Articles

[getsmarty]

How Dragons went from 40-minute team to genuine contenders
Author
Brad Walter Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Sun 1 Apr 2018, 08:14 PM

St George Illawarra Dragons were statistically the second-best team in the NRL last year up to half-time of matches but failed to make the finals. This season, they are going on with the job for the full 80 minutes and are on track for a top-four finish.

Dragons coach Paul McGregor revealed the statistic about his team’s first-half performances in 2017 after their 30-12 defeat of Newcastle, and outlined why he believed they were better placed to capitalise on their perfect start to the season.

Under McGregor’s coaching, the Dragons won six of their first seven matches last season and six of their first eight games in 2015 but the club has never previously been unbeaten after the opening four rounds since the formation of the joint venture in 1999.

Only 20 teams have won their first four matches in NRL history and 14 of them have finished in the top four, while four have won the grand final.

"It is a different group, the balance of our squad is much improved," McGregor said. "We certainly learned a lot as a group, and as a coaching staff.

"I’m into my fourth year and we have bought in a halfback [Ben Hunt], we have bought in a front-rower [James Graham], our youth are on their second or third year after their debut and they have had a couple of good pre-seasons, so the depth of our squad is deeper."

The key areas of improvement are their fitness and game management.

Dragons stay perfect in 2018

With Hunt and skipper Gareth Widdop in the halves, the Dragons have two world-class playmakers who are able to sum up the game and make good decisions.

Hunt’s arrival has freed up Widdop to play a running game at five-eighth and he has been popping up on either side of the ruck to provide another attacking option.

"I feel a lot more comfortable in the [coach’s] box with the way the guys are game managing around the important times and field position," McGregor said.

"We needed to work hard and get a really good physical base and a better technical understanding.”

In defence, the Dragons have conceded just 48 points in four games, with their 20-16 win over Cronulla Sharks in round two being their closest match.

However, it is not just the difficulty other teams are having breaking their defensive line which is impressive but the physicality of the tackling from the likes of Jack de Belin, Paul Vaughan, Tyson Frizell, Leeson Ah Mau and Tariq Sims that is having an impact.



On three occasions at WIN Stadium, Knights players lost the ball in heavy tackles and the Dragons scored.

"There is just a good attitude floating around the place at the moment where boys are really just willing to put their hands up, put their stats to the side and do those team-first actions," de Belin said.

"If I see someone else put on a good hit it definitely motivates me to do the same."

Widdop said the work of the forwards had made it easier for the backs against the Knights.

"The big boys in the middle, certainly in the first half, had a lot of intent and forced a few turnovers," Widdop said.

"They were great tonight and when your forwards are winning that battle in the middle it always makes it easier for us on the edges.”

https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/04/01...go-from-40-minute-team-to-genuine-contenders/

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons' key signs of change from 2017

Paul McGregor and Gareth Widdop have learned lessons from St George Illawarra's 2017 capitulation. (AAP)


St George Illawarra are top of the NRL ladder early in the season for the second year in a row, but there are already indications 2018 will be different.

Updated Updated 6 hours ago

Of all the statistics that highlight St George Illawarra's fourth straight week at the top of the NRL ladder, one will please coach Paul McGregor.

Of eight halves of football the Dragons have played this year, they have won seven of them - including all four second periods.

It might not sound like much, but when you consider McGregor's men won both halves a match just once between round 13 and round 26 last year as they dropped from third to ninth, it's significant.

McGregor made no secret of the fact before the start of the season he wanted last year's heartache to fuel part of their campaign.

There's no doubt he's used to motivate his.

The learnings from last year's capitulation were vast but one fact would've kept him up all summer.

If rugby league was a 40-minute game, the Dragons would've finished 2017 as the second best team in the NRL.

But it's not - and they missed the finals altogether.

"We needed to work hard and get a really good physical condition base and a better technical understanding," McGregor said.

"Obviously with the experience we've brought in with the learnings from last year, we're playing some good footy for 80 minutes.

"I'm a lot more comfortable in the box with how the boys are game managing around important times of field position."

Key to that has no doubt been the recruitment of Ben Hunt.

With him in the halfback role Gareth Widdop's running game and attacking prowess close to the line has come to the fore.

Already they have the kind of combination halves who play together for years would dream of.

The pair have combined directly in nine of the Dragons' tries this year, while they also forced three line dropouts between them in Sunday's win over Newcastle.

"If you watch Gareth play, the No.7 that's come in has really freed him to be a major threat on both sides of the park," McGregor said.

"I know that. (Hunt)'s certainly gave the side a better balanced with his kicking game.

"Expectations are a little higher when you have two world-class halfbacks and they haven't let anyone down thus far and I'm sure they won't go out to."

