NRL 2024: Dragons eye Eels star Reagan Campbell-Gillard as Shane Flanagan’s Red V overhaul continues

As the Dragons turn their attention to securing Parramatta enforcer Reagan Campbell-Gillard, we shine a light on the dramatic overhaul of the Dragons roster which has tranformed under Shane Flanagan.

Shane Flanagan has turned his attention to Eels star Reagan Campbell-Gillard

St George Illawarra will turn their attention to Parramatta big man Reagan Campbell-Gillard as the true depths of Shane Flanagan’s roster overhaul can be revealed.

Fresh from securing the signatures of representative players Damien Cook and Valentine Holmes, Flanagan is chasing an experienced prop with former NSW and Kangaroos forward Reagan Campbell-Gillard sitting on top of the Dragons wish list.

The rejuvenation of the Dragons squad speaks to the rapid change inflicted by Flanagan as he attempts to turn the Red-V into a consistent NRL finals force.

News Corp has crunched the numbers on the clean-up of the Dragons roster under Flanagan with the likelihood that just 12 players from former coach Anthony Griffin’s top-30 roster that began the 2023 season will still be at Saints by round one next season.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard is a target for the Dragons. Credit: NRL Images.

Flanagan has moved on a host of underperforming players including the likes of Zane Musgrove, Josh Kerr and Paul Turner as the Dragons hierarchy aim to rebuild the club into a serious top eight contender.

The signing of Holmes and Cook are key to the transformation.

“He’s a quality player,” Flanagan said of Holmes.

“When you add him and Damien Cook, both Origin players, rep players coming to our club, it’s a big bonus for us.

“I’ve had that connection with Val (previously at the Sharks), so I’m really looking forward to him joining our club next year along with Cookie.”

Flanagan also addressed the club’s interest in Campbell-Gillard.

“It’s (front-row salary cap space) something that we’ve got one spot available, so we’ll look at it,” Flanagan said.

“But once again, you can probably see from our last two previous signings that we need to make sure that we get them right.

“I’d like to think we have and we’ll continue to do so.”

The Dragons want to give the 31-year-old a two-year contract and at the moment are not entertaining Campbell-Gillard’s desire to secure a three year deal.

Campbell-Gillard still has 12 months left on his Parramatta contract but the Eels have made it clear that he could move on early.

The Dragons are yet to formally offer Campbell-Gillard are deal but will do so should he express a desire to join Flanagan’s rebuild.

The Dragons have also had talks with Newcastle’s Daniel Saifiti but the two teams are no closer to a deal regarding the former NSW forward’s rich contract.

Tom Eisenhuth is set to be rewarded with a contract extension after an impressive first year at the club. Picture: Getty Images

In other Dragons news;

– They are prepared to offer Tom Eisenhuth an extension following an impressive first season at the club.

– Will allow Jack Bird to leave should he find a suitable club.

– Contracted players Blake Lawrie and Mikaele Ravalawa are free to move on.

– Cody Ramsey is progressing well after this health battles. It is unclear if he will be able to return as an NRL player. However, he has a top 30 spot next season unless he is medically retired.

– Remain in talks with Max Feagai while Dan Russell and Connor Muhleisen are unlikely to be retained.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Dragons eye Eels star Reagan Campbell-Gillard as Shane Flanagan’s Red V overhaul continues