The rapid improvement from nearly every player in the squad speaks volumes about Bennett's ability as a coach. Justin Poore, Michael Weyman and Ben Creagh made their Origin debuts, while Beau Scott and Brett Morris went from being fringe first-graders to fringe rep players. The shining example was Jamie Soward, dropped before last season's semi-finals, he stepped-up to win Dally M five-eighth of the year and gained selection in the Australian train-on squad.

The Dragons final "choke" has been well-documented - but we'll run through it again. After limping into the final round having lost three games in a row - including a 42-6 hiding at the hands of Souths - St George Illawarra seemingly turned their form around with a win against Parramatta to clinch the minor premiership. It proved to be a false dawn though, as the Dragons became the first top-seed to be eliminated without winning a match under the McIntyre system.

The Dragons exorcised some demons with their round 21 win against the Storm, entertaining home fans with a five-star performance and scoring five tries to two, with Wendell Sailor grabbing a double.

Jamie Soward's career breakout came on ANZAC Day this year when he produced one of the most dominant individual performances of the season. The Dragons won 29-0, Soward scoring 21 points and scoring a dazzling run-away try.

Justin Poore, Chase Stanley and Micky Paea will depart but the roster will look much the same. The Dragons have added Tigers winger Peni Tagive and Souths prop Michael Greenfield but Bennett will be hoping for improvement from within. The Dragons lacked attacking spark in the final rounds and the development of Jamie Soward is crucial. Teams don't win competitions without a dominant playmaker and whether Soward can become one will be the difference between first and second place.