McGregor is also complimentary of the influence of fellow recruit James Graham, adding to the fact that now in his fifth season as coach, he finally has the roster he wants.

But equally important in his eyes was the work put into fitness and efforts under fatigue following last year's fade-outs.

"My performance staff has been with me for two years in an a row and he has built on last year," McGregor said.

"We were fit but we weren't at the stage we are this year. He's got data to back that up."

Source: AAP


https://www.sbs.com.au/news/dragons-key-signs-of-change-from-2017

 

[getsmarty]

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons out to banish ghosts of 2017

• 
  Mitch Jennings

Dragons Den News

LOOKING GOOD: Leeson Ah Mau is mobbed by teammates after scoring against Newcastle. Picture: AAP
THEY’VE started the season at a club-record-setting pace and Dragons coach Paul McGregor believes his side are well equipped to avoid the late-season fades that have plagued previous campaigns.

The 2015 Dragons were competition leaders after 12 rounds and sat in the top four until round 17, but won just three of their final 14 games to just scrape into the finals.

Their limp to the 2017 finish line was even more disappointing, missing the finals altogether despite leading the competition after seven rounds.

They sat in the top four as late as round 13 before dropping eight of their last 12 games, including the infamous round-26 meltdown against Canterbury that was the final nail in their finals coffin.

McGregor admitted the ghosts of last season will linger, but he’s confident his squad now has the maturity to maintain the standards they’ve set for a full 26 rounds.

‘‘It’s a different group, the balance of our squad is much improved,’’ McGregor said.

“The kids, our youth, are in their second and third year after their debut. They’ve had a couple of tough preseasons now so the depth of our squad is deeper.

“We’ve brought in a halfback [Ben Hunt] and an experienced front-rower [James Graham].

“If you watch Gareth [Widdop] play, the No. 7 he’s got next to him has really freed him to be a major threat on both sides of the park.

“Expectations are a little higher when you have two world-class halves and they haven’t let anyone down thus far and I’m sure they won’t go out to.

“Then you’ve got an experienced player like James and how good he is in all the effort areas of the game.”

While the addition of Hunt and Graham has undoubtedly boosted the club’s arsenal, McGregor believes his returnees have gone up a level, particularly up front.

“I think they’ve been very good for the last two years,” McGregor said.

OLD HEAD: James Graham has already made a big impression at the Dragons. Picture: Adam McLean

“Last year they played really well, I think we probably just had a bit too much youth at different times.

“Cam McInnes got one of our awards at the end of the year, Paul Vaughan got and award at the end of the year.

“Jack de Belin was 18th man for NSW, Tyson played for NSW. Leeson’s been a good player at the club for many a year.

“They’re all around the age of 26 to 28 which is a good age to play footy as a middle so they’re definitely laying a good foundation for [the halves].”


http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/5317398/dragons-out-to-banish-ghost-of-2017/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

INTRUST SUPER PREMIERSHIP

Nicholls Lauds Dragons’ Field Day
Author
Simon Masterton (Twitter: @OiSimmo) NSWRL.com.au
Timestamp
Tue 3 Apr 2018, 01:49 PM

When the St George Illawarra Dragons are on, the plan of attack in the Intrust Super Premiership NSW is simple: get the ball to Jai Field.

The strategy is straight-forward, but few present at WIN Stadium on Sunday afternoon could doubt its effectiveness; of the Dragons’ five tries in their 30-10 victory over the Knights, Field scored one, directly set up three and provided the line-break assist which caused the other late in the game. New captain Darren Nicholls was quick to sing Field’s praises.

Sometimes the best thing for us is to just get Jai the ball.

Darren Nicholls
“I thought Jai Field was just outstanding out there,” Nicholls told NSWRL.com.au after the win. “When he gets the ball in his hands you just don’t know what’s going to happen – he adds that X-factor for us.

“We’re just trying to work on what’s the best combination (with Field), obviously playing with a new fullback and ‘Cluney’ (Adam Clune) in the halves. It’s just what works best for the team.

“Sometimes the best thing for us is to just get Jai the ball. Different teams play different defence styles so we just need to tinker with it each week, but I think today we got right.”

Yep, Jai Field was in everything for the @NRL_Dragons!

One try, three try-assists, four line-break-assists, two goals...

https://t.co/ugtNpcxvK7 pic.twitter.com/h4ngRZonqb

— Intrust Super Premiership (@IntrustSuperPrm) April 2, 2018
Field’s efforts were exceptional as the Dragons notched up their second-straight win – as was the performance of halfback Nicholls, who also finished the game with a deserved try. Fresh off coach Mat Head’s statement that Nicholls is the best playmaker in the Intrust Super Premiership, Nicholls was humbled.

“It gives me a lot of confidence in myself and in the team,” Nicholls said. “‘Heady’ was a great halfback, so we’ve been working a lot.

