St George Illawarra Dragons 2024 roster rater: Every player ranked from 1 to 26
Shane Flanagan’s first season in charge of the Dragons could hinge on an enigmatic outside back and a captain who needed convincing to remain at the club. MICHAEL CARAYANNIS analyses the Dragons squad.
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An enigmatic outside back and a captain who needed convincing to stay are shaping as Shane Flanagan’s key men in his first year as head coach of the Dragons as he looks to lift the under-performing joint venture off the canvas.
Michael Carayannis analyses the Dragons squad, which still has four vacant spots to fill in the top 30.
2024 DRAGONS ROSTER RATER
26 Paul Turner
Age: 23
Games: 11 (one in 2023)
Contract Ends: 2024
Another player who was free to leave but struggled to find another deal elsewhere. Versatile but is well down in the pecking order when it comes to potential first graders.
25 Savelio Tamale
Age: 18
Games: 0
Contract Ends: 2024
Joined the Dragons in 2023 after being part of the NSW Waratahs squad. Played for NSW under-19s. Could be an early round selection bolter.
24 Jackson Shereb
Age: 21
Games: 0
Contract Ends: 2024
The back-rower has now played three seasons at NSW Cup level and is prepared to take the next step ahead of his third NRL pre-season.
23 Alec Tuitavake
Age: 22
Games: 0
Contract Ends: 2024
Had a delayed start to 2023 after returning from knee surgery. Joined the Dragons mid-season. Hopes of making his debut in 2023.
22 Sione Finau
Age: 21
Games: One (in 2023)
Contract Ends: 2025
Was injured in his NRL debut but the Dragons believe he is a future NRL star. Signed a multi-year deal after impressing at NSW Cup level.
21 Viliami Fifita
Age: 22.
Games: 0
Contract Ends: 2025
Joined the Dragons as part of the Aaron Woods swap deal. Injury halted his progress in 2023 but has long been earmarked as a first grader.
20 Max Feagai
Age: 22
Games: 11 (5 in 2023)
Contract Ends: 2024
Was told he could leave the club but failed to find a significant opportunity elsewhere. Is now playing for his future and will need to show Shane Flanagan he is worthy of a spot in first grade.
19 Michael Molo
Age: 26
Games: 27 (19 in 2023)
Contract Ends: 2024
Another late bloomer who played plenty of first grade in 2023. Off-contract and will be chasing a significant deal. Could feature as a bench forward.
18 Dan Russell
Age: 27
Games: Eight all in 2023
Contract Ends: 2024
Had to wait a long-time to make his NRL debut and impressed enough to earn himself a new deal. Decent squad player who could feature at times during the season.
16 Mathew Feagai
Age: 22
Games: 51 (23 in 2023)
Contract Ends: 2024
Despite finding a spot on the wing in 2023 is yet to really establish himself as a guaranteed first grade player. Off-contract so needs a fast-start under the new coach.
15 Ryan Couchman
Age: 20
Games: Five all in 2023
Contract Ends: 2025
While twin brother Toby was a consistent starter last season, Ryan took some time to find his way into the top grade. Looks like a long-term NRL player.
14 Kyle Flanagan
Age: 25
Games: 79 (17 in 2023)
Contract Ends: 2025
Was set to battle for the starting hooker role but is now likely to start in the halves. Reunited with dad Shane as he looks to prove he can be a regular starting half.
13 Francis Molo
Age: 29
Games: 115 (18 in 2023)
Contract Ends: 2024
Arrived at the Dragons at the end of 2021 as an Origin player. Is now battling to make anywhere near that impact. Off-contract so needs a strong season to try and earn a similar deal.
12 Jacob Liddle
Age: 27
Games: 96 (2022 in 2023)
Contract Ends: 2026
Solid first season at the Dragons but does not have any major competition for the starting spot. Attack has always been decent but needs to improve his defence if he is to stop the club from hitting the player market.
11 Mikaele Ravalawa
Age: 25
Games: 86 (21 in 2023)
Contract Ends: 2026
Signed a long-term deal and despite being part of a struggling attacking side still managed 21 tries from as many games. If the Dragons can show some life with the football he could come into his own.
10 Toby Couchman
Age: 20
Games: 15 all in 2023
Contract Ends: 2025
A rare shining light for the Dragons in 2023. Won the club’s rookie of the year award after playing 15 matches. Could start in the back-row come round one.
9 Hame Sele
Age: 26
Games: 72 (18 in 2023)
Contract Ends: 2026
St George junior returns to the club having learnt how to become a first-grader at Penrith and South Sydney. Certainly in St George Illawarra’s top 17 and adds some much needed depth to the forward pack.
8 Tyrell Sloan
Age: 21
Games: 36 (23 in 2023)
Contact Ends: 2024
Massive season. Injury at the Koori Knockout has delayed the specific training program he was going to undertake to increase his mental toughness. Off-contract but the jury is out if he can be a top flight fullback.
7 Moses Suli
Age: 25
Games: 118 (22 in 2023)
Contract Ends: 2024
Has indicated he will hit the open market. Damaging centre who has had little joy largely because of the lack of quality ball he has received.
6 Jack Bird
Age: 26
Games: 142 (14 in 2023)
Contract Ends: 2025 (mutual option)
Another strange season for Bird who struggled with ongoing knee issues. Looked more comfortable in the forward pack with his lack of pace making him a target defensively if he plays at centre.
5 Jack de Belin
Age: 32
Games: 205 (16 in 2023)
Contract Ends: 2024
In the final year of his deal but says he wants to play for another couple of seasons. Hasn’t been able to replicate his 2018 Origin form but is still a reliable member of the forward pack.
4 Blake Lawrie
Age: 26
Games: 125 (22 in 2023)
Contract Ends: 2026
One of the few Dragons players to keep their head held high in reason seasons. 2023 was his best year as he matured as a front-rower and as a leader.
3 Jaydn Su’A
Age: 26
Games: 31 (13 in 2023)
Contract Ends: 2024
Arrived at the Dragons off the back of a grand final and as an Origin player. Has shown glimpses of that player in his two seasons but is yet to take his game to another level. Off-contract too so this is a big season.
2 Zac Lomax
Age: 24
Games: 93 (20 in 2023)
Contract Ends: 2026
At his best he is the closest player the Dragons have had to replicating Mark Gasnier. At his worst, well he was dumped to reserve grade in 2023. If he can find consistency he could become a real game changer.
1 Ben Hunt
Age: 33
Games: 312 (22 in 2023)
Contract Ends: 2025
Still the marquee player at the Dragons. His 2023 season was overshadowed by discontent. Will be one to watch again with two seasons left on his deal. If the Dragons are any chance of turning their fortunes around, then Hunt needs to play well.
* Junior Amone and Cody Ramsey were not considered
Originally published as St George Illawarra Dragons 2024 roster rater: Every player ranked from 1 to 26
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