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getsmarty

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Havili named in Tonga's RLWC squad
Thu 5th October, 11:00AM
A A

1507162710595.jpg


St George Illawarra utility Siliva Havili has been named in Tonga's 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad alongside the likes of stars Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo.

Parramatta forward Manu Ma’u, Warriors' winger David Fusitu'a and Roosters' back-rower Sio Siua Taukeiaho will also play for Tonga.

Fifita joined Taumalolo in pledging his allegiance to Tonga after advising Australian coach Mal Meninga he wished to switch to Tonga, while Taukeiaho, Fusitu'a and Ma'u also advised New Zealand they would commit to Tonga.

The five big names are joined in the 24-man squad by former Kangaroos Michael Jennings and Daniel Tupou.

Other players to note include Titans' centre Konrad Hurrell, Wests Tiger half Tuimoala Lolohea, former Storm grand final winner Sika Manu and ex-Warrior Manu Vatuvei.

"Tongan Rugby League is very pleased with the squad we have been able to assemble. When you see names like Taumalolo, Fifita, Taukeiaho, Ma'u, Hopoate, Jennings and Tupou, you can understand why," Tongan coach Kristian Woolf said.

“We have been drawn in a very strong group that includes New Zealand, traditional neighbours and foes Samoa and last year's Four Nations participants Scotland."

Tonga Rugby League World Cup 2017 Squad:

  • Andrew Fifita
  • Mahe Fonua
  • David Fusitu’a
  • Siliva Havili
  • Ata Hingano
  • Will Hopoate
  • Konrad Hurrell
  • Michael Jennings
  • Solomone Kata
  • Sione Katoa
  • Samisoni Langi
  • Tuimoala Lolohea
  • Sika Manu
  • Manu Ma'u
  • Sam Moa
  • Ben Murdoch Masila
  • Joe Ofahengaue
  • Tevita Pangai Jnr
  • Ukuma Ta'ai
  • Sio Siua Taukieaho
  • Jason Taumalolo
  • Peni Terepo
  • Daniel Tupou
  • Manu Vatuvei

    http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/05/havili_named_in_tong.html
 

getsmarty

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33,485
St George Illawarra Dragons up commitment to suburban grounds, Wests Tigers open to reducing Sydney fixtures
Adam Pengilly
5 Oct 2017, 8:29 a.m.
r0_18_4132_2350_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg


Back home: The Dragons will return games to Kogarah and Wollongong next year. Picture: AAP


The Dragons will be the first club to grant the wish of TV broadcasters and play more NRL games in smaller stadiums, increasing the amount of fixtures at their spiritual bases as the Tigers reduce their matchday presence at Leichhardt and Campbelltown.

St George Illawarra will scrap a permanent home-game presence at ANZ Stadium, increasing their allocation of fixtures at Kogarah and Wollongong to five games each in 2018.

It comes a week after Fairfax Media revealed rights holders Fox Sports and Nine have approached the state government and NRL about prioritising upgrades of suburban grounds and Allianz Stadium to create a more intimate TV product.

Read more: Dragons Den

The Dragons stressed uncertainty over a timeline for the redevelopment of Sydney's stadiums network was the impetus for the move back to their roots, leaving the option to take one home game either interstate or overseas next year to complement their hosting rights to the Anzac Day clash.

r0_133_4000_2417_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg

The Dragons will return games to Kogarah and Wollongong next year. Picture: AAP

It comes despite their average home crowds for the past four years at Sydney's major venues such as ANZ Stadium, Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground easily outstripping those at UOW Jubilee Oval and WIN Stadium.

The Dragons' average home crowds at the major Sydney venues between 2014 and 2017 topped 20,000 - inflated by the bumper Anzac Day attendances - while it was just over 11,000 for games at Kogarah and Wollongong in the same period.

But St George Illawarra powerbrokers were unwilling to commit to regular home games at Sydney Olympic Park in the immediate future despite the financial burden of opening the gates at Kogarah and Wollongong.

The squabbling over the $1.6 billion NSW government investment in Sydney's stadiums has delayed confirmation of the ANZ Stadium-Allianz Stadium funding breakdown.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian's cabinet is expected to prioritise the issue at a meeting next week.

The Tigers will work with the NRL to schedule two home games outside of Sydney in 2018, shaving one match each off their traditional allocation to Leichhardt and Campbelltown.

One of those could be in regional NSW as the NRL pushes to take as many as five games to the bush next year as compensation for abandoning the traditional City-Country fixture.

But the Tigers have no plans to abandon ANZ Stadium, staging four games at the grand final venue in 2018.

And they are working towards long-term agreements to play home games at Leichhardt and Campbelltown beyond next year despite slating just three games for each next year.

The Bulldogs, Rabbitohs and Eels - before the opening of the new Western Sydney Stadium in 2019 - are already permanent tenants at ANZ Stadium.

The Tigers will be just one of a number of Sydney clubs that have upped their commitment to take home games outside of the harbour city, highlighted by the Sea Eagles, who will play three home fixtures away from Lottoland next year.

Trent Barrett's NRL finalists have added Christchurch to complement existing home games in Perth and Brisbane to offset loss-making fixtures at Brookvale.

