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getsmarty

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DRAGONS


Training gallery: Pre-season week 7
Mon 13 Jan 2020, 02:25 PM
The Dragons hit the paddock with weights in hand as they continue their preparations for the 2020 season. Take a look at the best snaps here!


Ben Hunt fires the ball out wide.
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Eddie Blacker

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https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2020/01/13/training-gallery-pre-season-week-7/
 

getsmarty

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NSWRL NEWS


Vale Ted Curran
Author
NSWRL
Timestamp
Fri 10 Jan 2020, 01:30 PM

The NSWRL is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former NSW selector Ted Curran.

Curran carved a successful career in the Illawarra region as a rugged forward after coming to Thirroul from Temora in 1958. He played 120 first grade games with the Thirroul Butchers before retiring in 1966.

Curran also had a decorated representative career after playing for Country Seconds on the day he turned 18 in 1952. He also represented Riverina against the American All Stars and played for Southern Division against Great Britain in 1958 and New Zealand in 1959.

Curran continued to contribute to the game post-retirement after being appointed as a selector for the Country Rugby League and NSWRL.

“We’ve lost a great Rugby League person with the passing of Ted Curran,” NSWRL President Bob Millward said.

“He was a long-term Country selector and served on the NSW selection committee where he did his state proud. Ted was a great Rugby League man, both on and off the field, and never stopped giving to the game.

“The NSWRL would like to pass on our sincere condolences to his family and friends.”


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2020/01/13/vale-ted-curran/
 

getsmarty

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ALL STARS


Luke firms for Maori All Stars selection
Author
Troy Whittaker NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Tue 14 Jan 2020, 12:00 PM

New Rabbitoh Latrell Mitchell may get the chance to prove himself at fullback in the All Stars clash, with the superstar leading fan voting for the position.

Fans can still vote on who they'd like to see line up for each team before Indigenous coach Laurie Daley and Maori mentor David Kidwell determine the final squads for the February 22 match at Cbus Super Stadium.

The data so far has Mitchell, a proud Biripi man, polling best at both fullback and centre for the Indigenous side.

The 22-year-old, who signed with the Rabbitohs on Monday, has said he wants to wear the No.1 jersey going forward and it seems that fans are keen to see him in that role.

Mitchell is ahead of Alex Johnston and Jack Wighton in the fullback voting and Kotoni Staggs and James Roberts at centre.

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Incumbent Indigenous captain Cody Walker has also proved a popular pick, ranking first at five-eighth and halfback, while the electric Josh Addo-Carr is unsurprisingly the leading option among wingers.

Elsewhere for the Indigenous team, Andrew Fifita is top of the props, Nathan Peats is first at hooker, David Fifita heads the second-rowers and Wade Graham has the most votes among locks.

Meanwhile, New Zealand legend Benji Marshall is dominating the Maori voting, being selected the most at five-eighth and halfback.

After playing in the halves in last year's match, Kalyn Ponga looks set to switch to his natural slot of fullback judging by the fan response.

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The Indigenous All Stars team before the 2019 match. :copyright:NRL Photos
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak leads the way for the wingers, while Esan Marsters is in front at centre.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is the most popular Maori front-rower and Brandon Smith is on track to win the fan vote at hooker.

Second-rower Kenny Bromwich and lock Joseph Tapine round out the highest-polling Maori players at this stage.

With the voting process ongoing, there's still time for fans to send a selection message to the coaches.

Highest polling players
Indigenous
  • Fullback: Latrell Mitchell, Alex Johnston, Jack Wighton
  • Wing: Josh Addo-Carr, Blake Ferguson, Edrick Lee
  • Centre: Latrell Mitchell, Kotoni Staggs, James Roberts
  • Five-eighth: Cody Walker, Jack Wighton, Connor Watson
  • Halfback: Cody Walker, Tyrone Roberts, Ash Taylor
  • Prop: Andrew Fifita, Ryan James, Leilani Latu
  • Hooker: Nathan Peats, Connor Watson, Will Smith
  • Second Row: David Fifita, Wade Graham, Joel Thompson
  • Lock: Wade Graham, Adam Elliott, David Fifita
Maori
  • Fullback: Kalyn Ponga, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Jahrome Hughes
  • Wing: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Reimis Smith, Dane Gagai
  • Centre: Esan Marsters, Dylan Walker, Dane Gagai
  • Five-eighth: Benji Marshall, Jarome Luai, Kalyn Ponga
  • Halfback: Benji Marshall, Kodi Nikorima, Jahrome Hughes
  • Prop: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jesse Bromwich
  • Hooker: Brandon Smith, Issac Luke, Jeremy Marshall-King
  • Second Row: Kenny Bromwich, Corey Harawira-Naera, Joseph Tapine
  • Lock: Joseph Tapine, Adam Blair, Tohu Harris
Vote here for the 2020 Indigenous All Stars team and Maori All Stars team

