The Dragons Den

For the final episode of the year we welcome back CEO of the St George Illawarra Dragons, Tim Watsford and NRL Head Coach Shane Flanagan. The 2024 season wrapped so we take a look back at the year that was. With November 1 fast approaching, recruitment is top of the list for the future success of The Dragons. Its clear the club has a focus on rebuilding back to a finals playing footy team. Through pathways, recruitment and coaching, 2026 promises to be a big year. And it all starts n Vegas.  The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

This week into the Dragons Den we welcome a rising star on The Red V roster, Hayden Buchanan. Hayden got his NRL debut in round 23 against the Sharks in front of a packed Netstrata. With family and friends filling the hill, he speaks on what its like to fulfill his NRL dream. One of the many stars to come out of the Gerringong Loins, we speak about his love for his junior club and what its like to line up along side the likes of Dylan Egan and Hamish Stewart at NRL level. A big future, a great guy and we can't wait to see him thrive in 2026!!  The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

This week into the Dragons Den we welcome Dragons NRLW Female Football Manager Sam Bremner. Sammy has done it all. From representing Australia, captaining the Dragons, juggling footy with motherhood, and now she’s steering the future of women’s rugby league. This week on the Dragons Den we chat with Sammy about the future of the Dragons NRLW, pathways, and how our Red V woman can work their way to a premiership.  The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

A 250 game legend of The Red V Jack de Belin joins The Dragons Den this week. Jack has played his heart out for this club, and its something we are very grateful for. In this chat you will hear everything from being selected for his first grade debut, winning state of origin to his stint at halfback (believe it or not) and all of his favorite memories of his time at the Dragons. As we prepare to farewell the guy we call "Bomber", enjoy this chat and lets all celebrate everything he has achieved. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

An exciting one this week. We chat to our newly appointed Head of Recruitment and Pathways Daniel Anderson. Daniel Anderson has had a huge impact on the careers of many of your favorite NRL stars. Which has had an even bigger impact of the ongoing success of multiple clubs. From Maths teacher to one of the most sought after names in the sport, Ando's story is amazing. His plans for the Red V are big and in this episode we get it all.  The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

This week on The Dragons Den we dive into the most talked about issue this week in Rugby League.. Trainers on the field. With a lot of questions surrounding rules around their role. We speak to Dragons Physical Performance Manager – Dan “Lawso” Lawson. Dan gives us real insight into how elite performance and real player care really works. And how the role of a trainer is being re defined across the NRL. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

There has been some big changes within The Red V lately so this week we sit down with the General Manager of football Ben Haran. Ben speaks on the recent addition of recruitment guru Daniel Anderson and what that means for the club. Our player comings, goings and rumor mill recruits.  The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

This week we welcome the two Co-Captains of the club into The Dragons Den, Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook. We chat about the harsh reality of the past few weeks, game changing refereeing decisions, making a charge towards finals footy and the excitement around the future of the club. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

This week Mark 'Piggy' Riddell joins The Dragons Den. Piggy takes us through his experiences as a Dragon, NRL Cult Hero, his role as the NRLW Dragons assistant coach and his take on the men's current situation. Mark is a man who has been there, done that and come out the other side. You don't want to miss this one! The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

We are on the home stretch for the 2025 NRL Season and it's time for a check in with head coach Shane Flanagan. Shane opens up on what's working, what's not and what's next. There's no doubt that the Dragons are in a transition period, Flanno talks us through the decisions around Jack de Belin and Tyrell Sloan, what Daniel Atkinson will bring to the club, the rookies pushing for a starting spot and the player acquisitions for 2026. Honest - Direct - Real Insight The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

This week, new Dragons CEO Tim Watsford joins the show. In this episode we talk leadership, changes to the current roster and the future of The Red V. With a lot headlines around over the last few weeks, we cover it all off in this one. With departures and recruitment on top of the list. Tim also talks us through everything from junior retention to how the Dragons connect with fans on and off the field. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

Back into the Dragons Den this week we welcome Ryan Carr. As the assistant NRL coach, Ryan speaks on the performance this year so far and how too many close games has cost us a spot in the top 4. We chat team selection and the plan to finish strong in 2025. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