“It’s great that we’ve got an ex-NRL halfback as my coach. I’ll just keep working hard – I’m just really happy that he backs me and I just want to keep doing my best for the side.”

As Head himself said a week prior, Nicholls’ sits behinds some big names on his path to an NRL debut in the halves. If injury or representative selection is provide that opportunity later in the season, Nicholls will rise to the challenge.

“I’ve just got to keep playing well in ISP,” Nicholls said. “Gareth (Widdop) and ‘Benny’ (Ben Hunt), they’ve been outstanding. If there’s a better halves pairing in the comp at the moment… I don’t know if there is one.

“I’m ready to go and I just want to do my best for the ISP side.”

Between Field and Nicholls, the Dragons boast an attack which looks to have slowly hit form; they’ll next take on the Newtown Jets at Henson Park from 3pm AEST on Saturday, 7 April.

https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2018/04/03/nicholls-lauds-dragons-field-day/

 

[getsmarty]

Experience of Ben Hunt, James Graham key to St George Illawarra Dragons learning past lessons

• Dragon's Den
  
  
  
  War horse: James Graham has shown his experience for the Dragons in the opening four rounds. Pictures: Adam McLean
• 
  
• Paul McGregor believes the signings of experienced players Ben Hunt and James Graham will prevent St George Illawarra from wasting another strong start to a season.
  
  The Dragons are top of the NRL table after four rounds having won their opening four matches for the first time in the joint venture club’s history.
  
  They host traditional rivals South Sydney at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on Friday night buoyed by their perfect start to the campaign led by their two new stars.
  
  Hunt has provided not just the organisation of the team but control of matches that has alluded St George Illawarra for a number of years. While Graham has led by example, defending and running strongly through the middle.
  
  Some Dragons fans remain pessimistic given St George Illawarra’s failure to turn impressive starts into success in recent years. They led the competition after 12 rounds in 2015 before losing seven straight games to be bundled out in the first week of the finals.
  
  
  
  
  Ben Hunt
  
  They endured a poor season in 2016 but bounced back last season only to become just the third team since the top-eight system was introduced to miss the finals after leading at the end of the seventh round.
  
  But McGregor said their added experience had helped ensure lessons had been learned.
  
  “I think it’s a different group. The balance of our squad is much improved. We certainly learned a lot as a group and as coaching staff. I’m the first to say I’m not the most experienced coach out there, I’m into my fourth year now,” he said.
  
  “The people we’ve brought in, a halfback, an experienced front-rower. Our kids are in their second and third years after their debuts. They’ve had a couple of tough pre-seasons. So the depth of our squad is deeper. We just need to not get too high after wins and not too low after losses because that’s just part of the game.
  
  “I suppose we didn’t have execution at times [last season]. We lost Gareth [Widdop] at an important time last year for a month. And I know if you watch Gareth play the No.7 that has come in has really freed [him] and made us a threat on both sides of the park. [He has] certainly given the side a better balance with his kicking game. [And] an experienced player like James knowing what all the effort areas of the game and how good he is at them.
  
  “I feel like I’m a lot more comfortable in the box the way the guys are game managing around the important times. We looked at last year and the majority of 2017 we were second best in the competition at half-time but we didn’t make the finals.”
  
  
• http://www.theleader.com.au/story/5317422/experience-key-to-dragons-learning-past-lessons/?cs=3833

 

[getsmarty]

WOMEN'S RUGBY LEAGUE

Dragons update: NRL Holden Women's Premiership
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Tue 3 Apr 2018, 04:17 PM

The NRL recently announced the St George Illawarra Dragons, Brisbane Broncos, Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors will compete in the inaugural NRL Holden Women's Premiership.

This competition will be played in unison as double headers through the NRL finals series in 2018.

For more information: https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/03/27/nrl-holden-womens-premiership-teams-announced/

Our inclusion in the inaugural NRL Women's Premiership is fantastic news for the Dragons and all those people who have contributed to the development of the women's game over many years.

The Dragons' inclusion in this elite Women's Premiership will complete the female rugby league pathway for the more than 14,000 girls and women currently competing in our region across tackle, tag and touch football.

We have recently appointed and announced qualified and experienced coaching staff to support and develop our elite women's program and we are committed to building a successful Women's Premiership team that all of our members, partners and fans will be proud of.

There has however been some controversy within the media in relation to the decision to award a licence to only four clubs for the inaugural season. We believe this backlash is based on what we believe a lack of detail provided to support the NRL’s decision.

By way of information for members see below a summary of the key elements of the Dragons' detailed submission, which the NRL advised met all of the required criteria to be awarded a licence.

The Dragons are now in the process of assembling our elite 22-woman squad to compete in the inaugural NRL Women's Premiership, and we are excited by the opportunities that lay ahead for the women's game.