The NRL will take control of next year's scheduling and is expected to release the draw later this month.

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/...-to-more-games-at-wollongong-kogarah/?cs=3713
 

merahputih

Juniors
Messages
922
St George Illawarra Dragons up commitment to suburban grounds, Wests Tigers open to reducing Sydney fixtures
Adam Pengilly
5 Oct 2017, 8:29 a.m.
r0_18_4132_2350_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg


Back home: The Dragons will return games to Kogarah and Wollongong next year. Picture: AAP


The Dragons will be the first club to grant the wish of TV broadcasters and play more NRL games in smaller stadiums, increasing the amount of fixtures at their spiritual bases as the Tigers reduce their matchday presence at Leichhardt and Campbelltown.

St George Illawarra will scrap a permanent home-game presence at ANZ Stadium, increasing their allocation of fixtures at Kogarah and Wollongong to five games each in 2018.

It comes a week after Fairfax Media revealed rights holders Fox Sports and Nine have approached the state government and NRL about prioritising upgrades of suburban grounds and Allianz Stadium to create a more intimate TV product.

Read more: Dragons Den

The Dragons stressed uncertainty over a timeline for the redevelopment of Sydney's stadiums network was the impetus for the move back to their roots, leaving the option to take one home game either interstate or overseas next year to complement their hosting rights to the Anzac Day clash.

r0_133_4000_2417_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg

The Dragons will return games to Kogarah and Wollongong next year. Picture: AAP

It comes despite their average home crowds for the past four years at Sydney's major venues such as ANZ Stadium, Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground easily outstripping those at UOW Jubilee Oval and WIN Stadium.

The Dragons' average home crowds at the major Sydney venues between 2014 and 2017 topped 20,000 - inflated by the bumper Anzac Day attendances - while it was just over 11,000 for games at Kogarah and Wollongong in the same period.

But St George Illawarra powerbrokers were unwilling to commit to regular home games at Sydney Olympic Park in the immediate future despite the financial burden of opening the gates at Kogarah and Wollongong.

The squabbling over the $1.6 billion NSW government investment in Sydney's stadiums has delayed confirmation of the ANZ Stadium-Allianz Stadium funding breakdown.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian's cabinet is expected to prioritise the issue at a meeting next week.

The Tigers will work with the NRL to schedule two home games outside of Sydney in 2018, shaving one match each off their traditional allocation to Leichhardt and Campbelltown.

One of those could be in regional NSW as the NRL pushes to take as many as five games to the bush next year as compensation for abandoning the traditional City-Country fixture.

But the Tigers have no plans to abandon ANZ Stadium, staging four games at the grand final venue in 2018.

And they are working towards long-term agreements to play home games at Leichhardt and Campbelltown beyond next year despite slating just three games for each next year.

The Bulldogs, Rabbitohs and Eels - before the opening of the new Western Sydney Stadium in 2019 - are already permanent tenants at ANZ Stadium.

The Tigers will be just one of a number of Sydney clubs that have upped their commitment to take home games outside of the harbour city, highlighted by the Sea Eagles, who will play three home fixtures away from Lottoland next year.

Trent Barrett's NRL finalists have added Christchurch to complement existing home games in Perth and Brisbane to offset loss-making fixtures at Brookvale.

The NRL will take control of next year's scheduling and is expected to release the draw later this month.

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/...-to-more-games-at-wollongong-kogarah/?cs=3713
Will be interested to see if Broncos keep their Friday night slot under this setup and Tigers their Sunday afternoon tv game.
 

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
33,485
Nightingale, Packer named in Kiwis RLWC squad
Thu 5th October, 11:30AM
A A

Competition - Test Match. Teams - Australia v New Zealand . Venue - NIB Stadium, Perth Western Australia. Date - October 15th 2016. Photographer - Robb Cox Â:copyright: NRL Photos

St George Illawarra duo Russell Packer and Jason Nightingale have been named in New Zealand's 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad.

Nightingale returns to the Kiwis' squad after missing out on selection in the mid-year Trans-Tasman Test against the Kangaroos.

Packer made his return to the Kiwis make-up in 2017 after a six-year absence, and will provide leadership up front for New Zealand.

2017 New Zealand Rugby League World Cup squad:

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors)
Dallin Watene Zelezniak (Penrith Panthers)
Jason Nightingale (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Jordan Rapana (Canberra Raiders)
Gerard Beale (Cronulla Sharks)
Brad Takairangi (Parramatta Eels)
Dean Whare (Penrith Panthers)
Peta Hiku (Warrington Wolves)
Shaun Johnson (Warriors)
Thomas Leuluai (Wigan Warriors)
Kodi Nikorima (Brisbane Broncos)
Te Maire Martin (North Queensland Cowboys)
Danny Levi (Newcastle Knights)
Adam Blair (c) (Brisbane Broncos)
Martin Taupau (Manly Sea Eagles)
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters)
Russell Packer (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Addin Fonua-Blake (Many Sea Eagles)
Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm)
Simon Mannering (Warriors)
Kenny Bromwich (Melbourne Storm)
Joseph Tapine (Canberra Raiders)
Isaac Liu (Sydney Roosters)
Elijah Taylor (Wests Tigers)

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/05/nightingale_packer_n.af_news.html
 

getsmarty

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33,485
Vaughan named in Italy's RLWC squad
Thu 5th October, 12:00PM
A A

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St George Illawarra prop Paul Vaughan has been named in Italy coach Cameron Ciraldo's squad for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

The final squad of 24 will be selected following the assembly and medicals of all players, although the side will be captained by Mark Minichiello. Wests Tigers fullback James Tedesco will serve as his deputy.

