The Dragons have confirmed that Valentine Holmes is fit to play in Round 1 against the Canterbury Bulldogs, despite initial concerns. A social media video showed Holmes clutching his hamstring, raising fears of a long layoff. However, the club clarified that the video was from a previous post and that Holmes has recovered well from his injury. The Dragons decided to rest Holmes this weekend, opting to field a different lineup. Holmes, a key player for the team, will be crucial in the Dragons' bid to improve their ranking in 2026. The team suffered an injury-plagued 2025 season, but Holmes' return is expected to boost their performance. With Holmes as a guaranteed starter, the Dragons' lineup for the season opener is taking shape, with Moses Suli joining him in the centres. The wingers' positions are still up for grabs, with new recruits competing for spots. The Dragons' season begins on March 1 in Las Vegas, followed by their first Australian game on March 14 in Wollongong.
