$65m ‘cherry on top’: Why the Dragons fancy their chances in 2026

2 months ago 18

St George Illawarra chief executive Tim Watsford is adamant the Dragons will be an attractive option for elite players with a new $65 million training facility the “cherry on top” to lure big-name stars like South Sydney forward Keaon Koloamatangi.

The Dragons finished last season a disappointing 15th, have not featured in the finals since 2018, and are jostling with incumbent wooden spooners Newcastle and the lowly Gold Coast Titans in early bottom-of-the-ladder betting markets.

The Dragons haven’t featured in the NRL finals since 2018.

But Watsford insists the club’s strategic behind-the-scenes makeover will deliver on-field success.

The Dragons have made a number of notable staff additions: appointing club legend Ben Creagh as the chief operating officer, former Eels and Warriors coach Daniel Anderson as recruitment manager and premiership-winning hooker Michael Ennis as an assistant coach.

They also announced on Thursday a new partnership with Chinese automotive makers JAC Motors, which Watsford said will complete the richest sponsorship portfolio in the club’s history.

The “cherry on top”, according to Watsford, will be the opening of their $65 million multipurpose training facility, named after the club’s main benefactor, Bruce Gordon. It is reported to be ahead of schedule and players could be based there by mid-season.

Dragons fullback Clint Gutherson celebrates a try.

“From an activity point of view, we’ve been in two different locations – Kogarah and on the back of WIN Stadium – for the better part of 25 years, since the club’s inception,” Watsford said.

“And the fact that we’re all going to be under one roof, come next year, it’s pretty exciting.

“It’s not the golden bullet that will turn everything around instantly and deliver results.

New Dragons chief executive Tim Watsford.

“But from a connection point of view, the football staff will know the admin, and the admin staff will know the football. And that’s something that is pretty important in any high-performing organisation.”

Watsford said winning started in the front office and the changes were already having an impact.

“I genuinely believe that. So we’ve got some great people who have come into the business, and we’ve reorganised what our structure looks like right across the board,” he said.

“We’re making sure that we’re not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring that we are the best we can be.”

The obvious box that still needs to be ticked is game-day success. Since their most recent play-off appearance seven years ago, under former coach Paul McGregor, the Dragons have finished 15th, 12th, 11th, 10th, 16th, 11th and 15th.

“Challenge accepted,” Watsford said of the market plunge against the team. “When the bookmakers put up where are you going to finish, that’s only going to ignite the fire to prove them wrong.”

Now in their third campaign under hard-nosed coach Shane Flanagan, Watsford declared the Dragons were “not as far away as you might think,” highlighting eight games they lost by six points or less last season, including three by one point.

“We’re competing,” he said. “But it’s not about looking in the rear-vision mirror. It’s about eyes forward.”

A host of youngsters, including twins Ryan and Toby Couchman, Hayden Buchanan, Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart, Jacob Halangahu and Lyhkan King-Togia gained valuable experience in 2025 and should theoretically continue to improve.

But big-name imports remain a priority. Clint Gutherson led the way in his maiden year last season, and Damien Cook provided good value. They did not miss a game between them, while Valentine Holmes represented Queensland before a shoulder injury sidelined him after 14 games.

South Sydney’s Test forward Keaon Koloamatangi is a recruitment target for the Dragons.

Cronulla playmaker Daniel Atkinson and prop Josh Kerr, returning from the Dolphins, are their main additions for next year.

However, the Dragons remain in the hunt for the likes of Koloamatangi (South Sydney) and representative forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast) who are both off contract at the end of 2026.

This masthead revealed earlier this month that the Dragons’ sales pitch to Koloamatangi included a helicopter flight to showcase the Illawarra region.

Parramatta have also weighed in with a massive four-year offer for the 27-year-old, while a host of clubs will be trying to tempt Fa’asuamaleaui to leave the Titans.

“We like big middles. That’s probably fair to say,” Watsford said on the club’s recruitment plans.

Starting against traditional rivals Canterbury in their Las Vegas season opener, Watsford said he was optimistic about the Dragons’ prospects in 2026.

“We’re going to do everything we can to win premierships,” he said.

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