St George Illawarra's NRL Holden Women's Premiership detailed submission included:

Brand reach and national fan base

The Dragons represent a vast geographical region that includes southern metropolitan Sydney, the Illawarra region and South Coast stretching to Bateman's Bay.

History of propagating women's rugby league

The Dragons have a demonstrated history when it comes to the development and propagation of women's rugby league within our region. Women's rugby league has been played across our region since 1991.

Since 2000, the Dragons have implemented a range of participation initiatives to grow the women's game significantly. Some of these milestones included:

• Introduction of Dragon Tag to primary and secondary schools in the Illawarra and South Coast in 2000.
• Since 2004 Dragon Tag has remained the most participated primary school sports program in the Dragons' region
• In 2009, girls 'tackle gala days' were introduced in secondary schools across the Dragons' region.
• The inaugural Illawarra women's open competition was established in 2011
• The inaugural Illawarra women's representative team was selected in 2012. They went on to win the state championship
• Girls league tag was introduced in 2015 throughout the Illawarra and South Coast junior leagues
• The introduction of the 'November Nines' – a four-week introductory competition – occurred in 2016

Established pathways for women's rugby league

A proven and established pathway structure is in place for girls and women across our region, from grassroots participation activities in schools through to junior and senior competitions and elite representative structures.

In 2017 across the tackle, tag and touch formats of rugby league, the Dragons had more than 14,000 women and girls participating across the region.

Current Jillaroos Players include: Kezie Apps (contracted Dragons ambassador), Sam Bremner (contracted Dragons Ambassador) and Rikeya Horne.

Currently nine players from the Dragons' region have played for the Jillaroos.

Integration with existing men's programs

The women's program will have access to the highest levels of professionalism through their own specific, experienced coaching and performance staff and direct support from key NRL staff including elite coaches, athlete performance specialists and medical professionals.

The Dragons women's program will have access to elite training facilities at the University of Wollongong, and a group of qualified and experienced individuals to coach and develop our elite female players.

Female athletes will be nurtured and provided opportunities to progress through our pathway to the elite NRL competition, with specialist coaching provided through our high performance unit.

Development club

The Dragons have a proven track record of developing players from across our region to compete at the highest levels of the game. This will continue be a key focus of our women's program through our high performance and recruitment initiatives.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/04/03/dragons-update-nrl-holden-womens-premiership/

 

[getsmarty]

Nightingale gears up for 250th NRL Game

• Cameron Mee

Dragons Den News

Milestone: Dragons winger Jason Nightingale. Picture: Adam McLean.

Dragons star Jason Nightingale will run out for his 250th first grade game when the St George Illawarra Dragons face South Sydney on Friday night.

Nightingale has spent his entire career at the club since debuting against the Panthers in 2007 and is the last remaining member of the 2010 premiership side.

“Two hundred and fifty games for the one club is a tremendous effort,” Dragons captain Gareth Widdop said. “You want him in the team every week, he’s a great competitor, a good bloke, a good mate of all of us.

“It’s just really pleasing that he’s got to play for the one club he’s been at since he was a junior. It’s a big occasion for Gypsy and his family and we’ll be going out there doing everything possible to make it a successful night.”

A 33-Test New Zealand international, the 31-year-old has made a mark off the field as well, developing an elite athlete business school to provide athletes with the skills required to run a small business once their playing days come to an end.


http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/5321097/friday-a-big-night-for-veteran/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

Pressure for spots driving Dragons to develop

• Cameron Mee

Dragons Den News

Mr Consistent: Dragons hooker Cameron McInnes has been among the Dragons best to start the season. Picture: Adam McLean.

A constant desire to improve is one of the factors behind the St George Illawarra Dragons unbeaten start to the season according to hooker Cameron McInnes.

The Dragons moved to 4-0 for the first time in the joint venture’s history after Sunday’s victory over the Knights. The win was typified by a bruising defensive effort, with the likes of Tyson Frizell, Jack de Belin and Leeson Ah Mau seemingly attempting to one up each other with bigger hits and stronger carries.

McInnes believes it’s this competitive drive that has allowed the forwards to lay the platform for the team in each of their four victories.

“You get a buzz from one of your mates doing a good carry or a big hit and we’re all happy for each other and we feed off each other,” McInnes said. “We’ve got Leeson coming off the bench and I think Leeson’s probably one of the best forwards in the game right now if you’re going over the last month of footy and he’s coming off our bench.

“That’s not just a credit to how much depth we have, but how well we all push each other, so if we can keep playing the way we are and working hard for each other, we’ll keep rolling on.”

It isn’t just the forwards battling for positions in the team, with talented backs Kurt Mann and Jai Field unable to lock down starting positions. Winger Nene McDonald has gone from strength to strength, while Matt Dufty has made the fullback spot his own.

