The St George Illawarra Dragons have failed to make finals for the past three seasons and have consistently struggled in the second half of the season.
As a result, the Red V have been prolific in the off-season and have brought in several big-name recruits in the hope that the club will return to finals action next year.
Club coach Anthony Griffin believes the latest recruits will increase the standards within the playing group.
“We’ve obviously got some really good forwards already on our list,” Griffin told SEN 1170.
“The good part is that we’ve got some depth and obviously the players feel that when they train.
“They’ll compete harder and at our club that’s what we’re looking for more than anything.”
St George have signed Moses Mbye, Aaron Woods and Francis Molo among other key players. The marquee signing is that of George Burgess from Wigan.
“Burgess has been really good,” Griffin said.
“He’s been here (at the club) for a couple of months in rehab, and he’s been progressing really well from his hip surgery.
“They’ve all fit in really well.”
Griffin hopes the new additions to the squad will allow the club to remain competitive throughout the entire season.
“We had a constant turnover of our list (last year),” he said.
“We lost Cam McInnes early, Trent Merrin retired, Jack de Belin came back and obviously the suspensions over the COVID issue.
“It was hard to just have momentum.”
In addition to the experienced talent that has walked into the club, the Dragons have a crop of young stars emerging.
Tyrell Sloan, Jayden Sullivan and Cody Ramsey all had impressive 2021 campaigns and will be looking to build on that in the coming year.
“There’s a good crew coming through,” Griffin said.
“The (young) guys we are seeing at the moment are doing a good job.
“They’re taking their chances.
“It’s all looking really positive.”
Whilst finals are the ultimate goal, Griffin is looking at the bigger picture and taking things one step at a time.
“It’s a great club,” he said.
“They’re desperate for success and that’s my focus.
“I’m sure we’re going to have a lot of success at the club.”