Valentine Holmes, the star centre for the St George Illawarra Dragons, is set to return to the field in Round 1 against the Canterbury Bulldogs. Initial concerns arose when a social media video showed Holmes clutching his hamstring, prompting fears of a prolonged absence. However, the club has confirmed that the video snippet was from an older post, and Holmes has made a full recovery from his early January hamstring injury. Despite being available for selection, the Dragons decided to rest Holmes this weekend, prioritizing his health and ensuring he's 100% fit for the season opener in Las Vegas.
The team also has some injury concerns, with Jacob Liddle and Dylan Egan out for the season opener due to hamstring and ACL injuries, respectively. Former rugby union player Nathan Lawson is returning from a foot injury and will be available in Round 4. With a focus on recovery and injury management, the Dragons are strategically preparing for a strong 2026 season, aiming to move away from their recent struggles at the bottom of the table. The team's experience and depth are key assets, with Holmes and Moses Suli forming a formidable centre partnership. The wingers, including new recruits David Fale, Setu Tu, Christian Tuipulotu, and Tyrell Sloan, will compete for starting positions, while Clint Gutherson will continue at fullback.
The Dragons' season begins on March 1 in Las Vegas against the Canterbury Bulldogs, followed by their first Australian game on March 14 against the Melbourne Storm in Wollongong. With a mix of experience and youthful talent, the Dragons are poised for a competitive 2026 campaign, aiming to build on their recent successes and overcome their injury-plagued 2025 season.