Mann has adopted a utility role for the side and he believes the benefits of the Dragons depth have been evident on the field.

“Everyone needs that push and drive from players,” Mann said.

“There’s competition all over the park. We’ve got Leeson playing out of his skin on the bench there, he’ll be pushing really hard. All the boys have been really competitive and at training it’s the exact same.”

McInnes has been one of the form hookers through the first four weeks of the competition and he has quickly emerged as a leading contender for the Blues number nine jersey.

Dragons captain Gareth Widdop is confident he would thrive in the Origin arena.

“Cam’s one of the best trainers I’ve seen,” Widdop said. “He’s certainly very dedicated, it’s no wonder why he’s playing so well, it’s because he works so hard, he’ll never let you down.

“I doubt he’ll be thinking about Origin, he’ll be thinking about team first, keep doing the things for the Dragons and I have no doubt if he gets selected he’ll do a good job.”

True to form, McInnes, is refusing to look as far ahead as State of Origin, instead hoping to build on each performance, with his focus firmly directed towards Friday night’s clash with South Sydney.

“I just think if I can play consistently well each week, then that’ll work itself out,” McInnes said.

“If we keep winning and keep going well, then there’s always a chance I’ll be there. One game doesn’t make a difference but if I just keep playing well each week, that will make a difference.”

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/5320913/competitive-tension-spurring-dragons-on/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

Dally M Leaderboard after Round 4
Zero Tackle
-
April 4, 2018 - 8:24 am


The Top 4 teams on the NRL ladder all have strong showings in the Dally M leaderboard after four rounds.

Like previous years, the spine players dominant the list with 7 of the top 10 either halves or fullbacks.


Youngsters Nathan Cleary and Kalyn Ponga are showing strong signs that the future is now with both sitting equal first on 6 points alongside Warriors fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Dragons veteran Gareth Widdop.

Benji Marshall is experiencing a bit of a career revival at the Wests Tigers, polling 5 points over the first four rounds to sit equal second alongside Gold Coast Titans halfback Ashley Taylor and Newcastle Knights halfback Mitchell Pearce.

SEE ALSO: Updated Team Lists: Broncos v Titans
Cronulla Sharks forward Andrew Fifita sits alongside Dragons duo Tyson Frizell and Jack de Belin as the highest place forwards also on five points.

Check out the full leaderboard below.

Dally M Leaderboard after Round 4
N Cleary 6
R Tuivasa-Sheck 6
G Widdop 6
K Ponga 6
B Marshall 5
A Fifita 5
A Taylor 5
T Frizell 5
M Pearce 5
J de Belin 5
J Trbojevic 4
T Harris 4
J Arrow 4
D Cherry-Evans 3
D Finucane 3
T Harris 3
J Maloney 3
B Green 3
L Keary 3
J Leilua 3
E Marsters 3
M Mbye 3
A McCullough 3
C Munster 3
R Packer 3
J Taumalolo 3
C Murray 3
J Ramien 3
T Trbojevic 3
C McInnes 3
P Sami 3


https://www.zerotackle.com/dally-m-leaderboard-after-round-4-32390/

 

[getsmarty]

Nightingale's 250th
NRL.com takes a look back at the career of Jason Nightingale ahead of his 250th game

https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/04/04/nightingales-250th/

 

[getsmarty]

Kids Big Day Out 2018
St George Illawarra Dragons hosted the eighth annual Kids Big Day Out for kids with disabilities and their families.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/04/04/kids-big-day-out-2018/

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons aim to build on unbeaten NRL start

• Cameron Mee

Dragons Den News

Kicking on: Dragons captain Gareth Widdop hopes the team will extend their unbeaten run against South Sydney on Friday night. Picture: Adam McLean.

After winning their opening four games of the season, St George Illawarra Dragons players know the challenge now is to keep the momentum rolling each week.

While this season may mark the first time the joint venture has won four in a row to open a season, the Dragons have emerged as March and April specialists in recent years.

Fast starts in three of the last four yearshave been followed by painful collapses, with last season’s round 26 heartbreak particularly noteworthy.

Dragons players are aware of their side’s penchant for hot starts and meek finishes, but hooker Cameron McInnes said the players will keep their eyes focused on each upcoming game.

“People say we’re March or April specialists, do they want us to lose some games at the start, would that be better?” McInnes said. “You want to win a game every week and I get that last year we simmered off towards the end and we started well and didn’t finish well, but it’s not like we planned to do that.

“I think if you ask every team are they planning to win their first four, I bet you they are, we’ve been able to do it. Now, the challenge is to keep it going. But with the mentality we have and taking each game at a time and not being complacent, then we’re not going to ever go out aiming to lose a game.”

