“It’s not the golden bullet that will turn everything around instantly and deliver results.
New Dragons chief executive Tim Watsford.Credit: St George Illawarra Dragons
“But from a connection point of view, the football staff will know the admin, and the admin staff will know the football. And that’s something that is pretty important in any high-performing organisation.”
Watsford said winning started in the front office and the changes were already having an impact.
“I genuinely believe that. So we’ve got some great people who have come into the business, and we’ve reorganised what our structure looks like right across the board,” he said.
“We’re making sure that we’re not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring that we are the best we can be.”
The obvious box that still needs to be ticked is game-day success. Since their most recent play-off appearance seven years ago, under former coach Paul McGregor, the Dragons have finished 15th, 12th, 11th, 10th, 16th, 11th and 15th.
“Challenge accepted,” Watsford said of the market plunge against the team. “When the bookmakers put up where are you going to finish, that’s only going to ignite the fire to prove them wrong.”
Now in their third campaign under hard-nosed coach Shane Flanagan, Watsford declared the Dragons were “not as far away as you might think,” highlighting eight games they lost by six points or less last season, including three by one point.
“We’re competing,” he said. “But it’s not about looking in the rear-vision mirror. It’s about eyes forward.”
A host of youngsters, including twins Ryan and Toby Couchman, Hayden Buchanan, Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart, Jacob Halangahu and Lyhkan King-Togia gained valuable experience in 2025 and should theoretically continue to improve.
But big-name imports remain a priority. Clint Gutherson led the way in his maiden year last season, and Damien Cook provided good value. They did not miss a game between them, while Valentine Holmes represented Queensland before a shoulder injury sidelined him after 14 games.
South Sydney’s Test forward Keaon Koloamatangi is a recruitment target for the Dragons.Credit: NRL Images
Cronulla playmaker Daniel Atkinson and prop Josh Kerr, returning from the Dolphins, are their main additions for next year.
However, the Dragons remain in the hunt for the likes of Koloamatangi (South Sydney) and representative forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast) who are both off contract at the end of 2026.
This masthead revealed earlier this month that the Dragons’ sales pitch to Koloamatangi included a helicopter flight to showcase the Illawarra region.
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Parramatta have also weighed in with a massive four-year offer for the 27-year-old, while a host of clubs will be trying to tempt Fa’asuamaleaui to leave the Titans.
“We like big middles. That’s probably fair to say,” Watsford said on the club’s recruitment plans.
Starting against traditional rivals Canterbury in their Las Vegas season opener, Watsford said he was optimistic about the Dragons’ prospects in 2026.
“We’re going to do everything we can to win premierships,” he said.
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