The Italian Rugby League Federation – in the presence of the Italian Republic's Vice Minister of Defence Domenico Ross, the Italian Ambassador to Australia Pier Francesco Zazo and the Consule General of Italy – announced the squad.

2017 Italian Rugby League World Cup squad:

· Daniel Alvaro

· Mirco Bergamasco

· Nathan Brown

· Christopher Calegari

· Jake Campagnolo

· Terry Campese

· Justin Castellaro

· Geole Cellurino

· Chris Centrone

· Mason Cerruto

· Ryan Ghietti

· Oliver Gildart

· Jaume Giorgis

· Gavin Hiscox

· Jack Johns

· Richard Lepori

· Josh Mantellato

· Mark Minichiello (C)

· Nathan Milone

· Giuseppe Pagani

· Ricardo Parata

· Dean Parata

· Emanuelle Passera

· Eduardo Pezzano

· Keiran Quabba

· Joel Reithmuller

· Brendan Santi

· James Tedesco

· Joel Tramontana

· Paul Vaughan

· Jayden Walker

· Colin Wilkie

· Shannon Wakeman

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/05/vaughan_named_in_ita.af_news.html
 

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
33,485
NRL Market Watch: Cost of James Graham’s Dragons move, Chris Heighington’s future
NRL Premiership

6691d065d5578083f1b81af33d8f31b0

James Graham and Bodene Thompson feature in Market Watch.Source: Supplied
WELCOME to Market Watch, your home for the latest news on player movements at your club.

From transfers, new deals and retirements.

Check it all out here!

DOGS PAY FOR GRAHAM LOSS

St George Illawarra are laughing all the way to the bank.

Next season they’re only paying $600,000 of James Graham’s $1 million Canterbury contract.

That figure doesn’t include third parties.

The deal with the Dragons is worth around $1.8 million over three years.

It’s a big win for Paul McGregor’s side.

On a back-ended deal with a salary cap increase and ratchet clause at the Bulldogs, the release of the English skipper eases the club’s salary cap crunch and gives the Red V the leader they were craving with Russell Packer headed to the Wests Tigers next year.


For the second straight season, the Dragons have picked up a quality big man with another club footing part of the bill.

This season it was Paul Vaughan, who joined from Canberra, and next year it’s the Canterbury skipper.

The Raiders have tipped in $100,000 to Vaughan’s wage this year, with the Dragons paying around $450,000.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...e/news-story/66add9309e249204aaf01e85449ff2df
 

getsmarty

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33,485
Ah Mau named for Toa Samoa's RLWC tilt
Fri 6th October, 11:30AM
A A

Competition - Tonga V Samoa Test Round - N/A Teams – Tonga V Samoa Date – 7th of May 2016 Venue – Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta Photographer – Mark Nolan Description –

St George Illawarra prop Leeson Ah Mau was on Friday morning announced by Samoan RL president Tagaloa Faafouina Su'a as part of Toa Samoa's 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad.

Skipper Frank Pritchard and Josh Papalii (who will play for Samoa for the first time) were named in a Samoan side chockful of extensive NRL and Super League experience.

Ah Mau, Ben Roberts, Peter and Sione Mata’utia, Sam Tagataese and Tautau Moga are an example of the further experience within the squad.

Toa Samoa will take on New Zealand (Auckland, 28 October), Tonga (Hamilton, 4 November) and Scotland (Cairns, 11 November).

Coach Matt Parish said he has assembled a strong, experienced squad who have a desire to represent Samoa.

"Despite some players being unavailable due to injury we have a very strong squad that will do Samoa proud," Parish said.

Toa Samoa's 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad:

· Frank Pritchard (c)

· Bunty Afoa

· Leeson Ah Mau

· Fa'amanu Brown

· Herman Ese’ese

· Pita Godinet

· Joseph Leilua

· Ricky Leutele

· Sam Lisone

· Jarome Luai

· Suaia Matagi

· Peter Mata’utia

· Sione Mata’utia

· Ken Maumalo

· Tautau Moga

· Zane Musgrave

· Josh Papalii

· Joseph Paulo

· Junior Paulo

· Ben Roberts

· Sam Tagataese

· Jazz Tevaga

· Young Tonumaipea

· Matthew Wright

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/06/ah_mau_named_for_toa.af_news.html
 

getsmarty

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Lafai into Samoa squad for RLWC
NRL.com

Fri 6th October, 05:00PM
A A

1507270159451.jpg


St George Illawarra centre Tim Lafai has been added to Samoa's 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad.

