Shane Flanagan's second term in charge of St George Illawarra didn't go according to plan as a massive injury toll saw their season fall apart at the seams during the second half of the year.
The Dragons eventually finished in 15th spot on the ladder and the coach will be looking and hoping for a vast improvement from his side in 2026.
The Red V have a wealth of emerging talent in their forward pack which should hold them in good stead, although much will rest on what playmaking duo Flanagan settles with in the halves.
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St George Illawarra Dragons predicted team list for Round 1
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Tyrell Sloan
3. Moses Suli
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Christian Tuipulotu
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Daniel Atkinson
8. Toby Couchman
9. Damien Cook
10. Emre Guler
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jaydn Su'A
13. Hamish Stewart
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Ryan Couchman
16. Dylan Egan
17. Josh Kerr
Dragons latest team news ahead of Round 1
Clint Gutherson made the fullback position his own following his arrival from Parramatta, with former No.1 Tyrell Sloan pushed to the peripheries.
Sloan will have a battle on his hands to start on the wing after reportedly being told he could leave the Red V in the off-season. If he does exit, Mathew Feagai is likely to be the main beneficiary.
Christian Tuipulotu was hampered by a troublesome hamstring throughout last season, but will take his place on the flank ahead of Nathan Lawson. Corey Allan is out of the frame after not being offered a new contract.
Valentine Holmes saw his campaign cut short by a shoulder injury in Round 19, but will be back on deck in the centres for the opener. Moses Suli will also line up in the centres on the opposite side of the field.
David Fale has been brought from Penrith and will be pressing his case for selection in the backline after signing a two-year deal.
Daniel Atkinson has been signed from Cronulla on a lucrative deal and is expected to earn a starting spot in the halves, despite seeing minimal action for the Sharks in 2025.
Kyle Flanagan is likely to partner him at five-eighth, beating out competition from Lyhkan King-Togia.
Lachlan Ilias started the 2025 campaign as the club's halfback following his move from South Sydney. However, he lost his spot early on and has since been moved on to the Gold Coast.
Toby Couchman saw his season ended in Round 17 due to a shoulder injury.
The youngster will likely start the season up front alongside Emre Guler, who became a key component of Shane Flanagan's pack after his arrival from Canberra.
Damien Cook is set to be handed the No.9 jersey once again, with Jacob Liddle providing support off the bench.
Luciano Leilua and Jaydn Su'A could start the new season as the club's first choice backrowers. However, there will be plenty of pressure applied to Leilua by Dylan Egan.
Egan suffered an ACL injury during the Red V's clash against Brisbane in Round 11 and will be racing the clock to be fit in time for the opening game of the season.
Hamish Stewart will take over from Jack de Belin, who has joined the Eels, at lock. The emerging forward missed the last month of the 2025 season due to a concussion, but will be good to go after an extended break.
Ryan Couchman suffered an ACL injury in the opening round last season in a cruel blow. He is likely to feature off the bench a year later.
Josh Kerr has returned to the club and will likely be utilised off the pine where he has been impressive in the past for the Dolphins.
Loko Pasifiki Tonga made his NRL debut in Round 10 last season and was then used frequently by Flanagan off the pine. He will be competing with the likes of Hame Sele and Blake Lawrie for a place in the 17.
Hayden Buchanan, Nick Tsougranis and Jacob Halangahu were thrown into the deep end last season due to the club's horror injury toll and will all be vying for opportunities once again.
Meanwhile, a host of players have left the club following another disappointing campaign. David Klemmer is the biggest loss after the veteran enforcer couldn't agree to new terms with the club.
Cody Ramsey also moved on as he landed a deal with the Sydney Roosters, while Raymond Faitala-Mariner was not offered an extension.
Jonah Glover jumped ship to South Sydney after an impressive showing in NSW Cup and Finau Latu departed to Canterbury much to Flanagan's chagrin.