Why Parker gives the Dragons little hope in 2026

SEN’s Corey Parker believes the St George Illawarra Dragons are still a few years away from regularly competing in finals and being a legitimate chance for a Premiership.

The Dragons have failed to make finals since 2018 and managed just eight wins in 2025 under coach Shane Flanagan.

Now entering Flanagan’s third year as head coach, Parker has challenged the Dragons’ halves combination of Daniel Atkinson and Kyle Flanagan to lift in season 2026.

“I want the Dragons to go well because they are such a traditional club,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.

“They’ve got a big following and passionate fans who are incredibly vocal.

“Six losses last year within six points. They were going better (than their ladder position).

“They’ve got a great group of young players coming through. The Couchman brothers, Hamish Stewart and Dylan Egan. They don’t mean much to people right now.

“If the Dragons are happy to nurture these players through and be prepared to bear the fruit later on, they will (improve year on year).

“Moving forward, their biggest challenge is unfortunately going to be the same challenge last year. That’s their halves.

“Atkinson now has the onus to run the team. He’s come across from the Cronulla Sharks and now he’s got the opportunity to run that side.

“Will they play finals this year? I don’t think so. Do they have the ability to play finals? I think they have the ability to scrape into the eight.

“Their best football and where they are going to go, if they can hold it together (will) see 2027 and 2028 be far better years for the Dragons.

“They’ll be thereabouts in 2026. They can be right in the mix instead of 15th.

“It will be a challenging year and an interesting year.”

One of the big questions for the Dragons in 2026 is the future of Tyrell Sloan. At his best, the 23-year-old is one of the most exciting and mercurial players in the competition.

Unfortunately for Sloan and Dragons fans, he has regularly been out of Shane Flanagan’s team and finds his career at the crossroads heading into 2026.

“Sloan oozes so much talent and speed,” Parker added.

“When you think of genuine speed, he’s got it. There’s been question marks over his ability tyo defend.

“The patient wears thin from the Dragons' tragedy when you think of Tyrell Sloan because when he’s going good, he’s terrific.

“Flanagan has an interesting relationship (with Sloan) because he values defense highly.

“(Sloan) rubs Flanagan up the wrong way but you need to stay patient with Tyrell Sloan.”

The Dragons travel to Las Vegas to play the Bulldogs in their season opener on March 1.