Losing by one point to the Bulldogs in their opening match of the 2026 season, concerns have been raised that the Dragons don’t have that X-factor player to get them over the line in close encounters.

Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

While they showed tremendous grit and toughness over the weekend in Las Vegas, it wasn’t enough to get them over the line.

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

Struggling to make plays in attack, it was instead their defence that kept them competitive throughout the contest.

Not one individual ran for more than 185 running metres. And they had only one line break and four support plays, compared to their opponents’ seven and 14.

“The concern is they’re lacking X-factors. Like in the game that we just saw, who’s a Stephen Crichton for them?” journalist Michael Carayannis said on NRL 360.

“Flanagan and Daniel Atkinson had a go and they defended really strongly, but they didn’t offer much in attack.”

Braith Anasta added, “With all due respect I barely noticed them in attack at all.”

“It’s early so they’ve got the ability to get better but if you say to me which (two halves) had more optimism about them, it’s the Bulldogs,” Brent Read chimed in.

Lack of X-Factor exposed for Dragons | 00:56

Despite going toe-to-toe with one of the premiership contenders, all four panellists believed that the Dragons are set for an early holiday come September.

“They’ll be on holidays in September Braith…and nothing I saw tonight has changed my opinion,” Read said.

“No, they didn’t look like a side that would come last. If they play games like this, they will win games with their defence

Carayannis continued, “I don’t think they can play finals at all. I think the grit was really good but they don’t have a player who can turn the game.

“When the game’s in the balance I can’t see how they win it because they don’t have any X-factor.”

Tallis slams Cowboys attack | 02:50

Anasta pointed out that fullback Clint Gutherson could be that X-factor that the club was looking for, but it was quickly shut down.

“He’s not fast enough, Braith,” Carayannis said

While the co-host stated that having that X-factor was not all about speed, he did agree that the veteran fullback is no longer at the level of other superstar players around the league.

Anasta continued, “He may not be fast enough, but he comes up with special plays and even Cookie [Damien Cook] comes up with a couple.

“He comes up with those plays and he’s kind of their X-factor and if he’s your X-factor he’s the guy you rely on.

“He’s a great player, but he’s not at the level of a (Stephen) Crichton, Reece Walsh, the list goes on.”