After announcing their 24-man squad in Samoa on Friday morning, officials were given the belated news that Newcastle Knights skipper Mata’utia and Knights-bound Brisbane centre Moga have been ruled unfit.

Mata’utia had been told he would be fine to play in the tournament but the Samoans were advised by the Knights after further tests that he should not play following a concussion in the last NRL match of the season. Moga has been directed to have off-season shoulder surgery.

Their replacements are two in-form NRL players from this season in Lafai, the St George Illawarra Dragons’ three-quarter, and Manly back-rower Winterstein - neither of whom missed a club match in 2017.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/06/lafai_into_samoa_squ.html
“While it is disappointing, especially at this late stage when we were led to believe both players were fit, I am really delighted that we have such depth to bring in Frank and Tim who were both disappointed not to make the initial squad,” said Parish.

“Tim has played eight times for Samoa and both were valuable members of our 2013 World Cup squad.

“They have proved to be consistent good performers in the NRL this season and I know how much this opportunity will mean to them.”

Frank Pritchard was earlier named as captain in a squad which includes Canberra Raiders powerhouse Josh Papalii, who is playing for Samoa for the first time at the World Cup,

Papalii will play alongside Canberra teammates Junior Paulo and Joey Leilua in a strong Toa Samoan side with extensive NRL and Super League experience but a blend of youth.

Zane Musgrove, Jazz Tevaga and Jarome Luai are other newcomers to the Toa Samoa squad, while Joseph Paulo returns to the side for the first time since 2010.

Ben Roberts, Leeson Ah Mau, Peter and Sione Mata’utia, Sam Tagataese and Tautau Moga add further experience to the squad.

Samoa squad

Frank Pritchard (captain)
Bunty Afoa
Leeson Ah Mau
Faámanu Brown
Herman Ese’ese
Pita Godinet
Tim Lafai
Joey Leilua
Ricky Leutele
Sam Lisone
Jarome Luai **
Suaia Matagi
Peter Mata’utia
Ken Maumalo
Zane Musgrave **
Josh Papalii **
Joseph Paulo
Junior Paulo
Ben Roberts
Sam Tagataese
Jazz Tevaga **
Young Tonumaipea
Frank Winterstein
Matthew Wright

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/06/lafai_into_samoa_squ.html
 

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
33,485
NRL.com reviews 2017 Dragons campaign
By Dominic Brock - NRL.com Production Editor

Sat 7th October, 10:00AM
A A

1507250061722.jpg


Their season may have finished terribly, with defeat in Round 26 to a bottom-eight Bulldogs side when a victory was needed to secure a finals berth, but was St George Illawarra's 2017 campaign really a disappointment?

It is hardly consolation for Dragons fans still feeling the hurt of their final loss of the season, but take a step back and you could easily argue the club exceeded expectations this season.

Many were predicting a bottom-two finish for Paul McGregor's men this year, with the team having struggled badly in attack in 2016 and with promising half Drew Hutchison ruled out for the season with a knee injury before the campaign began.

Instead they exploded out of the blocks, thumping the highly-fancied Panthers in Round 1 and winning six of their opening seven matches to go into the Anzac Weekend on top of the ladder.

But a trio of losses against premiership heavyweights the Roosters, Storm and Sharks followed and the Dragons would fail to string together back-to-back wins in the second half of the season, with five defeats against bottom-eight teams in the final 10 rounds bringing their finals hopes undone.

Where they excelled: The addition of Paul Vaughan strengthened an already impressive forward pack, and the Red V finished with more run metres and offloads than any other team this season. The Dragons also led the league for tackle breaks and ranked second for line breaks, and with playmaker Gareth Widdop having his best season since joining the club it all added up to a significant improvement to St George Illawarra's attack – from 15th in the league last season to fifth this year. They were strong without the ball as well, with the second-fewest missed tackles in the competition.

Where they struggled: The Dragons' Round 26 loss to Canterbury did sum up their season in one way – it epitomised the real weakness of their campaign. While six of their wins came against teams that would go on to play finals football, too often the Red V failed to win against teams they should have beaten. In the second half of the season the Dragons lost to the Titans, Knights, Rabbitohs, Raiders and Bulldogs (twice), all teams that missed the eight. From Round 17 to Round 22 they faced four teams below them on the ladder and one genuine finals rival in the Sea Eagles – they smashed Manly 52-22 and lost the other four games.

Missing in action: Hutchison's season-ending knee injury got things off on the wrong foot. Euan Aitken was restricted to just a dozen games due to shoulder injuries, rep star Josh Dugan missed some game time with hamstring and cheekbone injuries, Widdop missed a month with a knee injury and Will Matthews spent the bulk of the season sidelined with a dislocated hip.

Turning point: At the end of a rollercoaster of a season the turning point for the Dragons appeared to come 55 minutes into their Round 25 clash with Penrith, when Tariq Sims pulled off an audacious one-on-one strip on Panthers speedster Dallin Watene-Zelezniak before running 45 metres to score the match-winning try that kept his team's finals hopes alive. Alas the point that defined their season would instead come a week later with seven minutes remaining in Round 26, when Bulldogs hooker Michael Lichaa burrowed over from close range for the try that ended the Red V's campaign.