Captain Gareth Widdop said the team has learnt from past mistakes and is confident the Dragons will continue on the right trajectory this weekend.

“It’s a long season,” Widdop said. “There’s no doubt about that. I’d like to think we’ve done a lot of hard work in the preseason and learnt from last year, or the last few years, where we’ve started really well and fizzled off.

“With the experience from last year that we went through and the players we’ve added to the team, we’re definitely confident we can keep the ball rolling”

This Friday the Dragons face a Rabbitohs side riding high after last weekend’s Good Friday victory over the Bulldogs and while South Sydney will miss the suspended Sam Burgess, McInnes said his team will have to play for the full 80 minutes to get the two points.

“For us, the focus this year is throwing the form guide out,” he said. “There were a certain few games over the weekend where teams won that you wouldn’t have thought would, you just can’t pick it.

“If you want to go into a game thinking ‘we’ve won four, they’ve only won two’, then you’re going to be behind the eight-ball, they’ll come out firing and you’ll find yourself down.

“In the NRL, if you’re going into a game thinking it’s going to be an easy game, then you’re kidding yourself and you’re probably not going to win.”

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/5322956/dragons-set-to-fly-higher/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

NRL Podcast: Hunt must be new Maroons halfback
Author
Joel Gould
Timestamp
Wed 4 Apr 2018, 10:45 AM

The form of St George Illawarra halfback Ben Hunt cannot be denied and he should get first crack at being the new Queensland Maroons halfback, according to Maroons legend Steve Renouf

In this week's NRL Podcast, Renouf said he would select Hunt and Melbourne Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster in the halves for the opening game of the Holden State of Origin Series on June 6 in Melbourne.

"I think you go on form and Ben has been in and around the [Maroons] camp for a while and deserves to be the starting No.7," Renouf said.

"His form has been consistent through the rounds…and his kicking game has improved a lot which is going to be very important in Origin."

Renouf also outlined in the Podcast why Cowboys five-eighth Michael Morgan, despite being out of sorts, should be retained in the 17 because of his value as the "perfect utility".

The former Test centre also analyses the personal critiques offered up by Broncos centre Jack Bird and veteran forward Sam Thaiday after the loss to the Gold Coast and outlines how they can get their seasons back on track.

Renouf details what North Queensland need to do to get their mojo back and reveals why he believes the Titans will win more games than they lose in 2018.

https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/04/04/nrl-podcast-ben-hunt-must-be-new-queensland-maroons-

 

[getsmarty]

Vaughan rises from NSW Origin ashes

The NSW Origin chances of the Dragons' Paul Vaughan continue to grow but Matt Lodge is ruled out. (AAP)


Paul Vaughan continues to shine at St George Illawarra as other NSW contenders fall around him, including Matt Lodge being ruled out by coach Brad Fittler.

Updated Updated 7 hours ago

Paul Vaughan's NSW State of Origin stocks continue to rise but Blues coach Brad Fittler has ruled out selecting controversial Brisbane forward Matt Lodge.

Fittler's previously long list of forward options have been reduced in the past week.

Prop Andrew Fifita has ruled himself out of Blues contention in favour of representing Tonga, while Kangaroos front-rower Jordan McLean has been robbed of a debut after being sidelined for three months following foot surgery.

Fittler must at least add one member to last year's middle, which included Aaron Woods, David Klemmer, Tyson Frizell and Jake Trbojevic in all three games.

Vaughan, meanwhile, is holding strong at the table-topping St George Illawarra.

Considered unlucky to miss selection last year, Vaughan was told by then NSW coach Laurie Daley he needed to be consistent for longer.

Few could argue he hasn't done that.

In his first year after being dropped to reserve grade at Canberra in 2016, the 26-year-old ended 2017 as the Dragons' best forward.

He finished with 10 linebreaks and has backed that up in 2018 to help set the tone for the Dragons' exciting attacking model.

Crucially, his defensive workload for minutes played has increased significantly since arriving at the Dragons, while still tackling at 94 per cent efficiency.

"It's something I've always got to work on and have had to since I got into first grade," Vaughan told AAP.

"Attack I can definitely still work on but to get to where I was playing last year it's just about fitness and in defence.

"I've definitely grown legs since coming to the Saints."

Fittler has never previously worked with Vaughan and only met him for the first time in March but he likes what he sees.

"He's big and fast," Fittler said.

"With St George Illawarra playing well and a few Sydney teams that's made me feel a lot more confident about a lot of our positions."

Fittler said he wouldn't be tempted into selecting 22-year-old Lodge, who was this year backed by Brisbane captain Darius Boyd to play Origin despite having fewer than 20 NRL games to his name.

"I don't think I'd consider him," Fittler said.

"His form has been really good but it's his first year back in three years and I don't think it would be fair to him.

