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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 WickensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.