Get your tickets to see the best of the NRL’s Indigenous and Mãori players going head to head at Cbus Super Stadium on February 22


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2020/01/14/luke-firms-for-maori-all-stars-selection/
 

getsmarty

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NINES


Everything you need to know about the Perth NRL Nines
Author
NRL.com
Timestamp
Thu 16 Jan 2020, 01:00 PM

All 16 NRL teams will turn out in Perth across two days of fast-paced action when the club Nines tournament returns after a two-year absence.

Moving away from Auckland for the first time, the competition is shaping as a summer footy festival with fun the ultimate focus.

Total prize money of $1 million is on the line in the men's competition, with a bonus $1 million available for any club that can win both the Nines and NRL Telstra Premiership this season.

NRL premiers the Roosters are also the reigning Nines champions, having won the most recent edition in 2017.

The four NRLW clubs – the Broncos, Dragons, Warriors and Roosters – will take part in a round-robin tournament.

NRL Nines – Perth
Where: HBF Park

When: February 14-15

Event timings:

  • Friday 14 February: 4pm to 8:30pm
  • Saturday 15 February: 11am to 7:30pm
Thirty matches will be played over 12 exciting hours.

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Men's pools
Pool 1: Panthers, Warriors, Roosters, Knights

Pool 2: Bulldogs, Dragons, Eels, Sharks

Pool 3: Raiders, Wests Tigers, Titans, Rabbitohs

Pool 4: Cowboys, Storm, Broncos, Sea Eagles

TV broadcast information
All games live on NRL Live Pass, Fox League and Kayo (Australia) and Sky NZ (New Zealand)

Ticketing
Two-day passes start from $55 for club members and $60 for general public.

Friday tickets are from $20 for club members or $25 for general public, while Saturday tickets are from $35 for club members or $40 for general public.

Fans can also purchase into an Active Zone, a party area at the end of the stadium featuring a DJ, beach deck, merchandise and other benefits.

Official NRL Travel packages, including NRL Nine’s tickets, accommodation options and exclusive experiences with NRL Legends can be purchased via www.nrl.com/travel

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2020/01/16/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-perth-nrl-nines/
 

ViceVersa

Juniors
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282
Josh Addo-Carr wants return to Sydney with three NRL clubs in the hunt

Paul Crawley, The Daily Telegraph
January 17, 2020 7:41am

Josh Addo-Carr’s hopes of getting out of Melbourne this year are being hampered by the Storm’s reluctance release the star winger unless a rival club can offer up a similar quality player in return.

The Daily Telegraph understands the three clubs in the race for Addo-Carr are the Sydney Roosters, Canterbury and St George Illawarra.

The Storm have already agreed to release Addo-Carr for next year but behind the scenes a game is still being played out to get him to Sydney for the 2020 season.

Addo-Carr is going through a management dispute which is only making it more difficult for rival clubs to enter into any negotiations.

But the other issue is said to be the Storm’s so-called unreasonable demands if a player swap was to occur.

While the Storm are selling it as if they are in a position of power, the fact of the matter is that it is Addo-Carr who wants out on compassionate grounds.

But unless Melbourne lower the bar it is unlikely a trade will be done for this year.

The Storm are in a difficult position given they have already lost Will Chambers and Curtis Scott which has left them extremely skinny in the outside backs while both Addo-Carr and Suliasi Vunivalu will be on the move next year, unless of course Addo-Carr leaves early.

The Roosters are considered the favourites to get the star Test winger if a deal can be done.

