaign on the fringes of the top 30 squad.
Our prediction – 13th
This one could really leave me with egg on my face as I’ve been really impressed with the Dragons’ recruitment, and they looked like a side on the up in 2024. That being said, I just think there are far stronger teams ahead of them, and two finals appearances in 13 years is hard to ignore.
