The Mole: ‘Catastrophic’ Situation Ahead for Dragons Following the Departure of Two Key Players

The Dragons are emerging as the enigmatic team of the 2025 premiership race.

After losing their two primary attacking threats from last season—Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax—things could take a turn for the worse.

However, the club has made some impressive additions to their roster with the signings of four seasoned players: Damien Cook (formerly with the Rabbitohs), Clint Gutherson (Eels), Lachlan Ilias (Rabbitohs), and Valentine Holmes (Cowboys).

If Ilias and Kyle Flanagan can gel as a halves pairing, it may significantly soften the blow of Hunt’s absence, who contributed 32 try assists last season. Meanwhile, Kangaroos standout Holmes possesses the skillset to effectively fill Lomax’s shoes on the wing, combining speed and a knack for finding the tryline.

Gutherson’s appointment as captain could prove valuable due to his experience and competitive nature, with his vocal presence helping to keep the Dragons’ younger forwards focused on the game.

Cook displayed sharp form in last weekend’s victory over the Roosters, entering the 2025 season eager to prove himself after being let go by Souths.

It’s evident the Dragons have relied heavily on Hunt’s experience in recent years; the addition of Gutherson and Cook brings much-needed balance to their squad.

While there are numerous ‘ifs’, the potential exists for an improved performance compared to the 2024 season, where the Dragons finished 11th—just a win shy of the top eight.

As one of the historically prominent clubs in the NRL, the Dragons possess the physicality to dominate smaller teams.

However, this added size has sometimes hampered certain bulky forwards’ agility in defence, a factor that savvy opposing coaches exploited last season.

2025 Additions

Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Clint Gutherson (Eels), Lachlan Ilias (Rabbitohs), Valentine Holmes (Cowboys), Nathan Lawson (Australian Rugby 7s), Emre Guler (Raiders)

2025 Departures

Zac Lomax (Eels), Savelio Tamale (Raiders), Jack Bird (Wests Tigers), Max Feagai (Dolphins), Alec Tuitavake (Leigh Leopards), Ben Hunt (Broncos), Dan Russell (Warrington), Fa’amanu Brown (released), Jesse Marschke (North Sydney Bears)

Best Acquisition

Clint Gutherson is a gritty and astute player who will provide the Dragons with direction from the back, pushing his teammates to maintain focus during crucial game moments.

Key Players to Watch

Kyle Flanagan and Lachlan Ilias are under pressure to perform in the halves; if they deliver, the Dragons might defy the sceptics.

Major Concerns

A number of players exhibited inconsistency for the Dragons last season, which resulted in missing the finals. Can they deliver consistently in 2025?

Projected Finish: 17th

Predicted Round One Line-up: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Toby Couchman

Championship Odds: $81