Who would you like to see appointed as Dragons Coach for 2015 on

[bottle]

Sounds easy poss. We get a few injuries on top of each other and all of a sudden our back line is composed of 'someone from the lower grades and a cheapy'. Again, that's why we have professionals doing the recruiting, and not forum members. It's about balance and depth.

 

[jenninga]

Sounds easy poss. We get a few injuries on top of each other and all of a sudden our back line is composed of 'someone from the lower grades and a cheapy'. Again, that's why we have professionals doing the recruiting, and not forum members. It's about balance and depth.

Promoting lower grade players to 1st grade also impacts on the salary cap

 

[bottle]

Indeed.

 

[getsmarty]

Bennett casts shadow over job

By Paul Haigh

July 18, 2014, 6 a.m.

Wayne Bennett

WAYNE Bennett has cast a huge shadow for a return to the St George Illawarra Dragons but the man in charge for the moment, Paul McGregor, does have his supporters.
The Leader understands the Dragons will table a three-year, $3 million offer to Bennett — for a second stint at the club.
Bennett coached at the Dragons from 2009 to 2011, winning two minor premierships and the 2010 grand final, beating Sydney Roosters 32-8.
Since Bennett told Newcastle he was leaving last week, Bennett's name has been strongly linked with the Dragons.
But, despite pubic denials, the three Queensland-based NRL clubs, North Queensland Cowboys, Brisbane and Gold Coast Titans, are interested now he is available.
McGregor, who took over from sacked coach Steve Price, has taken the Dragons to ninth on the NRL ladder, in his six matches at the helm.
McGregor has impressed the players with his footy knowledge and ability to relate to them.
Should Bennett not coach at the Dragons, the Leader understands, that McGregor would then be the front runner for the job full-time in 2015.
In other news, Trent Merrin is out for two weeks with a shoulder injury, and injured winger Brett Morris could be a late inclusion for next Monday night's clash with premiership leader Manly at Jubilee Oval.
Lock Merrin damaged his AC joint in the first tackle he made in last week's third and final State of Origin game at Suncorp Stadium.
Jack de Belin retains the No.13 jersey.
Morris hasn't played since dislocating his shoulder playing for NSW in State of Origin Game One in Brisbane in May.
He will have a fitness test on Monday to see if he can play against the Sea Eagles.
DRAGONS
Adam Quinlan, Charly Runciman, Josh Dugan, Gerard Beale, Jason Nightingale, Gareth Widdop, Benji Marshall, Ben Creagh (c), Mitch Rein, Michael Cooper, Leeson Ah Mau, Joel Thompson, Jack de Belin. Interchange: Bronson Harrison, Shane Pumipi, Will Matthews, Jack Stockwell. Peter Mata’utia makes way for Dugan in the centres. Match kick-off at 7pm on Monday.

Should Wayne Bennett return to the Dragons?


http://www.theleader.com.au/story/2422019/bennett-casts-shadow-over-job/?cs=1633

 

[love my saints]

A quick question. What has Mary done wrong? The boys are playing out of there skins for him, they all seem to have a great relationship with him, along with respect for him. He has us winning games, which is a coaches job, and what if we beat manly on monday night, what then?
I can see the financial benefit of signing bennett, but on field results bring in increased finance also.
Bennetts a 3 year option, Mary can be a long term option provided we continue to perform the way we have been the last 6 weeks.
When they named Mary as caretaker coach, i wasnt happy, i thought we should have made a play for neil henry, but Mary has proved me wrong, and i dont mind admitting that.
Some might say its the honeymoon period of having a new coach, and maybe it is, but so far so good. If he keeps the boys playing how they have been and the results keep coming in, then i say let this honeymoon last forever!!!!
The bubble may bust, but it hasnt yet and it has the same chance of not busting as it does of busting... i say enjoy the good times while there here

 

[GT0007]

A quick question. What has Mary done wrong? The boys are playing out of there skins for him, they all seem to have a great relationship with him, along with respect for him. He has us winning games, which is a coaches job, and what if we beat manly on monday night, what then?
I can see the financial benefit of signing bennett, but on field results bring in increased finance also.
Bennetts a 3 year option, Mary can be a long term option provided we continue to perform the way we have been the last 6 weeks.
When they named Mary as caretaker coach, i wasnt happy, i thought we should have made a play for neil henry, but Mary has proved me wrong, and i dont mind admitting that.
Some might say its the honeymoon period of having a new coach, and maybe it is, but so far so good. If he keeps the boys playing how they have been and the results keep coming in, then i say let this honeymoon last forever!!!!
The bubble may bust, but it hasnt yet and it has the same chance of not busting as it does of busting... i say enjoy the good times while there here

100%. I don't mind people being apprehensive but some are bagging him which makes zero sense. He has done everything right so far in my book and proved me wrong as well and I'm stoked with that otherwise we'd be competing for the wooden trophy. I also like in coaches corner that he said Duges has been playing well in the centres and Farrell has to earn his spot and needs game time in the cutters.....Hurray at least the coach agrees with me lol. I wouldnt like to see Farrell take on the likes of Matai underdone. Go the Dragons!