This week into The Dragons Den we welcome Nick Tsougranis. We catch up with Nick after an impressive NRL debut in round 15. Nick wears the Red V with pride as a life long Dragons fan which runs deep within his family.  The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

Dylan Egan makes his Dragons Den debut this week and what a rollercoaster of a year he has had. From NSW Cup to a NRL first grade debut, he put it all on the line and quickly made himself a very important part of The Red V roster. With his season on the up, heartbreak came in round 11 when Dylan suffered a season ending injury with a ruptured ACL. With rehab in full swing he remains positive and will be fit and ready to light up 2026. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

Lykhan King-Togia has burst onto the scene with the Dragons, captivating fans and critics alike. His meteoric rise can be attributed to the club’s pathways system and Lykhan is the latest gem to emerge from its ranks. With a combination of skill, agility, and intellect, LKT has already made a significant impact on the field. His performances point to a bright future, one where he could become a cornerstone of the Dragons and a superstar in the NRL. As he continues to develop under the guidance of Flanno and his family, there’s no doubt that Lykhan’s journey is one to watch.   The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

This week on The Dragons Den we speak to Dragons premiership winning prop Mick Weyman. With the season almost half way through, we talk about The Dragons road to finals, the future crop of stars and the promising signs we have shown so far this year. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

This week in The Dragons Den we welcome NRLW star Hannah Southwell Hannah  returns to the Red V having been a part of the Dragons’ and the NRLW’s inaugural 2018 season as a 19-year-old. She re-joins the club now as a 26-year-old with a resumé consisting of 35 NRLW matches across stints at the Dragons, Roosters, and Knights including three Grand Final appearances with premierships at both the Roosters in 2022 and Knights in 2023. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

This week into The Dragons Den we welcome the one and only David Klemmer An NRL icon and a resume as impressive as anyone's. In this episode we discuss Klems transition to The Red V, his rep honors, history and life around football. One of rugby leagues hard men, David Klemmer has a ruffled the feathers of opposition players for years and this weeks "Cookies Question" could be the best yet..  The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

Red V legend and Dragons NRL assistant coach Dean Young joins the show this week.  With Magic Round here and all the drama around the head high send offs, we speak to Dean Young about his thoughts on current game. As The Dragons defensive coach he has the task of navigating an ever changing set of rules and then communicating that to our squad.  A very interesting take on what looks to be the focus this week in the NRL The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

Since its inception in 2002, the Anzac Day clash has become one of the most significant occasions of the season. Not just for the game, but for what it commemorates.  This episode, Toby Walklate joins the Dragons Den. Grandson of former Dragon and Anzac Lance Corporal Spencer Henry Walklate, Toby tells us the heroic tale of Spencer, his love of The Dragons, his love for his country, and what his legacy represents. Emre Guler is a Dragon who will be lining up for his first ever Anzac Day clash. He is also the first Turkish/Australian to line up for the Dragons on Anzac Day. Emre talks about his journey from a young kid in Western Sydney to the Dragons and everything in between.  The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

We welcome St George Illawarra NRLW head Coach Nathan Cross into the Dragons Den this week.  The 2025 season is fast approaching so we catch up with Crossy to hear his plans around recruitment, training and goals for this season as he takes on the top job to guide our girls to a premiership!  The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

Kyle Flanagan enters The Dragons Den this week focused and ready to take on The Titans.  We chat through the season so far and what the boys need to do to get more ticks in the winning column.  The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

The NRL rumor mill was running hot late last year with reports Valentine Holmes was on his way to The Red V... and they were right! Since Val has landed at The Dragons he has been a welcome edition to the squad. A vital part or our 2025 premiership hopes and has shown already this season, he is still an NRL superstar! The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

This week on The Dragons Den we chat to 2 people who have been integral to the future of the club. As the first sod is turned on the Community and High Performance Center we talk to Dragons CEO Ryan Webb about the positive impact it will have on the club.  Scott Stewart has been the heart and soul of The Red V for over 20 years. He is also the father of 2025 Dragons NRL debutante Hamish Stewart. In this time at The Dragons he has seen plenty of new players go onto super stardom and he talks us trough our current crop of youngsters as they approach their NRL debuts. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

