LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The St George Illawarra Dragons have had limited success in the NRL since Wayne Bennett's exit in 2011, having made the finals only twice, with their last appearance in 2018 marking the second-longest drought in the league.
CEO Tim Watsford has recognized the need for change and has detailed his vision for establishing a successful Dragons dynasty, starting with a goal of finishing in the top eight this season.
Inspired by the Penrith Panthers' successful model, Watsford intends to focus on harnessing the talent available in the Illawarra region, which is known for its rich pool of junior players.
However, the club has previously faced challenges in this area, as they have attempted to develop a strong junior base for several years. Despite having promising talents like Reuben Garrick and Tyran Wishart, the Dragons allowed both players to leave the club. Instead, they built their current squad around younger players such as Tyrell Sloan, Talatau Amone, and Jayden Sullivan, though only one of these players remains and is currently vying for a starting position.