Red V horror show continues as Chiefs circle big 3

James Hooper, Darcie McDonald and Brandon Savage on unpack the Dragons' deepening crisis, what Benji Marshall is building at the Wests Tigers, the PNG Chiefs' ambitious recruitment plans and Kieran Foran's imminent debut as an NRL head coach in the latest episode of Rugby League Insider.

Red V shooting blanks

The Dragons' 0-4 start was front and centre, with Hooper noting the run stretches back to 0-8 including the final month of last season.

McDonald raised whether Flanagan's pre-season comments about not expecting to win the premiership had given the playing group a subconscious get-out-of-jail card.

"Is there some sort of subconscious thing in the back of their minds thinking, well, this year isn't it anyways, so we just need to string some wins together to not get the wooden spoon?"

Savage crunched the numbers and found the issue isn't the forward pack. The Dragons rank fourth in run metres, fifth in offloads, complete at 79% and hold 50% possession. Despite all that, they sit 13th in points scored.

"That tells me the issue isn't the pack, isn't momentum or second phase," Hooper said. "It's creativity coming out of the halves."

Hooper was direct about Flanagan's recruitment policy, arguing the game has moved on since his Cronulla days.

"It's all about speed and youth now. Back then he had Chad Townsend and Maloney in the halves. Maloney was a State of Origin half, a premiership winner."

While Flanagan was kicking eskies in video sessions, Maloney was convincing the trainer he didn't need to lift weights, doing rock climbing around the gym walls instead. "Flo would say, 'Jimmy, what'd you take out of that?' He'd go, 'When I want the ball, give it to Jimmy.'"

With Kyle Flanagan set to miss at least three games, Hooper's solution was bold: Gutherson into the halves alongside Atkinson, Val Holmes at fullback, and Tyrell Sloan into the side for X factor. On a longer-term fix, he was brief.

"Tannah Boyd. Simple as that."

The Dragons are also understood to have Jahream Bula on their radar, with the Tigers flyer potentially available after May 15 depending on contract options.

Black and gold never fold

McDonald declared he now believes Benji Marshall's side will make the finals for the first time since 2011.

"I think they will break the duck this year. First time in 15 seasons."

Savage credited Marshall for finally having full control of the environment around him. "Benji's finally driving the car on his own. There's a clear identity. They're all his guys and there's no friction within the side. You can tell they love each other."

Looking at the Tigers' upcoming draw, the panel were bullish. Hooper backed them as favourites for Easter Monday against Parramatta, and felt they could go toe-to-toe with the Raiders, Sharks and Manly in the weeks that follow.

PNG Chiefs circle Cleary, Munster and Yeo

Reports that the Chiefs have openly identified Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster and Isaiah Yeo as targets drew genuine excitement, with Hooper giving full credit to GM Michael Chammas despite early scepticism about his appointment.

"I think the Chiefs are going to build a roster that's going to make everyone turn their heads."

Hooper argued the appeal to elite players won't just be tax-free money. All three come off contract in 2028, the same year the Chiefs enter the competition.

"Those blokes have nearly ticked every box in the game. The challenge of helping build something from scratch, that's a different kind of legacy."

Foran's new era begins

Kieran Foran's imminent debut as an NRL head coach dominated the back end of the show. At just 208 days from retirement to head coach, he is by far the quickest in history, with Ricky Stuart next at 664 days.

McDonald was effusive: "Of all the people I have interviewed in my career, Kieran Foran sticks out as my most favourite interaction with anybody because he is so genuine. He thinks deeply."

Hooper was all in. "You're not going to find a more Manly person than Kieran Foran. Nobody played braver in that jumper."

With Saab suspended, Clayton Fualalo looks the only enforced change for Thursday's clash against the Dolphins at Redcliffe. Both Hooper and Savage tipped Manly, with McDonald narrowly siding with the Dolphins in what he expected to be a tight contest.