The Red V farewelled 10 players, including Albion Park-Oak Flats' Adam Clune, Cameron McInnes, Matt Dufty, Corey Norman and Gerard Beale, while welcoming recruits such as George Burgess (Wigan Warriors), Moses Mbye (Wests Tigers), Francis Molo (Cowboys), Jaydn Su'a (Rabbitohs), and Moses Suli (Sea Eagles).

It's because of these exciting signings and the club's retention of its young core, including Tyrell Sloan, Jayden Sullivan and Talatau Amone, that has Gerringong's Tariq Sims excited for the 2022 NRL season.

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"The skeleton of our squad is really starting to take shape," Sims said to Dragons Media.

"A couple of those boys, it was their first pre-season and they weren't supposed to be getting a look in this year.

We have a little break with our families, have some downtime, and then turn back up in November ready for next year and get ready to start working tirelessly.

"We have lost a lot of big boys this year, but next year we gain a lot of blokes.

"That's the beauty of the beast in rugby league, but we have a great coaching team, a great strength and conditioning team, and they will be licking their lips to get a hold of them and get them into shape."

The 2022 season is shaping up as not only a pivotal one of the Dragons but also Group Seven product Sims, who is off-contract at the end of the year.

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But the 31-year-old is determined to put himself in the best position to stay with the Red V beyond that deadline, especially after having the honour of captaining the club for the final two matches of 2021.

"It was a huge achievement and one I didn't see coming to be brutally honest," said Sims, who played 21 games for the club in 2021.

"It's not something you're asking for - you always want to represent your team and your family well and the blokes who pulled on the jersey before you.

"So, when the coach called me up and let me know that I'd be leading the boys out...it was a very proud moment and one that I will always cherish - as this club means so much to me."

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