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2014/07/18/coach_s_corner_round_19.html

 

[Slippery Morris]

100%. I don't mind people being apprehensive but some are bagging him which makes zero sense. He has done everything right so far in my book and proved me wrong as well and I'm stoked with that otherwise we'd be competing for the wooden trophy. I also like in coaches corner that he said Duges has been playing well in the centres and Farrell has to earn his spot and needs game time in the cutters.....Hurray at least the coach agrees with me lol. I wouldnt like to see Farrell take on the likes of Matai underdone. Go the Dragons!

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2014/07/18/coach_s_corner_round_19.html

+1. I thought Mary would not make much of a difference and he has proved me wrong big time.

 

[watatank]

Maybe the supposed improvement is more an indication of prices inability rather than marys ability

 

[BennyV]

I dont know if anyone is specifically bagging Mary, but most have the issue that he is still an unknown quantity. Sure, he is doing well to date, but its not enough reason to pass up the best coach the game has seen, its being based on a handful of games.

He doesnt know how to handle the slog of coaching a full NRL season, a final series, how to respond when the team goes through a rough patch, how to keep us focused when we go through a purple patch. He hasnt been involved in NRL coaching until this year. Given the option, he would benefit massively from doing that apprenticeship under an experienced coach. We simply cnt afford to gamble our next few years and all the talent in our team on him at this stage.

 

[rainman44]

I dont know if anyone is specifically bagging Mary, but most have the issue that he is still an unknown quantity. Sure, he is doing well to date, but its not enough reason to pass up the best coach the game has seen, its being based on a handful of games.

He doesnt know how to handle the slog of coaching a full NRL season, a final series, how to respond when the team goes through a rough patch, how to keep us focused when we go through a purple patch. He hasnt been involved in NRL coaching until this year. Given the option, he would benefit massively from doing that apprenticeship under an experienced coach. We simply cnt afford to gamble our next few years and all the talent in our team on him at this stage.

100% mate , the next coach has to be the right one.

 

[Dragonboyd]

I too hath some love for Mary, yet would obviously be beside myself if we fail to get the services of St. Wayne of house Bennett. This one has also heard rumours stating that Mary does not want to be the coach as he wants to remain with the club very-long term - and that failure to achieve results as the main man could see him kicked out.

Bring Wayne back, let Mary grow... The choice is simple.

 

[Como Connection]

100% mate , the next coach has to be the right one.

Yes for sure.

 

[St Georgio]

I too hath some love for Mary, yet would obviously be beside myself if we fail to get the services of St. Wayne of house Bennett. This one has also heard rumours stating that Mary does not want to be the coach as he wants to remain with the club very-long term - and that failure to achieve results as the main man could see him kicked out.

Bring Wayne back, let Mary grow... The choice is simple.

Yes We want Mary for the long term, so he can be assistant, caretaker and emergency until he is absolutely ready to be the next big thing.

Bring back Wayne, let Mother Mary Grow!

 

[Puff2010]

I suspect the decision has already been made by the Board and a deal done and that the only reason there is no announcement is that Bennett would not want to take any focus away from the Rise for Alex Round. My guess is a likely announcement Tuesday / Wednesday. Just my gut feel.

 

[Crescent dragon]

I reckon spot on. Bennett would definitely not take the spotlight of McKinnons weekend. Deal done

 

[Godz Illa]

+1

-10

 

[possm]

I believe there will be an announcemnt next week. in my opinion these decisions will be made:

Bennett signed by the Dragons for 3 years
Broncos to stick with Griffin with a two year extension (timed to end when Bennett's contract ends with the Dragons.

Only a few sleeps until were told that Bennett is returning to the Dragons.

 

[Godz Illa]

If Mary is so confident in his own abilities as a super coach, and if he really is a loyal club man who "bleeds red and white", he should go overseas and get some real experience coaching in the ESL. Then come back when we need him.

 

[coast_dragons]

Having to prove loyalty thats a novel concept.

 

[GT0007]

If Mary is so confident in his own abilities as a super coach, and if he really is a loyal club man who "bleeds red and white", he should go overseas and get some real experience coaching in the ESL. Then come back when we need him.

-100!

If he believes he has the abilities of a supercoach would he not want to offer his services? :lol: I can't see anywhere Mary has put his hand up and announced himself in anyway and infact stated he was quite happy to step aside for a coach of the calibre of Bennett. That being the case (potentially) then would it not make more sense that he stays on to learn from Bennett or in your wisdom would he learn more from ESL??? Right now he is getting real experience coaching in the NRL. One of your best Mr Positive