Dragons overhaul squad and face captaincy choice after wooden spoon
Head coach Dean Young must decide on a new captain as the Dragons rebuild after finishing last with major signings.
St George Illawarra finished last season in last place. The club has overhauled its roster with big arrivals from other NRL clubs.
Coach Dean Young is in his first full season and now faces his biggest early call: stick with veteran Clint Gutherson as captain, or appoint someone new. Gutherson's fullback spot is under pressure after Scott Drinkwater arrived from the North Queensland Cowboys.
Hamish Stewart, a 22-year-old second-rower, emerged as a leadership option after a breakout 2026. He played every game, became the youngest player to win the Dragons Medal, and was the youngest selected in the Dally M Team of the Year.
Another option is Keaon Koloamatangi, a 28-year-old forward signed from South Sydney to add experience and leadership.
- Dean Young, first full season
- Coach tenure
- 22 years old in 2026
- Hamish Stewart age and breakthrough year
- signed until 2031
- Keaon Koloamatangi contract
- North Queensland Cowboys
- Dinkwater origin
Why it mattersThe captaincy choice signals what direction Young intends for the team's rebuild and who will guide them back from the bottom.
AustraliaDragons fans want to see the NRL club climb the ladder in 2027 after a disappointing 2026, and the leadership question shapes early expectations.
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