Meanwhile, Adam Doueihi’s career at South Sydney remains in limbo following Latrell Mitchell’s arrival.

Wayne Bennett had another chat with Doueihi on Thursday and assured the 21-year-old he would not be pushed out of the club if he didn’t want to leave.

The trouble is if Doueihi stays his best hope of cracking an NRL spot will be as a utility off the bench.

While Wests Tigers have shown interest in signing Doueihi there is a push for the Rabbitohs to sweeten the deal by at least picking up some of his $500,000 salary for 2020.

At this point the Rabbitohs have no intention of paying any money to release Doueihi although that could change if Jai Arrow becomes available for this year.

Arrow’s situation at the Gold Coast hasn’t changed with the Titans still not budging on an early release, although that could also change if Gold Coast can find a suitable replacement.

The Daily Telegraphreported on Wednesday that star Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita had been tossed up as a possible replacement for Arrow.

Although both the Sharks and Titans have denied any knowledge of the Fifita speculation, rival clubs are aware that Cronulla has its own salary cap concerns.

And it would not surprise to see further Sharks players linked with rival clubs in the countdown to the season.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...t/news-story/8b12a631f48640cf5124875b2ea09cb1
 

getsmarty

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Josh Addo-Carr wants return to Sydney with three NRL clubs in the hunt

Paul Crawley, The Daily Telegraph
January 17, 2020 7:41am

Josh Addo-Carr’s hopes of getting out of Melbourne this year are being hampered by the Storm’s reluctance release the star winger unless a rival club can offer up a similar quality player in return.

The Daily Telegraph understands the three clubs in the race for Addo-Carr are the Sydney Roosters, Canterbury and St George Illawarra.

The Storm have already agreed to release Addo-Carr for next year but behind the scenes a game is still being played out to get him to Sydney for the 2020 season.

Addo-Carr is going through a management dispute which is only making it more difficult for rival clubs to enter into any negotiations.

But the other issue is said to be the Storm’s so-called unreasonable demands if a player swap was to occur.

While the Storm are selling it as if they are in a position of power, the fact of the matter is that it is Addo-Carr who wants out on compassionate grounds.

But unless Melbourne lower the bar it is unlikely a trade will be done for this year.

The Storm are in a difficult position given they have already lost Will Chambers and Curtis Scott which has left them extremely skinny in the outside backs while both Addo-Carr and Suliasi Vunivalu will be on the move next year, unless of course Addo-Carr leaves early.

The Roosters are considered the favourites to get the star Test winger if a deal can be done.

Meanwhile, Adam Doueihi’s career at South Sydney remains in limbo following Latrell Mitchell’s arrival.

Wayne Bennett had another chat with Doueihi on Thursday and assured the 21-year-old he would not be pushed out of the club if he didn’t want to leave.

The trouble is if Doueihi stays his best hope of cracking an NRL spot will be as a utility off the bench.

While Wests Tigers have shown interest in signing Doueihi there is a push for the Rabbitohs to sweeten the deal by at least picking up some of his $500,000 salary for 2020.

At this point the Rabbitohs have no intention of paying any money to release Doueihi although that could change if Jai Arrow becomes available for this year.

Arrow’s situation at the Gold Coast hasn’t changed with the Titans still not budging on an early release, although that could also change if Gold Coast can find a suitable replacement.

The Daily Telegraphreported on Wednesday that star Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita had been tossed up as a possible replacement for Arrow.

Although both the Sharks and Titans have denied any knowledge of the Fifita speculation, rival clubs are aware that Cronulla has its own salary cap concerns.

And it would not surprise to see further Sharks players linked with rival clubs in the countdown to the season.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...t/news-story/8b12a631f48640cf5124875b2ea09cb1

Thanks for posting...don't rule out Souths...but by the looks of things Roosters or Souths...

And yet the NRL will again state that the Cap is working...LOL
 

getsmarty

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COMMUNITY


'Try League' program returns to St George area
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Fri 17 Jan 2020, 09:57 AM

The NSWRL are once again running their 'Try League' program in the St George area this coming February and March.

The 'Try League' program is a fun, safe way for boys and girls from culturally and linguistically diverse communities to get active and learn the basics of rugby league.