They don't come much much tougher than Cody "Rambo" Ramsey. Its an extraordinary story. Due to severe illness Cody was sidelined for 896 days, and very few could ever dream (or achieve) of a comeback. He was laser focused on a return to footy and boy did he do that. In round 1 for the NSW Cup Cody was unstoppable!! Hear one of the most inspirational chats we will ever get on the Dragons Den. A true champion and role model for anyone battling an illness. This never give up story is one you will never forget.  The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

A star of the game and 2025 Red V recruit Damien Cook joins The Dragons Den for the first time.  This week we chat through his transition from Souths to St George Illawarra, the reason why he decided to sign with the Red V and his expectations for the 2025 NRL season. Cookie is a great bloke, a family man and hugely respected team mate. In this chat we get it all!!  The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

Round 1 of the 2025 NRL season is here and we have never been more ready for some good footy !! We kick off this year off with our Head Coach Shane Flanagan. With so much to run through, Flano speaks on the new Dragons recruits like Gutho and Damien Cook, the 2025 plan of attack, and with the rumour mill already hot.. will the Red V be in Vegas next year vs the Doggies. Get ready for a big season!! The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Sam Wickens

In the final episode of The Dragons Den this week, we sit down with Head Coach Shane Flanagan to reflect on the 2024 season. Together, we explore the highs and lows of the season, as Shane highlights the standout performers and shares his insights on what the team needs to focus on to make 2025 even better. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

The Dragons Den welcomes a club legend this week.. Dean Young. Dean returned to the club this season as our Senior Assistant Coach and has definitely made his mark. As we celebrate 25 years of the St George Illawarra Dragons, Dean certainly has some war stories to tell. Plus we hear his vision for the club moving forward as we welcome our new signings and gear up for a huge 2025 The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

This week into The Dragons Den we sit down with Moses Suli and Christian Tuipolotu. From team mates, to housemates and their rise to the NRL. We cover it all in this episode.  The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

This week we welcome Dragons NRLW star Keele Browne into the Dragons Den. Hear Keele's road from tag to tackle to the NRLW ! We also catch up with Flano ahead of this weeks game against The Sharks, plus get the latest on new Dragons signing Valentine Holmes. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

If one Couchman isn't enough already.. We have doubled it!! This week into The Dragons Den we welcome Toby and Ryan Couchman. We talk about their drive for both to be named in The Dragons NRL squad. Who they looked up to as junior players and what its like to be on of very few successful Rugby League twins. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

This week we welcome Jaydn Su'A into The Dragons Den. What a year this guy has had! Performing week in and week out for the club, earning a recall back to the QLD State of Origin side.  After a drought-breaking win in Melbourne, Su'a reveals what was said throughout the game to ensure we left AAMI Park with the win. He also opens up on what his plans are for this season and beyond and shares his excitement on long time friend Damien Cook joining The Red V in 2025.  The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

After last weeks episode talking NRLW and more, Jamie Soward is back again! This week in part 2 we unpack 25 years of The Dragons and Sowies role in the 2010 premiership winning team. The memories, the ups, downs and everything in between. Its all here with one of the best to ever play for this great club! The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

The Dragons Den is set for something special!! Over 2 big episodes we catch up with the one and only Jamie Soward. Sowie is an icon of The Red V and a man with not only a rich history with our club, but a big future still to come with St George Illawarra Dragons. As coach of our Dragons NRLW team, in episode one we talk about the upcoming 2024 NRLW season and his plans to work towards a successful year! Next week, its all about celebrating 25 years of the club and his historic 2010 Grand Final win. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

This week we chat to Dragons Assistant Coach Ryan Carr. Christian and Ryan chat about the growth of the squad in 2024. The importance of hard work and consistency heading into the end of the season and whats needed to ensure The Dragons first finals appearance since 2018 The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

