It’s been a tough past 12 months on and off the field at Sunnybank. But Rob Roiri is confident his club is strong enough to get through it together.

Roiri has recruited well and will put his faith in some young Dragons this year, in the hope of pushing into finals contention.

Overview with Rob Roiri: 

“The off-season has presented significant challenges with several players experiencing mental health difficulties.” the coach said 

“This was a difficult period for everyone involved, highlighting the pressures and complexities faced by our athletes.

I am incredibly proud of how the club rallied together though and the support from the wider rugby community was fantastic.

“The culture and family environment is a crucial factor when dealing with mental well-being and performance.

“Looking ahead, we are eager to translate this unity and resilience onto the field.

“While acknowledging that we are in a rebuilding phase, our focus is resolutely on developing our own distinct style of play.

“We are committed to playing an exciting and dynamic brand of running rugby that both our players and supporters will enjoy.

 “For Sunnybank, that means a faster-paced game with more ball in play and a more free-flowing style. We believe that this approach, coupled with the current rule changes, will greatly benefit our team and allow us to showcase our strengths.

“Our preseason training this year has been heavily focused on achieving the necessary fitness levels to implement our game plan. We have also dedicated significant attention to our set pieces, recognizing their fundamental importance in modern rugby.

“We are excited about the prospects of the upcoming season and are confident that, by focusing on our strengths, fostering a positive team environment, and embracing our unique style, we can achieve success on the field.”

Ins: Netani Lesimaikimatuku (colts) , Daniel Malum (colts), Dre-dyn Laban (Souths), Paea Talakai (rugby league), Eli Tuli (rugby league), Kole Harmer (Christchurch), Saipele Tamilo (Souths), Cody Mitchell (Norths),  Jodeci Letalu (Easts), Sam Osman (Norths).

Outs: Phransis Ponona (sabbatical) JD Tominiko (Easts) Zac Sheppard (sabbatical) Ravuama Vuetanavanua (injury) Dylan Rowe (Bond), Brody Mclaren (Manly)

Player(s) to watch:

 “We’ve got some good young players who I think will come of age this year but you’ll have to wait to see them in the early rounds of the season,” Roiri said cryptically. 

 “In terms of new talent, we’ve picked up a guy named Paea Talakai. He is 6’5″, 6’6” and between 115-120kg which is pretty hard to find.

 “He’s a guy that has played more rugby league than he has rugby union but the growth I’ve seen in him over a short pre-season, I think you’ll see some big things from him this year and in the years ahead.”

 Which two teams will play in this year’s grand final? 

 “Oh, good question. I think it’s hard to go past the teams that have set the standard in recent years in Brothers and Wests. They just know how to get it done. 

“I think we can make the top four. 

 “For us, I think the key is that we stay consistent and stay true to ourselves. But if we do that and we have a good run with injuries, then 100%, I can definitely see us in that top four.”