No team have been more active this year in recruitment than the Dragons, but the Red V have now had a massive win on the retention front, locking up gun brothers Toby and Ryan Couchman until the end of 2030.
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The Couchman boys have been a rare bright spot in what will likely be a wooden spoon campaign for the Dragons, emerging as two of the game’s best young forwards.
Hailing from Wollongong, the brothers are local juniors who have been in the Dragons’ system since they were teenagers.
They head a hungry, young forward pack who are keen to turn the fortunes of the club around, which includes other homegrown talent Dylan Egan and Hamish Stewart.
“I love this club,” Ryan Couchman said via a club-issued statement.
“Toby and I grew up supporting the Dragons, and it means a lot to us to represent our local team. We’re stoked to show other young players coming through the region what is possible.
“It’s been a challenging season, but you can feel the energy and improvement across the club. We understand the responsibility we have as part of where this club is heading, and we are excited to play our role.”
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Newly minted Dragons coach Dean Young is building quite the team ahead of the 2027 season with Keaon Kolomatangi, Scott Drinkwater, Luke Metcalf and Phil Sami set to join the Red V next year.
But Young understands the importance of locking down the stack of talent already inside the building
“Ryan and Toby compete relentlessly. They’re consistent, disciplined, and that’s exactly what I value as a coach,” Young said.
“I know how much these men care about the club, and they’ll play a huge role in helping us get to where we want to go.”