The eight-week program (February 4-March 24) costs $20 and will be run out of Bexley Park.

For more information or to register, please contact Zoe Hamilton on 0424 430 424 or email zhamilton@nswrl.com.au.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2020/01/17/try-league-program-returns-to-st-george-area/
 

getsmarty

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COMMUNITY


Dragons update: Bushfire response initiatives
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Fri 17 Jan 2020, 03:00 PM

The St George Illawarra Dragons have been deeply saddened by the bushfires that have impacted Australia in recent weeks.

With the south coast of New South Wales heavily affected by these devastating events, the Dragons have announced a number of events planned to bring both relief and funds to several communities in need within the club's catchment area.

The Dragons will head to the Shoalhaven region, Batemans Bay, Narooma, Moruya and surrounding areas on Tuesday, January 28 and Wednesday, January 29 to conduct a family fun day and several community activations. Details for these activities will be communicated in due course.

A number of Dragons representatives will also be in attendance at Moruya's touch football bushfire relief exhibition on Monday, January 27.

The Dragons have also joined forces with the Illawarra Hawks and Wollongong Wolves for a first of its kind Illawarra combined codes bushfire appeal golf day, scheduled for Monday, February 3.

Click here for full details on the Illawarra codes combined bushfire appeal golf day

The Dragons, in collaboration with the NRL's Bushfire Appeal Round, are also aiming to raise funds for the Salvation Army Disaster Relief Appeal at their Round 1 clash against Wests Tigers on Sunday, March 15.

Both of the Dragons' premier partners WIN Corporation and St George Leagues Club have committed their support to all of the club's bushfire response initiatives.

"The past few weeks have been distressing for many families across Australia and our heart goes out to everyone who have been impacted by the bushfires," Dragons CEO Brian Johnston said.

"We hope that these initiatives will in some way bring relief to those who have suffered through these harrowing times as well as help provide much-needed funds."

The Dragons are also currently investigating community relief avenues in the Central West of New South Wales ahead of the club's annual Charity Shield clash against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Mudgee's Glen Willow Stadium on Saturday, February 29.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2020/01/17/dragons-announce-bushfire-response-initiatives/
 

Old Kogarah Boy 1

First Grade
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Wish l had shares in an ink shop down at the Gong.
Good to see Merrin shaping up in the Red & White.
Lukes' head certainly will act as a second person in a tackle.
Whoever tries to go around him will need some sidestep!
Hope Paranoia slows down a bit, stops trying to out step himself and just go hard at the defence.
He was definately in need of some good advice from ex players at the club.
He has the makings, just needs some actual guidance .................. cue McGregor?
 

getsmarty

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McInnes, McGregor on captaincy appointment



DRAGONS


McInnes officially named Dragons captain
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Mon 20 Jan 2020, 08:00 AM

St George Illawarra have today officially announced Cameron McInnes as the Dragons' new captain ahead of the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership season.

McInnes replaces Gareth Widdop as the club's skipper following the English international's departure to the Warrington Wolves.

McInnes joined the Dragons from the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2017 and has only missed one game since arriving at the Red V. McInnes has also won every performance-based award available in his three seasons at the club.

At 25 years old, McInnes becomes the second-youngest captain in the joint-venture's history.

"It's a huge honour to be named captain of the St George Illawarra Dragons. It was an unbelievable feeling when I was told I would be the captain," McInnes, who has played 112 NRL games to date, said.

"This club has a great fan base and following so to be their captain is a huge responsibility. I'm focused and plan on upholding the club's legacy and doing everyone proud.

"It's a challenge I'm looking forward to. There's plenty of great people at this club who will help me along the way, which is great as I have plenty of learning and growth as a player to come."

Dragons coach Paul McGregor said the decision to appoint McInnes as Dragons captain was a huge positive for the club leading into the new season.

"Cameron demonstrates, drives and reinforces what is acceptable and not acceptable in our club's behaviour and standards. His ability to play through pain and fatigue is as good as anyone I have coached," McGregor said.

"Cameron plays with passion, he's gritty and he's a trustworthy liaison between the staff and players. He's been our most consistent player over the past three years which was really important when it came to deciding the leader of the club."


