The St George Illawarra enter 2026 with expectations rising among fans, pundits and club personnel alike.
After finishing 15th in 2025, the Dragons put together a season that, while low on ladder position, was high on effort and close contests.
The Red V fought in game after game, with around a dozen matches decided by six points or less. They competed hard against some of the competition's best, grinding out big wins over teams such as Penrith and the Melbourne Storm, showing resilience that many hadn't seen from this joint venture for a long time.
Shane Flanagan arrived as head coach in 2024 after a premiership-winning tenure with the Cronulla Sharks. The belief at the club is that Flanagan's experience, tactical nous and eye for talent can rebuild the Dragons into a long-term competitive force. He has been given control of recruitment, development pathways and playing culture, and has blooded a series of young players from the 2024 SG Ball premiership winning side that demolished the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the grand final.
Some of that young talent has already transitioned into 1st grade, and several of those players will take natural progression into 2026. The Dragons lost a few players to the Bulldogs after that SG Ball premiership, but most of the core that brought success at that level remain at the club and are pushing for NRL football already.
Despite the optimism, there are still question marks around key positions. There is genuine curiosity and pressure around whether Daniel Atkinson, a recruit from the Sharks, can solve the halfback problem at the club. There are lingering fan discussions and media noise over Kyle Flanagan's position in the halves, with some supporters referencing past nepotism claims and calling for clearer direction in the spine.
The joint venture's traditional fanbase in both Kogarah and Wollongong is passionate and vocal, and expectations are that this club should be much more competitive than their 2025 ladder position suggests.
The Dragons begin their 2026 campaign in Las Vegas against the Bulldogs, a match that could be treated almost like a grand final for both sides. For the Bulldogs it's a homecoming on the world stage, and for the Dragons it is an opportunity to beat a rival early, build confidence and set a tone for the season.
What the St George Illawarra showed in 2025 was that they could hang with strong opposition and compete across 80 minutes. What they need to improve is turning those close contests into consistent wins, finding stability in key spine positions, and converting gritty effort into football outcomes that matter on the ladder.
For that to happen, there are at least five players who will need to raise their performance in 2026. The Dragons' finals hopes, the security of the coaching staff, and the belief taking hold among supporters will hinge on those improvements.
2. Clint Gutherson
Why his role is so important
Clint Gutherson will enter his 14th season in the NRL still close to the top of his game, and in 2025 he was essentially the main focal point of the Dragons' attack. His effort levels remained elite, and he produced the most line breaks of his entire career with 18 for the season. His try assists were consistent with his usual year to year output, and his influence on the Dragons' attack was obvious in almost every match.
For a club trying to climb out of the bottom four and push into finals contention, that experience is priceless. The Dragons have plenty of young talent coming through and plenty of questions in key spine positions, so having a fullback who can organise, compete, and create is one of the biggest stabilisers they have. Gutherson's professionalism, durability, and competitiveness also set the standard for the rest of the squad.
With a second pre season under Shane Flanagan's system, Gutherson's leadership and cohesion with the Dragons' defensive structures should be stronger again. That matters because if the Dragons are going to turn close losses into wins, the fullback's influence over defensive communication and organisation becomes even more important.
What needs to improve
Attack and effort are not the concern with Gutherson. The area that needs improvement is a trend that has started to follow him over the last few seasons. Teams he has been involved in as the fullback have begun conceding more points, first at Parramatta and again at the Dragons.
While St George Illawarra competed hard in many matches and stayed in contests longer than expected, they also fell away too easily at times. Gutherson's positioning and defensive influence were not always at the standard he has set for himself over his career. Whether it is age, a small decline in speed, or the difficulty of playing fullback behind a defensive line that is still building combinations, it is an area that needs to lift.
His last line defence, his ability to meet collisions, and his organisation of the outside backs all need to improve. The Dragons' edge defence in particular needs more cohesion and trust. Gutherson has now had a full season in the system, and that second pre season should allow him to tighten those defensive standards and get the entire backline working as one unit.
Why his improvement matters
It is hard to demand improvement from a player who has been as consistent and professional as Gutherson for over a decade. But the reality is the Dragons are paying for experienced leaders to help carry them through a period where key spine positions are still being built. Gutherson is one of those players.
If the Dragons are going to be in the finals conversation in 2026, they need Gutherson to deliver at least one more outstanding season, and they need his defensive influence to rise. His attack will come naturally because of his work ethic and experience. The defensive uplift is what can change the Dragons from a tough team that loses close games into a team that wins them.
With new halves combinations and more young players entering the squad, Gutherson will remain a central figure in both attack and leadership. If he can tighten the defensive standards around him and improve the cohesion of the backline, it will give St George Illawarra the platform they need to turn competitiveness into consistent wins.
