Signings for 2020 and future looking team

[Old Timer]

By the time Mc Fookknuckle is sent packing at the end of 2021 yes that is the year 2021 we will have a roster full of nobody's and journeymen.
All the decent young players in the squad right now will have been sent packing out of the game and any potential players will have already bailed as the evidence is mounting quickly as to what happens if you stay.
By the time a good coach is appointed a further 3-4 years will be required for them to build a squad with sufficient depth with 1st grade experience to compliment a few decent external signings.
The continuance of this madness will set us back for a minimum of 5 years from now.
A large % of the base of the squad has to come from within and we just don't have the ability to do that and every year of the current situation will cost you a minimum of 2 years in the long term.

 

[Dragonsamy]

Id like to know did anyone apply on this forum like i did about 3-4 years ago or more to go on that members panel that reports direct to the CEO and club about improving membership experience and were to sit on some club meetings with the CEO and others
Did anyone who applied actually get on the panel or was it like a TV contestant selection where the club strategically selected the panel about who would be YES people and suited their agendas to not rock the boat?

I don't know anyone that got on the panel

 

[Dragonslayer]

Nor do I, nor do I particularly want a rebuilding year either tbh. But as you correctly say this is the situation management have got us into. I don’t want another Maranta or another marquee player on overs. I would much prefer to blood some youngsters than buy some journeyman. In saying this that Greg chap from Parra with the difficult to spell surname has awesome CC stats and is unsigned, he would be probably worth picking up. He’s stuck behind Fergo and Sivo and there’s no shame in that.

Le less e wow, would be a good pick up and I think we have tried to get him before but Parra wouldn't let him go, however, in saying that now, we already have players of the same build and shape as him in Rava and Periera.

 

[Dragonslayer]

I strongly doubt Mary has no input into buying and selling players though. I just can’t imagine any head coach could just sit back and accept that. I reckon Mary just doesn’t want his name to hiring and firing because he doesn’t want to deal with the friction it causes. I could be wrong it’s just my feelings on it.

Exactly correct. McGregor has a huge say in who he wants to recruit and if you notice there is a pattern to what he wants in the team.

 

[Dragon Revival]

Mc Gregor likes journeyman who have played for at least two clubs who have sought to offload those players because they do not measure up. He fails to distinguish between career experience and displayed talent.

 

[possm]

I would still rather win the wooden spoon almost though than buy someone for the sake of it. I just don't think we have the spots available or salary cap space to turn our current squad into a premiership side unless there are some major movements but for that to happen someone would need to be interested in say for example poaching Aitken or Lafai and if they are in the market for a centre they will be after the same centres we are chasing and probably not the two blokes mentioned.

On a good day, we have a good set of forwards, good set of halves but a lousy back 5. It has been the case for a couple of years now and should have been addressed for the 2018 season.

Three major mistakes have been made:

• We did not replace like for like when members of our back 5 left the club.
• We extended Aitken and Lafai long term when as it turns out a one year deal would have done the job.
• It was a big mistake holding onto Widdop and De Belin for 2019.

 

[possm]

By the time Mc Fookknuckle is sent packing at the end of 2021 yes that is the year 2021 we will have a roster full of nobody's and journeymen.
All the decent young players in the squad right now will have been sent packing out of the game and any potential players will have already bailed as the evidence is mounting quickly as to what happens if you stay.
By the time a good coach is appointed a further 3-4 years will be required for them to build a squad with sufficient depth with 1st grade experience to compliment a few decent external signings.
The continuance of this madness will set us back for a minimum of 5 years from now.
A large % of the base of the squad has to come from within and we just don't have the ability to do that and every year of the current situation will cost you a minimum of 2 years in the long term.

I'm confident Mary will be sacked in the first half of the 2020 season.

 

[Old Timer]

I'm confident Mary will be sacked in the first half of the 2020 season.