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2020/01/20/mcinnes-officially-named-dragons-captain/
 

getsmarty

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Cameron McInnes to lead St George Illawarra Dragons in 2020
Dragons Den
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Leader: Cameron McInnes has been named Dragons captain for the 2020 season. Picture: Anna Warr
He was the inspirational leader throughout a challenging 2019 and now Cameron McInnes has been named the official on-field leader of the St George Illawarra Dragons.

With Gareth Widdop departing for Warrington in the English Super League, McInnes will captain the Dragons in 2020.

At just 25-years-of-age, the hooker is the second youngest player to captain the joint venture and he said it's a privilege to be selected to lead the team.

"It's a huge honour to be named captain of the St George Illawarra Dragons," McInnes said. "It was an unbelievable feeling when I was told I would be the captain.

"This club has a great fan base and following so to be their captain is a huge responsibility. I'm focused and plan on upholding the club's legacy and doing everyone proud.

"It's a challenge I'm looking forward to. There's plenty of great people at this club who will help me along the way, which is great as I have plenty of learning and growth as a player to come."

McInnes arrived at the Dragons in 2017, having played the first three years of his career with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

He has missed just one match for the club in that time, last year's round 25 clash with the Gold Coast Titans after he suffered a broken leg the previous week.

A member of the leadership group and stand-in captain during the past two seasons, McInnes is highly regarded by his teammates.

The hooker was a rare bright spot throughout a disastrous 2019 and he regularly drew praise from those within the club for his effort and high standards.

St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor said the 112-game star is the right man to lead the team back to the NRL finals.

"Cameron demonstrates, drives and reinforces what is acceptable and not acceptable in our club's behaviour and standards," McGregor said. "His ability to play through pain and fatigue is as good as anyone I have coached.

"Cameron plays with passion, he's gritty and he's a trustworthy liaison between the staff and players. He's been our most consistent player over the past three years which was really important when it came to deciding the leader of the club."


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...lawarra-dragons-announce-new-captain/?cs=3713
 

getsmarty

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Dragons’ best 17: Make or break for backline stars as pressure mounts
Dragons
john_dean.jpg

7b6369a5fecfc9cc1704ea10f1df3efa

Dragons coach Paul McGregor is under the pump heading into 2020. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)Source: AAP
St George Illawarra is under a great deal of pressure heading into 2020 following last year’s dismal display.

Despite their 15th place finish and a number of stars underperforming, the bulk of the squad remains in tact which can viewed either positively or negatively, depending on which way you look at it.

The club’s biggest loss is former captain Gareth Widdop, who is now back in England, but they got a taste at what life will be like without him while he was sidelined with a serious shoulder injury last year.

Other outs include Luciano Leilua, who has joined Wests Tigers, and the now-retired Jeremy Latimore, while Jack de Belin remains stood down pending the result of his sexual assault court case.

New recruits Trent Merrin and Issac Luke appear destined for spots in the first-choice 17, despite many pundits believing they’re past their best.


But while the forward pack picks itself with a number of representative stars, the club’s backline raises the most questions.

A number of players were rotated throughout the back five in 2019, with coach Paul McGregor unable to settle on his most potent combinations, although he has locked in Zac Lomax at fullback for Round 1.

For centres Tim Lafai and Euan Aitken, this year looms as a particularly defining one with the pair off-contract and coming off indifferent seasons.

The wing is also an area of concern, but 199cm flyer Jason Saab emerged as a star of the future last season and stands to benefit this year from the tackling-in-mid-air rule change.

THE STRENGTH

The pack

While they failed to fire for periods of 2019, the Red V’s forwards still pack plenty of punch and McGregor will be hoping they pay the platform for his backs this season.

Paul Vaughan, Tariq Sims and Tyson Frizell are all NSW Origin representatives, while James Graham and Korbin Sims have plenty of international experience.

Hooker Cameron McInnes is also coming off his best ever season.

A number of the club’s young prospects like Blake Lawrie earned valuable NRL time last season which will give them plenty of confidence heading into this season.

PRESSURE IS ON

The whole team

The Dragons are coming off their worst ever season as a joint venture having finished 15th in 2019.

Last year they had the second-worst defence in the competition, so if they’re any chance of moving up the ladder, they must improve that aspect of their game.

