Billy Slater Highlights Recruitment Issues as Dragons Face Potential Roster Overhaul

The Dragons’ decision to part ways with Shane Flanagan and head of football Ben Haran appears to be the catalyst for a much-needed transformation that rigorously reviews their recent player recruitment strategies, as highlighted by Billy Slater.

With Dean Young stepping up as interim coach, this period serves as a trial for the permanent role. Slater is optimistic that the Dragons can still salvage their season if they adhere to some non-negotiable principles.

During an episode of Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast, the esteemed fullback pointed out some questionable recruitment choices that have left the club in a precarious position, specifically highlighting the two veteran representative players in critical positions.

“For sustainable success, recruitment is paramount; it involves a comprehensive strategy where everyone is working together,” Slater remarked.

“And it hinges on your key position players. When you consider recruits like Clint Gutherson, who will be 32 this year—that’s a recruitment call from the club. Damien Cook is another vital player and will turn 35 this year…he was recently brought into the fold.”

“Plus, their two halves, Kyle Flanagan and Daniel Atkinson, are still untested at the elite NRL level. Those decisions also fall under the club’s recruitment strategy.”

Slater contrasted the Dragons’ current roster with the elite spines of the Broncos, who clinched the premiership last season, and the ladder-leading Panthers.

“Those players are on another level,” Slater noted. “You can’t say the same for the Dragons at present, though they do have a couple of seasoned players who traditionally performed at an elite level; unfortunately, they are nearing the twilight of their careers.”

The silver lining for the Dragons is that their roster is well-positioned for a relatively swift rebuild.

Cook’s contract expires at the end of the season, and discussions regarding an extension have been paused. Both Gutherson and Valentine Holmes, who is also under pressure, are off contract after next season, leaving the new coach and football director with ample funds to rework their spine. The club is prepared for the player market to open on November 1, making savvy roster adjustments easier.

Prominent forward Jaydn Su’A is set to depart after this season, while Tyrell Sloan is also approaching the end of his contract.

Kyle Flanagan and Lykhan King-Togia will see their contracts expire at the end of next season, while Daniel Atkinson and Kade Reed are committed until 2028.

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There are very few significant contracts beyond next season that could restrict the club’s flexibility, providing the new leadership ample opportunity to reshape the team according to their vision.

Efforts are underway to lure Scott Drinkwater to the Dragons with a potential $1 million-a-season offer. This change in strategy is prompted by the collaboration of the Haran and Flanagan duo, along with recruitment manager Daniel Anderson, who have concluded it’s time to part ways with Gutherson as their first-choice fullback. If the Drinkwater move falls through, the likes of Jahream Bula, Kalyn Ponga, and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will all become available next year, positioning the Dragons amongst the clubs capable of making substantial offers.

Additionally, Matt Burton, Blaize Talagi, Nathan Cleary—who has never tested free agency but is contemplating it—and Sam Walker will all be off-contract in 2027.

There’s also a selection of representative-calibre forwards set to hit the market on November 1. Even with two new expansion teams poised to enter, it’s an advantageous time to have significant salary cap space—something the Dragons currently possess more than many competitors in the NRL.

This chance to rejuvenate the roster further enhances the attractiveness of the full-time coaching role, which Young appears well-positioned to secure.

Slater believes the interim coach could influence the team right away, starting with this Saturday’s traditional Anzac Day match against the Roosters.

“I firmly believe the Dragons can remain competitive this year,” Slater asserted.

“There’s no reason they shouldn’t be competitive in 2023. It doesn’t just rely on talent. It’s possible to have a short-term uptick in performance—not necessarily success, but being in the contest—while the last few weeks have seen them fall short largely due to a lackadaisical approach to the tougher aspects of the game.

“This isn’t merely talent-related. If you assess some of the tries conceded last weekend—you don’t need an abundance of talent to prevent those.”

“With Dean Young now as interim coach, there’s every reason for him to come in and have an immediate positive effect on this squad, instilling a drive to compete for extended periods. This presents a prime opportunity for short-term success—where the team is engaged, which is what fans crave. However, several players might struggle to claim they’ve given their all in recent performances.”