Hold your head high: Widdop was brilliant as the team's chief playmaker, ranking second in the league for points scored and third for try assists. New recruits Vaughan and Cameron McInnes were excellent additions to the pack, with Vaughan scoring eight tries and leading the team for run metres and McInnes finishing as the top tackler in the competition. Jack de Belin continued his rise as one of the best all-round forwards in the NRL, ranking second at the club for tackles and offloads. Jason Nightingale's 16 tries ranked him sixth in the league after 26 rounds.

2018 crystal ball: The high-profile recruitment of Broncos playmaker Ben Hunt was confirmed all the way back in January and his combination with a rejuvenated Widdop could give the Dragons one of the league's most potent halves combinations. The signing of Bulldogs skipper James Graham will boost an already strong forward pack, giving McGregor a very solid-looking line-up. Dugan's departure will be offset by the rise of improving speedster Matt Dufty who has already provided some highlights at fullback in the top grade and the team should really be pushing for a finals berth next season.

Conclusion: While it ended in disappointment, 2017 season will possibly go down as the one in which the Dragons recalibrated their expectations – going from a team that was making up the numbers to one that can now set a top-eight finish as a minimum expectation. They've learned the hard way the value of not taking the weaker teams lightly in the NRL and should be better for it in 2018.

SEASON STATISTICS
Wins: 12
Losses: 12
Position: 9th
Home Record: 7-5
Away Record: 5-7
Longest Winning Streak: 5 games (Round 3-7)
Longest Losing Streak: 3 games (Round 8-10)
Players Used: 25
Tries Scored: 91
Tries Conceded: 80

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/07/nrl_com_reviews_2017.af_news.html
 
Messages
2,866
NRL.com reviews 2017 Dragons campaign
By Dominic Brock - NRL.com Production Editor

Sat 7th October, 10:00AM
A A

1507250061722.jpg


Their season may have finished terribly, with defeat in Round 26 to a bottom-eight Bulldogs side when a victory was needed to secure a finals berth, but was St George Illawarra's 2017 campaign really a disappointment?

It is hardly consolation for Dragons fans still feeling the hurt of their final loss of the season, but take a step back and you could easily argue the club exceeded expectations this season.

Many were predicting a bottom-two finish for Paul McGregor's men this year, with the team having struggled badly in attack in 2016 and with promising half Drew Hutchison ruled out for the season with a knee injury before the campaign began.

Instead they exploded out of the blocks, thumping the highly-fancied Panthers in Round 1 and winning six of their opening seven matches to go into the Anzac Weekend on top of the ladder.

But a trio of losses against premiership heavyweights the Roosters, Storm and Sharks followed and the Dragons would fail to string together back-to-back wins in the second half of the season, with five defeats against bottom-eight teams in the final 10 rounds bringing their finals hopes undone.

Where they excelled: The addition of Paul Vaughan strengthened an already impressive forward pack, and the Red V finished with more run metres and offloads than any other team this season. The Dragons also led the league for tackle breaks and ranked second for line breaks, and with playmaker Gareth Widdop having his best season since joining the club it all added up to a significant improvement to St George Illawarra's attack – from 15th in the league last season to fifth this year. They were strong without the ball as well, with the second-fewest missed tackles in the competition.

Where they struggled: The Dragons' Round 26 loss to Canterbury did sum up their season in one way – it epitomised the real weakness of their campaign. While six of their wins came against teams that would go on to play finals football, too often the Red V failed to win against teams they should have beaten. In the second half of the season the Dragons lost to the Titans, Knights, Rabbitohs, Raiders and Bulldogs (twice), all teams that missed the eight. From Round 17 to Round 22 they faced four teams below them on the ladder and one genuine finals rival in the Sea Eagles – they smashed Manly 52-22 and lost the other four games.

Missing in action: Hutchison's season-ending knee injury got things off on the wrong foot. Euan Aitken was restricted to just a dozen games due to shoulder injuries, rep star Josh Dugan missed some game time with hamstring and cheekbone injuries, Widdop missed a month with a knee injury and Will Matthews spent the bulk of the season sidelined with a dislocated hip.

Turning point: At the end of a rollercoaster of a season the turning point for the Dragons appeared to come 55 minutes into their Round 25 clash with Penrith, when Tariq Sims pulled off an audacious one-on-one strip on Panthers speedster Dallin Watene-Zelezniak before running 45 metres to score the match-winning try that kept his team's finals hopes alive. Alas the point that defined their season would instead come a week later with seven minutes remaining in Round 26, when Bulldogs hooker Michael Lichaa burrowed over from close range for the try that ended the Red V's campaign.

Hold your head high: Widdop was brilliant as the team's chief playmaker, ranking second in the league for points scored and third for try assists. New recruits Vaughan and Cameron McInnes were excellent additions to the pack, with Vaughan scoring eight tries and leading the team for run metres and McInnes finishing as the top tackler in the competition. Jack de Belin continued his rise as one of the best all-round forwards in the NRL, ranking second at the club for tackles and offloads. Jason Nightingale's 16 tries ranked him sixth in the league after 26 rounds.

