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The Dragons have ended one of the longest losing streaks in NRL history with the most remarkable upset of 2026 – a 30-26 triumph over reigning premiers Brisbane on their own Suncorp Stadium turf.
For 295 days and in 15 straight losses stretching back to August last year, St George Illawarra have had nothing. Former coach Shane Flanagan lost his job along the way.
Unwanted NRL history stalked at every turn, with only 10 teams enduring longer winless runs. The Dragons’ 0-11 start to the year was trumped only by the Rabbitohs of 2006 (0-12) and Knights of 2005 (0-13).
And then the Dragons thumped the Broncos, with the home side’s 26-point tally flattering them in a contest dominated by the visitors.
Co-captain Clint Gutherson steered the club to the breakthrough win with the type of critical defensive plays that have been the hallmark of his dog-with-a-bone career as he continues to battle through injury.
Much-maligned veteran Valentine Holmes featured prominently alongside the Dragons’ emerging local juniors, led by back-rowers Hamish Stewart and Dylan Egan.
It was Holmes’ second try – knocking up an errant Broncos pass before kicking and regathering – that gave the visitors genuine hope and a 26-8 advantage.
The Broncos surged home as Josiah Karapani (68th minute), Xavier Willison (73rd) and Jesse Arthars (79th) all scored to threaten a monumental comeback.
But the Dragons deserved their first win in 10 months as they withstood one last desperate Broncos play and a nerve-jangling final 16 seconds.
Brisbane have real worries themselves after slumping to a fourth-straight defeat of their own, conceding an average of 35.5 points along the way.
Pat Carrigan and Ezra Mam battled through ankle issues while Payne Haas at least returned from his knee injury in ominous form - trampling Kyle Flanagan at one point in a 50-metre bust as he finished with a game-high 281 metres.
Haas will be front and centre for NSW in Origin II. But another ignominious outing for Reece Walsh did his chances of a Queensland recall no favours.
Rival No.1 Gutherson, meanwhile, was still barking orders in the final minute despite a late calf issue forcing him to the bench.
The veteran fullback was all heart as ever when Jesse Arthars latched onto his 50th minute pass, raced 90 metres and threatened to kick off the comeback a 42,275-strong crowd still figured was coming.
Instead of blowing their 14-2 halftime lead though, the Dragons and Gutherson doubled down.
Five minutes after throwing a length of the field intercept, the Red V skipper was able to plate up a try for Holmes in similar fashion, and after 295 without a win, the Dragons were on their way.