Absolutely no chance of that happening.
Anyone who thinks that Gould would put his name to something without knowing the outcome has rocks in their heads.
Gould would have said to the CEO, if I endorse this review then nothing changes until the end of the season when I do my next review.
Gould's ego wouldn't allow for people to say he got it wrong before the season started and he will simply say that despite best efforts for the entire season Mc Gregor couldn't install the correct DNA into the squad despite having the requisite skills to coach.
Mc Gregor's failures as a coach will be disguised as the squad not responding to being "Dragon's"

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

On a good day, we have a good set of forwards, good set of halves but a lousy back 5. It has been the case for a couple of years now and should have been addressed for the 2018 season.

Three major mistakes have been made:

• We did not replace like for like when members of our back 5 left the club.
• We extended Aitken and Lafai long term when as it turns out a one year deal would have done the job.
• It was a big mistake holding onto Widdop and De Belin for 2019.

Yes I agree for the most part other than Widdop, if not injured most of the year he could have got us to the finals. JDB is contracted so not much we could do really.

 

[Saint_JimmyG]

By the time Mc Fookknuckle is sent packing at the end of 2021 yes that is the year 2021 we will have a roster full of nobody's and journeymen.
All the decent young players in the squad right now will have been sent packing out of the game and any potential players will have already bailed as the evidence is mounting quickly as to what happens if you stay.
By the time a good coach is appointed a further 3-4 years will be required for them to build a squad with sufficient depth with 1st grade experience to compliment a few decent external signings.
The continuance of this madness will set us back for a minimum of 5 years from now.
A large % of the base of the squad has to come from within and we just don't have the ability to do that and every year of the current situation will cost you a minimum of 2 years in the long term.

Personally, I feel the so-called “rebuilding stage” will take 10 (not five) years to complete.

 

[Old Timer]

Personally, I feel the so-called “rebuilding stage” will take 10 (not five) years to complete.

Want to join me to go and watch some u/12's games next year so we can have a look at some potential players for an assault on another premiership in 2029?
Would have to be better than watching egghead at work.

 

[Saint_JimmyG]

Yes I agree for the most part other than Widdop, if not injured most of the year he could have got us to the finals. JDB is contracted so not much we could do really.

Even with Widdop being available, I still doubt SGI would’ve made any impact in 2019. This is based on three aspects: 1. dreadful acquisition and retention decision making, 2. players fed up with McGregor and, 3. the JDB situation. It’s a perfect storm (for those familiar with the movie and vernacular).

Of course it’s easy to write in hindsight, however, these issues could be seen from a mile away.

 

[Saint_JimmyG]

Want to join me to go and watch some u/12's games next year so we can have a look at some potential players for an assault on another premiership in 2029?
Would have to be better than watching egghead at work.

Knowing my personality, I’d abuse the crap out the junior referees.

Not a good sight.

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

Even with Widdop being available, I still doubt SGI would’ve made any impact in 2019. This is based on three aspects: 1. dreadful acquisition and retention decision making, 2. players fed up with McGregor and, 3. the JDB situation. It’s a perfect storm (for those familiar with the movie and vernacular).

Of course it’s easy to write in hindsight, however, these issues could be seen from a mile away.

Even with Widdop being available, I still doubt SGI would’ve made any impact in 2019. This is based on three aspects: 1. dreadful acquisition and retention decision making, 2. players fed up with McGregor and, 3. the JDB situation. It’s a perfect storm (for those familiar with the movie and vernacular).

Of course it’s easy to write in hindsight, however, these issues could be seen from a mile away.

Yeah I strongly doubt it too, but it’s hard to argue that Widdop is not our most potent attacking player. So if he’s willing most coaches would have played him. I seen no lack of desire in him and he always gives his all. Imagine him with the Roosters outside backs, he’d look like Andrew Johns.

 

[matPORTS]

Have been in a bit of a hibernation period (much like every year) since the Grand Final.