"I think we'll let him concentrate on playing for Brisbane and getting his life back into some sort of normality."

Source: AAP

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/vaughan-rises-from-nsw-origin-ashes

 

[getsmarty]

Vaughan path clear for Origin breakthrough

Scott Bailey and Melissa Woods
AAP / 4:03pm AEST
Share
Paul Vaughan's NSW State of Origin stocks continue to rise but Blues coach Brad Fittler has ruled out selecting controversial Brisbane forward Matt Lodge.


Fittler's previously long list of forward options have been reduced in the past week.

Prop Andrew Fifita has ruled himself out of Blues contention in favour of representing Tonga, while Kangaroos front-rower Jordan McLean has been robbed of a debut after being sidelined for three months following foot surgery.

Fittler must at least add one member to last year's middle, which included Aaron Woods, David Klemmer, Tyson Frizell and Jake Trbojevic in all three games.

Vaughan, meanwhile, is holding strong at the table-topping St George Illawarra.

Considered unlucky to miss selection last year, Vaughan was told by then NSW coach Laurie Daley he needed to be consistent for longer.

Few could argue he hasn't done that.

In his first year after being dropped to reserve grade at Canberra in 2016, the 26-year-old ended 2017 as the Dragons' best forward.

He finished with 10 linebreaks and has backed that up in 2018 to help set the tone for the Dragons' exciting attacking model.

Crucially, his defensive workload for minutes played has increased significantly since arriving at the Dragons, while still tackling at 94 per cent efficiency.

Vaughan has been crucial to the Dragons' success. Pic: Getty

"It's something I've always got to work on and have had to since I got into first grade," Vaughan told AAP.

"Attack I can definitely still work on but to get to where I was playing last year it's just about fitness and in defence.

"I've definitely grown legs since coming to the Saints."

Fittler has never previously worked with Vaughan and only met him for the first time in March but he likes what he sees.

"He's big and fast," Fittler said.

"With St George Illawarra playing well and a few Sydney teams that's made me feel a lot more confident about a lot of our positions."

Fittler said he wouldn't be tempted into selecting 22-year-old Lodge, who was this year backed by Brisbane captain Darius Boyd to play Origin despite having fewer than 20 NRL games to his name.

"I don't think I'd consider him," Fittler said.

"His form has been really good but it's his first year back in three years and I don't think it would be fair to him.

"I think we'll let him concentrate on playing for Brisbane and getting his life back into some sort of normality."


https://au.sports.yahoo.com/league/...s-prop-on-clear-path-for-origin-breakthrough/

 

[Dennis Papaioannou]

Dally M Leaderboard after Round 4
Zero Tackle
-
April 4, 2018 - 8:24 am


The Top 4 teams on the NRL ladder all have strong showings in the Dally M leaderboard after four rounds.

Like previous years, the spine players dominant the list with 7 of the top 10 either halves or fullbacks.


Youngsters Nathan Cleary and Kalyn Ponga are showing strong signs that the future is now with both sitting equal first on 6 points alongside Warriors fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Dragons veteran Gareth Widdop.

Benji Marshall is experiencing a bit of a career revival at the Wests Tigers, polling 5 points over the first four rounds to sit equal second alongside Gold Coast Titans halfback Ashley Taylor and Newcastle Knights halfback Mitchell Pearce.

SEE ALSO: Updated Team Lists: Broncos v Titans
Cronulla Sharks forward Andrew Fifita sits alongside Dragons duo Tyson Frizell and Jack de Belin as the highest place forwards also on five points.

Check out the full leaderboard below.

Dally M Leaderboard after Round 4
N Cleary 6
R Tuivasa-Sheck 6
G Widdop 6
K Ponga 6
B Marshall 5
A Fifita 5
A Taylor 5
T Frizell 5
M Pearce 5
J de Belin 5
J Trbojevic 4
T Harris 4
J Arrow 4
D Cherry-Evans 3
D Finucane 3
T Harris 3
J Maloney 3
B Green 3
L Keary 3
J Leilua 3
E Marsters 3
M Mbye 3
A McCullough 3
C Munster 3
R Packer 3
J Taumalolo 3
C Murray 3
J Ramien 3
T Trbojevic 3
C McInnes 3
P Sami 3


https://www.nospam21.com/dally-m-leaderboard-after-round-4-32390/

So where's Hunt?
Dead set the Daly M is a joke!

 

[SEAT 1A]

So where's Hunt?
Dead set the Daly M is a joke!

Also, pushing for QLD SOO selection and the form halves combination.

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS

Dragons unveil #Gypsy250 jersey
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Thu 5 Apr 2018, 02:57 PM

St George Illawarra Dragons winger Jason Nightingale will wear a commemorative jersey as part of the celebrations for his 250th NRL game.

