LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

Act of Squad: Dragons predicted team and 2026 overview

The Dragons are pinning their hopes on World Cup playmaker Daniel Atkinson to convert a series of close losses from 2025 into victories this season.

Atkinson has spent most of the previous year as an interchange utility for the Sharks but has a background as a halfback in Brisbane during his junior days. This year marks his opportunity to lead a team at the NRL level.

The team is in search of a player who can inject the necessary attacking flair, which may have made a decisive difference in their six narrow defeats last season, contributing to a disappointing 15th-place finish.

Wearing the No. 7 jersey, the 24-year-old will team up with Kyle Flanagan as his five-eighth partner. Atkinson also proudly represented Italy during the 2022 World Cup.

Last season's fortunes were greatly affected by injuries, but the return of young talents such as Hamish Stewart, Dylan Egan, and the Couchman twins, Toby and Ryan, is expected to strengthen a pack that includes notable players like Josh Kerr, Jaydn Su'A, and Luciano Leilua.

In the backline, consistent performances from Clint Gutherson and Valentine Holmes are anticipated. Coach Shane Flanagan hopes to secure the same reliability from centre Moses Suli as well as outside backs Tyrell Sloan and Christian Tuipulotu, which would make the Dragons a formidable opponent.

Newcomers David Fale and Setu Tu, who have joined St George Illawarra from the Penrith Panthers and the Warriors respectively, are competing for wing positions as they prepare for Round 1 against the Bulldogs at Allegiant Stadium.