This week on The Dragons Den, Christian sits down with Jacob Liddle ahead of our game against the Broncos this weekend. Jacob opens up about making the hooker role his own as an 80-minute player, settling in under Shane Flanagan and aspirations for the run home.  The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

This week on The Dragons Den we speak to Raymond Faitala-Mariner After joining The Red V this season, he has made himself a home on the edge for The Dragons. In this episode we hear his stories from growing up in New Zealand, his leadership role within the squad and his hunt to play finals footy for the first time in the NRL. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

This week we welcome The Dragons General Manager of Football - Ben Haran We chat through the signing of NRL superstar Damien Cook, as we get ready to welcome him to The Red V. Future stars, the current ins and out of the club and more. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

One of Australia's great sporting heroes also happens to be one of the biggest Dragons fans on the planet. This week we welcome former Australian cricket captain Mark "Tubby" Taylor. Hear what brought Tubby to the Red V, his determination to watch our games whist on cricket tours overseas, and just wait till see his prized Dragons memorabilia. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

In his first season at the club, "Mr Fix-It" Tom Eisenhuth joins the Dragons Den following a big win over the weekend. Tom chats all about his roller-coaster NRL career, his leadership role at the club and all-time coaching sprays.  The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

Coming off a crucial win against the premiers, Head Coach Shane Flanagan joins the Dragons Den to give us a break down of the 2024 season so far.  Flano discusses the impact of the youngsters who have stepped up, addressing inconsistency through consistent living, possible signings and the road to success for the remainder of the season.   The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

The bomber is back in The Dragons Den this week. Jack de Belin sits down to chat State of Origin, running out this week as The Dragons co-captain plus some great stories from his time in The Red V so far. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

Our fast flyin' try scorin' number 1 Tyrell Sloan joins The Dragons Den this week. As we celebrate Indigenous Round, Tyrell speaks on his rise to fame in the NRL and his genuine love of Rugby league that got him to where he is today. We speak on the importance of Indigenous culture being represented in footy, and what Red V legends like Ricky Walford, Nathan Blacklock and Anthony Mundine mean to him. A great chat with a genuine star of the game!! The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

Celebrating 25 years of the Dragons, Mark Coyne joins the Dragons Den. A superstar of the State of Origin arena, Australian representative and Red V legend, Mark talks us through the ups and downs of his career, the Super League War and the early days of the St George Illawarra Dragons.  Mark Coyne has seen success and disappointment, he’s captained his boyhood club and is back with the Dragons in a leadership role. He knows what it takes to get to the top, and how to stay there.  The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

Hame Sele and Luciano Leilua are a couple of big boys with bigger personalities. In between jokes and laughs the boys talk through their return to the Red V, how much the club has changed since they left and what they want to get out of the season. They also rate the hardest guys to tackle in the NRL, the fastest, strongest and most annoying guys in the squad. The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

This week on the Dragons Den, Christian gets to Dragons training for an update with Shane Flanagan on last weeks performance and the expectations ahead of Sundays local derby.  Then Dragons CEO Ryan Webb joins the Den to talk recruitment and development. He also talks us through the decision to allow Zac Lomax to move on and provides an update on the Jaydn Su’a contract status The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

Ben Creagh embodies what it is to be a Dragon. Proud, uncompromising, dependable and talented. A man who has experienced all the NRL has to offer, and all while wearing the red V.  Ben takes Christian through his journey as an 18 year old winger, to a premiership winning international back-rower and now ... St George Illawarra board member.  Are the Dragons on track to reclaim our position as leaders of the pack? If anyone has the answer, it's Ben Creagh The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

This week Jack Bird enters the Dragons Den. How did the boy from Berkeley find his way to The Red V ??? The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek

The name Flanagan comes with expectation, but Kyle wears it well. This week Kyle takes Christian through some of the highs and lows of his early career, and describes how it has made him in to the type of player who can deal with the rollercoaster of rugby league.  At 25 he has experienced a lot of footy, but has the best ahead, as a Dragon The Dragons Den is hosted by Christian McEwan Executive Producer Jaben Ryan  Audio and Production - Hayes Siilbek