Dragons roster rated: Dead wood removed, the Red V can roar agin in 2022

The infamous ‘Covid BBQ’ may have ruined 2021 for the Dragons but it has has set them up to be a much better side in 2022.

Rate every Dragons player from season 2021.

St George Illawarra have managed to clear plenty of deadwood off their roster and are in a better position than their late-season slide indicates.

Moving on the likes of Corey Norman, Matt Dufty and Paul Vaughan, taking on short-term deals with Josh McGuire and Moses Mbye and blooding youngsters like Tyrell Sloan, Talatau Amone and Jayden Sullivan, they have the roster and salary cap flexibility to shape their future.

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Rate every Dragons player from season 2021.

The Dragons have been through the rebuild, now it’s time to look for the final pieces to make them a finals team.

The end to Anthony Griffin’s first season with the club was a tough slog in the aftermath of Paul Vaughan’s barbecue but things aren’t looking too bad for 2022.

With a well-rounded roster, who do the Dragons chase to help them take them from the fringe of the eight to premiership contention?

BELOW: RATE EVERY DRAGONS PLAYER FROM SEASON 2021 IN OUR ROSTER RATER

The club’s been heavily linked to Moses Suli – could his recruitment open up a permanent move for Jack Bird to second row? Or could Luke Thompson, reportedly up for grabs at Canterbury, round out the forward pack?

Queensland Origin trio Jaydn Su’A, Francis Molo and Moses Mbye will all join the club next year, along with former Souths star George Burgess and it’s the latter’s recruitment that appears to be the club’s most vital.

The middle forwards are high on grinders, with lock Jack de Belin, offering a strong passing presence, but they currently lack punch – at his peak, Burgess provided just that.