St. George Illawarra Dragons 2024 Departures and New Arrivals

The 2024 season was a rollercoaster for the St. George Illawarra Dragons. Under new head coach Shane Flanagan, the team showed glimpses of potential, coming close to breaking their finals drought. Despite their improvement from previous seasons, a string of missed opportunities late in the year kept them out of the top eight, leaving fans with mixed emotions and many questions about the club’s future as they approach 2025.

The Dragons are undergoing a significant roster shake-up heading into the new season. Notable departures include Jack Bird, who will join the Wests Tigers under Benji Marshall, and Max Feagai, heading north to the Dolphins. Rising star Savelio Tamale has signed with the Raiders, while the club released Paul Turner. Among the biggest losses is Zac Lomax, a homegrown talent who excelled in 2024, earning both State of Origin and Dally M Team of the Year honors before transferring to the Parramatta Eels. Adding to this is the departure of Ben Hunt, whose contract was terminated a year early, marking the end of his time with the Dragons.

While the exits have raised concerns, the Dragons have been active in rebuilding. Valentine Holmes, a former North Queensland Cowboys star, will fill Lomax’s void in the backline and take over goal-kicking duties. Holmes reunites with Flanagan, a move that promises stability and leadership in the team. Another key addition is Damien Cook, who returns to the Dragons after an impressive tenure with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, adding veteran expertise at hooker. Furthermore, the acquisition of Clint Gutherson brings an experienced head into the squad, signaling Flanagan’s intent to anchor the team with seasoned professionals.

The Dragons’ 2025 roster is shaping up to be a blend of experience and talent. While fans may lament the loss of familiar names, the incoming players bring proven credentials that could rejuvenate the squad. With Shane Flanagan at the helm, the Red V are aiming for a fresh chapter, one that could finally see them return to finals contention.