Nightingale will wear a specially-designed No. 5 on his Dragons jumper that includes his signature and '250' against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah this Friday night.

The Renown United junior was presented the jersey by CEO Peter Doust on Thursday morning during a special Dragons tribute that included his teammates and family prior to the captain's run.

"I'm very excited to have my signature inside the number. It hasn't been done in the NRL before, and the club is great at recognising these milestones," Nightingale said.

"For me to be able to wear a jumper that has my signature in the number, I'm really grateful for the opportunity.

"It's such a great honour to have been able to grow up in this area as well as play for the Dragons' junior reps and my junior club Renown United.

"I grew up in a community that was supported so well by the Dragons. To have been able to immerse myself in the community and see how much it means to people means a lot to me.

"To have been able to play 250 top grade games for this great club is something I never thought I'd do but also something I feel very grateful to have achieved."

Only 100 of Nightingale's 250th customised jersey numbers will be available to buy (for $15) from Saturday at the Dragons team store or online.

St George Illawarra supporters will also be able to bring their jersey to the Dragons team store from 10am on Saturday to have the limited edition No. 5 applied on the spot.

The Dragons have also offered a bundle option (available online only) that will include a St George Illawarra jersey with the 2010 Telstra Premiership winner's milestone No.5 included.

Adults home and alternative jersey bundles are from $175, with ladies home and alternate ($145) and youth home and alternate ($135) jersey bundles also available.

Please note that the number cannot be purchased for personal application. Supporters unable to visit the Dragons team store will need to mail their jerseys for the limited edition No. 5 to be pressed on.

Please call (02 9587 1966) or email the Dragon team store (shop@dragons.com.au) for mailing details.



https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/04/05/dragons-unveil-gypsy250-jersey/

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons’ Blues aspirants on Fittler’s radar

• 
  Mitch Jennings

Dragons Den News

IN CONTENTION: Dragons prop Paul Vaughan. Picture: Adam McLean

ST GEORGE Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has it straight from the horse’s mouth – several of his stars are edging towards State of Origin selection.

The horse in this case is new NSW coach Brad Fittler, who has let McGregor know that the Dragons 4-0 start to the season hasn’t escaped his attention.

It’s likely only injury will keep Tyson Frizell out of the blue jumper he’s worn for the past two seasons, but the likes of Jack de Belin, Paul Vaughan, Tariq Sims, Cameron McInnes and Euan Aitken have all put their hand up in their side’s flying start to the season.

Fittler has been an unabashed fan of the Dragons crop of Blues hopefuls, in particular de Belin and Vaughan, in his role as a channel nine commentator.

His ascension to the NSW coaching role has thrown open the door for a new breed of Blues aspirants, but McGregor said his crop of hopefuls need to produce consistently good form to make the representative leap.

“Every player that plays wants to play at the highest level which is representative footy,” McGregor said.

“Brad’s mentioned it plenty of times, that he wants the Sydney teams to be doing well around Origin time.

“Origin time is round 12 and there’s a fair bit of footy to be played between now and round 12.

“Are they in form, yes, do I think they’re Origin players, absolutely, but they’ll need to be consistent for a lot more than four weeks to get those honours.

“They’ve got to oust people who are currently there that are Australian [Test] players that have been Origin players for a long time.

“As I say to the boys, if they’re team’s doing really well, and they’re a part of that team that’s doing really well around Origin time, they’ll pick form players because it’s a fresh new look.

“Brad’s mentioned that many a time, and he’s told me we have got players that are in contention, but only if they’re playing consistently well in clubland.”

The representative season is shaping as a real juggling act for McGregor, with Ben Hunt’s form likely to see him remain in the Queensland 17 as either a replacement for Cooper Cronk at halfback or as a bench utility.

If fit, Gareth Widdop and James Graham will also be part of Wayne Bennett’s England squad for its Test clash with New Zealand in Denver in June.

It complicates a period of the season the Dragons have traditionally struggled to navigate and McGregor admitted he has already given some thought to contingency planning.

“Certainly we’ve looked at that part of the year and what we can do differently to what we have done in the past,” McGregor said.

“We haven’t always ridden it that well and we’ve also got a few injuries out of it at different stages. Fortunately enough we’ve got a couple of [key] guys there who aren’t in Origin, they’re Internationals for other countries.

“I’ve mentioned it before, the balance of our squad is a bit deeper this year with youth and experience. We’ve got guys that have debuted last year, and the year before, that are more hardened to handle that time around Origin.

“You can put all these things in place but you don’t know until you get there who you’re going to miss and who you’re going to have out.

“Certainly winning like we are at the moment is a benefit, that’s for sure.”

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/5325304/dragons-blues-aspirants-on-fittlers-radar/?cs=3713