2018 crystal ball: The high-profile recruitment of Broncos playmaker Ben Hunt was confirmed all the way back in January and his combination with a rejuvenated Widdop could give the Dragons one of the league's most potent halves combinations. The signing of Bulldogs skipper James Graham will boost an already strong forward pack, giving McGregor a very solid-looking line-up. Dugan's departure will be offset by the rise of improving speedster Matt Dufty who has already provided some highlights at fullback in the top grade and the team should really be pushing for a finals berth next season.

Conclusion: While it ended in disappointment, 2017 season will possibly go down as the one in which the Dragons recalibrated their expectations – going from a team that was making up the numbers to one that can now set a top-eight finish as a minimum expectation. They've learned the hard way the value of not taking the weaker teams lightly in the NRL and should be better for it in 2018.

SEASON STATISTICS
Wins:
12
Losses: 12
Position: 9th
Home Record: 7-5
Away Record: 5-7
Longest Winning Streak: 5 games (Round 3-7)
Longest Losing Streak: 3 games (Round 8-10)
Players Used: 25
Tries Scored: 91
Tries Conceded: 80

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/07/nrl_com_reviews_2017.af_news.html
"Many predicted a bottom 2 finish"???- who are these fortune tellers.
The roster we had in 2017 was always top 8 with a proper coach.
The rest is BS perpetrated by the club spin doctors to manage expectations and to hedge their bets.
This journo was hired to provide a positive slant on 2017. Nothing else.
Quoted the stats that suited.
No mention of the 6/17 win/loss sequence for 3/4 of the season.
No mention of a soft draw - which skews ours stats anyway.
This my friends, is a preview of what we will hear at the club's 2017 review.
They are just preparing us.
 

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
33,485
Lovodua, Milne named in Bati RLWC squad
Sat 7th October, 05:00PM
A A

1507357493036.jpg;pv62e2c57f8c44a005


St George Illawarra duo Joe Lovodua and Taane Milne on Saturday afternoon have been named in Fiji's 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad.

Tariq Sims (wrist) was unfortunately ruled out of representing the Bati with his brothers Korbin and Ashton.

Head of Athletic Performance Nathan Pickworth will discuss the extent of Sims's injury with Dragons TV early next week.

Lovodua and Milne earlier on Saturday played in a 16-all draw against the Fijian Residents before being named in the Bati's squad.

Fiji Bati 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad:

1. Kane Evans - Sydney Roosters
2. Salesi Faingaa - Parramatta Eels
3. Jarryd Hayne - Gold Coast Titans
4. Tui Kamikamica - Melbourne Storm/ SC Falcons
5. Villiame Kikau - Penrith Panthers
6. Apisai Koroisau - Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
7. Joe Lovadua - St George-Illawarra Dragons
8. Henry Raiwalui - Mounties RLFC
9. Taane Milne - St George-Illawarra Dragons/ Illawarra RLFC
10. Sitiveni Moceidreke - South Sydney Rabbitohs/ North Sydney Bears
11. Marcelo Montoya - Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
12. Kevin Naiqama (C) - Wests Tigers
13. Ben Nakubuwai - Gold Coast Titans/ Tweed Heads Seagulls
14. Mikaele Ravalawa - Canberra Raiders
15. Junior Roqica - London Broncos
16. Jacob Saifiti - Newcastle Knights
17. Ashton Sims - Warrington Wolves
18. Korbin Sims - Brisbane Broncos
19. Pio Seci - Nabua Broncos
20. James Storer - Port Kembla Blacks
21. Akuila Uate - Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
22. Eloni Vunakece - Sydney Roosters/ Wyong Roos
23. Suliasi Vunivalu - Melbourne Storm
24. Brayden Wiliame - Catalans Dragons
25. Etuate Bola - Nabua Broncos

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/07/lovodua_milne_named_.html
 

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Apps, Bremner named for Jillaroos' RLWC defence
Mon 9th October, 11:00AM
A A

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Womens Intersate Challenge at Win Stadium,Wollongong . Picture : Gregg Porteous

St George Illawarra Ambassadors Kezie Apps and Sam Bremner have been named in the Jillaroos' 2017 Women's Rugby League World Cup squad.

The squad includes 16 World Cup debutants, as well as five players who have captained Australia this year in Bremner, Karina Brown, Steph Hancock, Renae Kunst and Ruan Sims.

Donald said that every Jillaroos team member this year – either playing in matches or as part of training camps – had contributed to elevating the team to its highest professional point.

"Every member of the Jillaroos has had the opportunity to press for selection across training camps and matches this year and there is no doubt that we are committed to our goal of retaining the World Cup," Donald said.

"It seems a long time since we first sat down as a group and discussed what we wanted to achieve in 2017.

"Pleasingly, we have ticked off several objectives, but retaining the World Cup remains at the top of the list."

Tickets to the Women’s Rugby League World Cup tournament are available from www.rlwc2017.com, with prices starting from $10 for triple header pool games.

Those 15 years or under and concession holders can gain entry for free to women’s pool matches.

Further information on the Women’s Rugby League World Cup, including the full draw, can be found at www.rlwc2017.com.

