By Riley O’Leary for the Griffith Journal

22 April 2026

The Griffith Dragons are set for a big season as they wrap up their preseason training ahead of the start of the Universities Rugby League Queensland (URLQ) competition.

The Dragons have been training for 13 weeks in the preseason, highlighting the groups dedication to a successful season in 2026.

They have also played one trial match, going down to the QUT Trouts in a tight affair where new combinations, patterns and systems were being tested for the very first time.

Off the back of the strong preseason, coach Rob Lewishas spoken on how he hopes a greater club identity will set him team up for success in 2026.

“Our ethos is to try and not just be a team,” he said.

“We’ll be a club.

“And when you’re a club, people want to be a part of it.”

Mr Lewis highlighted the importance of his returning senior players, including that of co-captains Devante Ioane and Hayden Mehlert.

“Obviously, senior players are a key to any team,” he said.

“They bring structure, they bring skills that they can transfer to other players.

“It means you don’t have to start from ground zero.

“By the time we got four weeks in (to preseason), we reckoned we were about two months ahead of schedule from the year before.”

Reflecting on his teams’ trial loss, Mr Lewis saw plenty of positives, whilst again highlighting the importance of his senior players within the team.

 “We saw some players stand up to it, some players that we understood that needed a little bit more work.

“But with the people we have here, we have a lot of senior players, so the senior players and myself were there to help nurture the skill set of the younger players.”

Mr Lewis wants his team to play tough, noting the strength of their forward pack this season, which, he believes, can take them all the way.

“We’re going to be a tough team to break down.

“We’ve got a really good pack this year with experience, but we’ve got pace to burn.

“We’re aiming to lift the trophy this year.”

Their first fixture kicks off at 7:30pm on Wednesday 22 April at UQ Field 7.

Members of the Griffith community are strongly encouraged to attend and show their support for the Dragons throughout the 2026 season.

Photo credit: Matthew Chirico