NRL Profile: St. George Illawarra Dragons

The St. George Illawarra Dragons are wooden spoon contenders in the 2025 NRL season, but some shrewd signings do offer hope of something better.

It has been a rough ride for the Dragons in recent years, having not played finals since they finished fourth in 2018.

They almost made it in 2024, finishing two points away from the eight, but it looks as though they could be in for a tough 2025.

This despite the fact they have brought in some experienced and talent players to boost the roster.

The loss of Ben Hunt to the Brisbane Broncos will leave a gaping hole, however, and only time will tell if it can be filled.

Let’s take a look at the Dragons ahead of the 2025 NRL campaign.

Flanagan looks to build on strong start

The Dragons will be coached by Shane Flanagan, who embarks on his second season with the club.

Flanagan took the helm in 2024 and, after a number of seasons towards the foot of the ladder, the Red V climbed to 11th.

After just missing out on the top eight, Flanagan will be keen to take the Dragons to the next level, but the jury is out on whether then can do that.

Losing the last two games of 2024 hit them hard and they will need to start the new season in good form.

The loss of Hunt will be a big blow and much will depend on if the off-season recruits can settle in and perform.

Flanagan has experience of taking Cronulla Sharks into finals and that will be the aim with the Dragons at some point.

After penning a three-year deal, the board have faith in Flanagan, but all eyes will be on this season and how the Dragons go.

Gutho coup boosts Dragons

The Dragons lost a couple of massive players at the end of last season in the form Hunt and Zac Lomax, who has joined Parramatta Eels.

Losing two State of Origin players is never easy, but the Red V have done their best to replace them.

The capture of experienced fullback Clint Gutherson from Parramatta was a big coup and he will be a very important player in 2025.

Valentine Holmes, who arrives from North Queensland Cowboys, is also a massive signing, along with experienced hooker Damien Cook.

Former South Sydney Rabbitohs playmaker Lachlan Ilias is set to play alongside Kyle Flanagan in the halves and that partnership could be key to their season.

Corey Allan missed the whole of last season through injury,and having him back will be like a new signing for Flanagan

St. George Illawarra Dragons odds

A top eight finish for the Dragons is looking out of reach as far as the odds are concerned and they are priced at 4.00 to make it.

Instead, it could be a tough season and, along with the Canberra Raiders, they are 6.50 to suffer most losses in the season.

Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.