‘The signs are good for the future’: Shane Flanagan backs his young gun forwards as Dragons prepare for life after Jack de Belin

The looming loss of Jack de Belin has upset some Dragons fans, but the club has put its faith in a talented crop of youngsters.

Jack de Belin’s looming departure from the Dragons at the end of the year caught a few people by surprise, but his exit opens the door for the club to continue blooding young forwards who have the talent to carry the team for the next decade.

The veteran middle has been at the club since 2011 but will join the Eels in 2026, with the Dragons now in a transitioning period with a few older forwards on the way out while several young guns start getting their chance in the NRL.

Guys like Dylan Egan and Hamish Stewart have already impressed this season, while there are big things expected of Jacob Halangahu, who starred in the under-19 Origin match and signed an extension with the club back in March.

Hamish Stewart is one of many young forwards doing well at the Dragons. Picture: David Hossack.

“Roster management is a big job and it’s a tough job sometimes,” Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said.

“Jack has been such a wonderful player for the club.

“You’ve got your Hamish Stewart, Dylan Egan, Loko Tonga, the two Couchmans, so the list goes on.

“They’re all young forwards who have come through so there is a transition at the moment.

“We haven’t got a five-year plan and we’re not looking down the track – we’ve got a bit of transition with a lot of young fellas coming into first grade at the moment, and I’ve got to educate them and get them ready for it.

“They’re going to be here for 10 years. The signs are good for the future, but we’ve still got to manage the present.”

Kyle Flanagan has the chance to silence his critics against the Eels on Saturday night. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The present right now includes a big game against the Eels on Saturday evening that features the showdown between Zac Lomax and Clint Gutherson against their former sides.

The Red V welcome back Christian Tuipulotu and Jaydn Su’A from injury as they look to stay in touch with the top eight, with all eyes on their attack amid growing calls for Lachlan Ilias to earn a recall on the back of his strong form in NSW Cup.

Halves Kyle Flanagan and Lyhkan King-Togia have the chance to make a statement in Wollongong, with the coach assuring all of his squad members that NRL positions are there to be won if you’re playing well.

“We pick the best team for that first grade side,” Flanagan said.

“I’ve got good assistant coaches and good people around me that will make sure that we put the best 17 we think this weekend to get the job done.

“Without a doubt, we’ve got that playing this weekend.”

Originally published as ‘The signs are good for the future’: Shane Flanagan backs his young gun forwards as Dragons prepare for life after Jack de Belin