The Dragons have confirmed plans to chase a marquee halfback as CEO Tim Watsford addressed the club's long-term spine strategy.
Speaking on the Dragons Den podcast, Watsford said that Kyle Flanagan is playing a bridging role in the halves, after originally being signed as a bench utility.
"Kyle was brought in as a 14 or utility to play a role. At the time, we had two halves in Benny Hunt and Junior Amone in and around the club," he said.
"Kyle is there fulfilling a role for 2025 and fulfilling it well. We’re in the market and we’ll be in the market for a marquee halfback."
Watsford highlighted the depth of the club's current playmaking stocks, including players such as Lyhkan King-Togia, Lachlan Ilias and Kade Reed.
Daniel Atkinson has already been signed to join the halves mix in 2026 from Cronulla.
Despite the recent departure of in-form NSW Cup playmaker Jonah Glover, who will head to the Rabbitohs next season, Watsford believes the Dragons are now building the right foundation.
Several high-profile halves will hit the market on November 1 over the next two seasons - giving the Dragons options going forward.
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Who should the Dragons sign to play halfback?
2026
Jackson Hastings is seemingly on the outer with the Knights and could be looking for a fresh coat of paint in the NRL.
Hastings is a seasoned organiser with a strong kicking game, which could offer some stability and experience to mentor the club's emerging playmakers.
After being relegated to Queensland Cup, Cowboys playmaker Jake Clifford's future in North Queensland feels tenuous at best.
He is approaching 100 NRL games and has matured into a composed half with a solid short-kicking game and improved game management.
Another one of the most promising young halves in the Queensland system is Tom Duffy.
The 21-year-old would be a long-term play by the Dragons who would be betting on raw playmaking upside.
2027
If available, Jahrome Hughes is the dream signing.
A premiership-winning half with an elite running game and a proven finals pedigree. He would immediately transform the Dragons.
A more realistic target would be Toby Sexton, who is leaving for the Super League in season 2026, but will likely be looking for a return to the NRL the following year.
Sexton has led the Bulldogs into premiership contention, but was pushed out of favour as the long-term halfback in Belmore due to the signing of Lachlan Galvin.
A Hail Mary from powerbrokers at the Dragons would be offering a contract to Warriors halfback Luke Metcalf.
Metcalf was leading the 2025 Dally M leaderboard before voting went behind closed doors.
However, a season-ending knee injury has put an end to what was shaping up to be a promising maiden campaign as a full-time halfback.