Biggest concerns for mine at this stage are Tyson Frizell not yet re-signed (this should have been done months ago), and Tristian Sailor not yet contracted (albeit it's purely formalities still to be sorted from what is being said in various circles).

Further concerns are around our outside backs... and that the same problems identified last pre-season still seem to be in existence. We are desperately short of two quality outside backs (a winger and a centre). But, as I alluded to in other threads back in September when the Jack Bird rumors surfaced, if I'm running the business right now I'm also not willing to give this 'coaching & recruitment regime' any more leeway. No more signings. Use what you've got.

Euan Aitken should be told right now "sorry mate, you're starting the season in NSW Cup and you're free to negotiate with other clubs - but we're not subsidising any deal for 2020". Lomax must start in the number 3 jersey Round 1 2020.

Jeez I hope Flannagan actually has some sway when he gets here. Otherwise we better brace ourselves for a pretty painful next couple of years (minimum).

 

[Saint_JimmyG]

Yeah I strongly doubt it too, but it’s hard to argue that Widdop is not our most potent attacking player. So if he’s willing most coaches would have played him. I seen no lack of desire in him and he always gives his all. Imagine him with the Roosters outside backs, he’d look like Andrew Johns.

Interesting you refer to the “Roosters’ outside backs”. Widdop went ok with a bloke named Cronk outside him at halfback in Melbourne. Undoubtedly, Gareth WAS the Dragons most potent attacking weapon but (I feel) with his desire to get the hell out of Wollongong asap, his ability to make an implact would’ve been diluted due to a distracted mindset. Also remember, McIdiot’s first preference was to play him at fullback too.

We’ll never know though.

 

[muzby]

Widdop went ok with a bloke named Cronk outside him at halfback in Melbourne.

Halfback plays inside 5/8th.

Halfback plays inside all the backs actually..

 

[Gold_Coast Dragon]

I might be alone in this, but imo Mary can't coach attacking shape. We almost never confuse the defense or create an overlap. Isnt it possible our outside backs are mostly fine but are looking aweful due to lack of structure.

 

[muzby]

I might be alone in this, but imo Mary can't coach attacking shape. We almost never confuse the defense or create an overlap. Isnt it possible our outside backs are mostly fine but are looking aweful due to lack of structure.

Pretty sure you’re not alone..

Just saying..

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

Have been in a bit of a hibernation period (much like every year) since the Grand Final.

Biggest concerns for mine at this stage are Tyson Frizell not yet re-signed (this should have been done months ago), and Tristian Sailor not yet contracted (albeit it's purely formalities still to be sorted from what is being said in various circles).

Further concerns are around our outside backs... and that the same problems identified last pre-season still seem to be in existence. We are desperately short of two quality outside backs (a winger and a centre). But, as I alluded to in other threads back in September when the Jack Bird rumors surfaced, if I'm running the business right now I'm also not willing to give this 'coaching & recruitment regime' any more leeway. No more signings. Use what you've got.

Euan Aitken should be told right now "sorry mate, you're starting the season in NSW Cup and you're free to negotiate with other clubs - but we're not subsidising any deal for 2020".Aitk

Interesting you refer to the “Roosters’ outside backs”. Widdop went ok with a bloke named Cronk outside him at halfback in Melbourne. Undoubtedly, Gareth WAS the Dragons most potent attacking weapon but (I feel) with his desire to get the hell out of Wollongong asap, his ability to make an implact would’ve been diluted due to a distracted mindset. Also remember, McIdiot’s first preference was to play him at fullback too.

We’ll never know though.

He won a comp there obviously but having the option to kick high to Tupou, spread it to Mitchell or Manu and having Teddy screaming up the middle would be pretty lethal. Here he can throw it to Aitken which is like throwing it down a mineshaft. Put a kick up for Rava and pray he doesn’t drop it. Or spread it Lafai off a block play so he can step on the spot and make 1 meter before an over the sideline offload. On occasion the fullback might chime in, if he can remember who it is that week or if he is playing it himself.