2017 Harvey Norman Jillaroos World Cup Squad (in alphabetical order):

Kezie Apps * – Helensburgh (NSW)
Chelsea Baker * – Wallabies Gladstone (QLD)
Heather Ballinger – Wests Panthers (QLD)
Annette Brander * – Beerwah Bulldogs (QLD)
Brittany Breayley * – Brothers Ipswich (QLD)
Sam Bremner – Helensburgh (NSW)
Ali Brigginshaw – Brothers Ipswich (QLD)
Karina Brown – Easts Tigers (QLD)
Nakia Davis-Welsh * – Redfern All Blacks (NSW)
Vanessa Foliaki * – Easts Tigers (NSW)
Steph Hancock – Easts Tigers (QLD)
Isabelle Kelly * – North Newcastle (NSW)
Renae Kunst – Wests Panthers (QLD)
Corban McGregor * – Cronulla-Caringbah (NSW)
Caitlin Moran * – North Newcastle (NSW)
Lavina O’Mealey * – Redfern All Blacks (NSW)
Talesha Quinn * – Cronulla-Caringbah (NSW)
Ruan Sims – Cronulla-Caringbah (NSW)
Maddie Studdon * – Redfern All Blacks (NSW)
Zahara Temara * – Burleigh Bears (QLD)
Simaima Taufa * – Mounties (NSW)
Elianna Walton – Greenacre (NSW)
Meg Ward * – Northern Territory (NT)
Rebecca Young * – North Newcastle (NSW)

* Denotes World Cup debutant

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/09/apps_bremner_named_f.html
 

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Widdop, Graham named in England RLWC squad
Mon 9th October, 10:00PM
A A

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Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com - 29/10/16 - Rugby League - 2016 Ladbrokes Four Nations - England v New Zealand - The John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield, England - Gareth Widdop.

St George Illawarra skipper Gareth Widdop and 2018 Dragons recruit James Graham have been named in England's 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad.

Named by England coach Wayne Bennett in the 24-man squad, Widdop and Graham are joined by South Sydney Rabbitohs duo Sam and Tom Burgess as well as Sharks veteran Chris Heighington and Raiders forwards Josh Hodgson and Elliot Whitehead.

Wigan trio John Bateman, Sean O'Loughlin and George Williams and Hull FC prop Scott Taylor will also make the trip to Australia for the RLWC – before they feature against one another in a Super League fixture set for WIN Stadium, Wollongong in early 2018.

England 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad:

· John Bateman (Wigan Warriors)

· Kevin Brown (Warrington Wolves)

· Sam Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

· Thomas Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

· Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)

· Luke Gale (Castleford Tigers)

· James Graham (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)

· Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos)

· Chris Heighington (Cronulla Sharks)

· Chris Hill (Warrington Wolves)

· Josh Hodgson (Canberra Raiders)

· Jonny Lomax (St Helens)

· Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield Giants)

· Mike McMeeken (Castleford Tigers)

· Sean O’Loughlin (Wigan Warriors)

· Mark Percival (St Helens)

· Stefan Ratchford (Warrington Wolves)

· James Roby (St Helens)

· Scott Taylor (Hull FC)

· Alex Walmsley (St Helens)

· Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos)

· Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders)

· Gareth Widdop (St George Illawarra Dragons)

· George Williams (Wigan Warriors)

Become a 2018 Red V Member by 31 October, 2017 to be in the running to win one of 20 double passes to a RLWC match.

· 10x double passes to England v Lebanon, Sydney Football Stadium, Saturday, November 4, 2017

· 10x double passes to Australia v Lebanon, Sydney Football Stadium, Saturday, November 11, 2017.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/09/widdop_graham_named_.html
 

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Player Season Review: Cameron McInnes
Tue 10th October, 02:00PM
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St George Illawarra hooker Cameron McInnes enjoyed a mighty first season at the Dragons following his decision to move from the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

McInnes topped the tackle count across the NRL and made his representative debut for the City Origin side, and was duly awarded the Dragons Immortals Trophy at the end-of-season Presentation Night.

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http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/10/player_season_review.html
 

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Player season review: Euan Aitken
Wed 11th October, 12:00PM
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St George Illawarra centre Euan Aitken was confronted with his fair share of trials and tribulations in season 2017.

Hampered earlier on in the year by hamstring complaints, Aitken finished the season on the surgery table after suffering a subluxation of his shoulder, not once, but twice!

Undergoing a shoulder reconstruction in mid-August, Aitken was forced to withdraw from the Scotland RLWC squad in name of bouncing back bigger and better in 2018.

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http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/11/player_season_review.html
 

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Dragons-bound Hunt getting married on World Cup game day
STEVE MASCORD and PHIL LUTTON
12 Oct 2017, 8:58 a.m.
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Passed off: Ben Hunt. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled


As a chastened Josh Dugan vowed to lock himself away on days off, one of his Australian teammates revealed he planned to run off to Byron Bay on game-day during the World Cup.

The Australians gathered in Brisbane on Wednesday ahead of a weekend trial against Fiji and Papua New Guinea at Suva's ANZ Stadium, with an errant Dugan assuring the media there would be no repeat of the NSW north-coast drinking session with Blake Ferguson during State of Origin that reportedly played a role in coach Laurie Daley's sacking.

But across the room, halfback Ben Hunt was explaining to Fairfax Media why he'd be in the very same area while the green-and-golds take on France at GIO Stadium on November 3.

"I've got a wedding on ... my wedding," he said. "Third of November. Bridget is my fiance, we've been together a few years and we've got a little boy, Brady. We're getting married down at Byron.

"I had to ask Mal [Meninga] about it last week. It's the day we play France. I asked if I could have it off.

"He's been excellent Mal, he's really understanding for me to go and get married. [Teammates] Matt Gillett and Josh McGuire, they were invited.

"Josh McGuire knocked back his own brother's wedding so I don't think he'd be coming to mine. There's a few boys who had to pull out but there's no one in the bridal party who had to pull out so it's all good."

The rather seismic scheduling clash is compelling evidence of how little chance Hunt, 27, thought he had of making Australia's squad for the 14-team tournament, to be held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, starting on October 27.

He joins St George Illawarra next year and thought he'd be moving to Wollongong rather than travelling around Australia and the Pacific for the World Cup as Cameron Smith's back-up hooker over the next two months.

"We had it all planned for the next week or so, the big move. Then the camp happened and that all changed," Hunt said.

"To be honest, with the year ... I played a bit of Queensland Cup through the year so I wasn't really thinking about playing for Australia."

The ARL Commission is flying the families of the Australian squad to Fiji for the weekend, where the players will take on Samoa for 40 minutes and PNG for 40 minutes.

Asked if he would be out and about during the World Cup, Cronulla signing Dugan said at the Brisbane Sofitel: "Definitely not. Days off will be spent in bed.

"I was a bit surprised by my selection to be honest ... but Mal has shown faith in me and now I don't want to let him down. It's massive and pretty humbling having someone of the stature of Mal to back me."

Meanwhile, Newcastle have defended the decision to pull Samoans Sione Matautia and Tautau Moga out of the island nation's World Cup side.

Matautia was asked to stand down after several incidents of concussion this year while Moga is changing clubs from Brisbane and had shoulder surgery.

"With Sione it was basically advice after we sent him to see Dr Paul McCrory in Melbourne – who is the No.1 expert in this field," Knights high-performance manager Tony Ayoub said.

"He had some tests and the doctor said there was a very minor bit of doubt there with regard to him resuming contact. There is no ongoing problem, he isn't suffering memory loss or headaches or anything like that.

"But with concussion, it's a fast-developing field. How long do you need? Sione wanted to play in the World Cup but our advice to him after seeing the doctor was that it was in his best interests if he didn't."

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Best behaviour: Josh Dugan. AAP Image/NRL

Ayoub said there was no connection between the decision on Matautia and the legal action taken by Scottish winger James McManus over head knocks received while at the same club.

"Never discussed," he said. "In the case of Tautau, he needed a shoulder clean-out. There was some talk of him having it after the World Cup but then there was the risk it would have an impact early next year. He's at a new club, he's starting again."

Ayoub admitted there was always a conflict between the importance of representative football and the interest of clubs.

"There is some robust conversation, I can tell you," he said. "But the Knights do want our players to play rep football and we do know what a big honour the World Cup is for our players."

He said the club played no part in new recruit Aiden Guerra's decision not to play for Italy.

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/...ied-on-australian-world-cup-game-day/?cs=3713
 

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Graham to hit ground running for RLWC
Chris Kennedy - NRL.com National Correspondent

Thu 12th October, 09:00AM
A A

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St George Illawarra 2018 recruit James Graham has had a head start on Rugby League World Cup training, meeting up with fellow Sydney-based England squad members ahead of the October 27 kick-off.

Speaking to media at the Dally M awards, the former Canterbury skipper also reiterated his support for both sacked coach Des Hasler as well as club chair Ray Dib, who he said had an extremely tough job.

"The time off has been and gone and now it's back into pretty much full training. I want to try and hit the ground running for a strong World Cup," Graham said of his current schedule.

"He has been doing some training on his own but the Sydney-based England boys are meeting up twice a week," he added.

"It's pretty intense, there's six of us there (including fellow Dragon Gareth Widdop, Shark Chris Heighington and Rabbitohs trio Sam, George and Tom Burgess).

"It's been hard because there's not much football you can do. It's been good to get back into that camp mode and see a few of the England lads.

"We're training at Newington College, It's been intense. Fingers crossed I get the nod for the [England squad] camp in Perth two weeks from Friday."

With international duties, Graham and Widdop will then return for pre-season at the Dragons in January.

Of the recent coaching upheaval at his now-former club, Graham reiterated his public support for Des Hasler – who he said had made him both a better footballer and person during their time together at the Bulldogs – but also for chairman Ray Dib.

"I don't agree with the calls for Ray Dib's head," Graham said.

"He's a similar ilk as Des, puts a lot of time and effort into that club. I hope both parties can move on and succeed in different paths.

"I sincerely hope that everything turns out for the best and I sincerely hope Des's coaching career gets back on track wherever that may be."

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/12/graham_to_hit_ground.html
 
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