Their attack also needs plenty of work and the heat will be on Norman and Hunt to step up with Widdop now gone.

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Corey Norman needs to perform in 2020. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)Source: AAP
THE RISING STAR

Eddie Blacker

Standing at 195cm and weighing 116kg, Blacker is a young prop on the rise.

The 20-year-old joined the Dragons in 2019 on a development deal, but is a member of the top 30 squad this season.

Blacker’s had the chance to pick the brains of the club’s experienced forwards over the past 12 months which will put him in good stead if an NRL berth comes knocking in 2020.

With Lomax to get the No.1 jumper, Matt Dufty and Tristan Sailor appear destined for a stint in reserve grade to start the season, although the latter could find himself in the running for a wing spot.

Another contender for the wing is Mikaele Ravalawa who has appeared to drop down the pecking order.

Brayden Wiliame, who has joined the club after impressing for Catalans in Super League, will put pressure on the likes of Euan Aitken and Tim Lafai who struggled to find form in 2019.

Others who will be pushing for likely bench spots include Josh Kerr and Jacob Host who gained valuable NRL experience last season.

IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR …

Zac Lomax

After signing a lucrative long-term extension with the club, Lomax will take over the Dragons’ No.1 jersey in 2020.

While there have been huge raps on the 20-year-old in the junior grades, the start to his NRL career has been a mixed bag of performances which could be put down to a constant changing of positions.

But with McGregor declaring Lomax will get first crack at fullback, a position he played growing up, the stability around his on-field future will only benefit him.

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Zac Lomax (R) will get first crack at fullback. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
DRAGONS’ BEST 17

1. Zac Lomax

2. Jordan Pereira

3. Euan Aitken

4. Tim Lafai

5. Jason Saab

6. Corey Norman

7. Ben Hunt

8. James Graham

9. Cameron McInnes

10. Paul Vaughan

11. Tyson Frizell

12. Tariq Sims

13. Trent Merrin

14. Issac Luke

15. Korbin Sims

16. Blake Lawrie

17. Jackson Ford


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...e/news-story/bff257d2c603da09e56ba981be6d18ae
 

getsmarty

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DRAGONS


McInnes to lead Red V in 2020
Author
NRL.com
Timestamp
Mon 20 Jan 2020, 08:42 AM

New Dragons captain Cameron McInnes is ready to accept the "huge responsibility" that comes with the job.

The Dragons announced on Monday that McInnes would take the job created by Gareth Widdop's return to England.

"It's a huge honour to be named captain of the St George Illawarra Dragons. It was an unbelievable feeling when I was told I would be the captain," McInnes said.

"This club has a great fan base and following so to be their captain is a huge responsibility. I'm focused and plan on upholding the club's legacy and doing everyone proud.

"It's a challenge I'm looking forward to. There's plenty of great people at this club who will help me along the way, which is great as I have plenty of learning and growth as a player to come."

remote.axd

McInnes named new Dragons captain


McInnes named new Dragons captain

The 25-year-old hooker, known for a tireless work ethic, has played 112 NRL matches after making his debut with South Sydney in 2014.

Dragons coach Paul McGregor said McInnes' on-field consistency played a role in the club's decision.

"Cameron demonstrates, drives and reinforces what is acceptable and not acceptable in our club's behaviour and standards. His ability to play through pain and fatigue is as good as anyone I have coached," McGregor said.

"Cameron plays with passion, he's gritty and he's a trustworthy liaison between the staff and players. He's been our most consistent player over the past three years which was really important when it came to deciding the leader of the club."

https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/01/20/mcinnes-to-captain-dragons-in-2020/
 

getsmarty

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33,485
Cameron McInnes announced as St George Illawarra Dragons captain

$
:copyright: Getty Images
St George Illawarra has announced star hooker Cameron McInnes as club captain for 2020.

The 25-year-old replaces playmaker Gareth Widdop who returned to his native England to play with Warrington.


McInnes' consistent performances in the middle of the park for the Dragons have earned him plenty of respect from teammates and opponents.


The dummy half is remarkably durable, having missed only one game in his three seasons at the club despite being a regular at the top of the tackling charts.

Speaking following the announcement, McInnes said he was proud to lead the club.

"It's a huge honour to be named captain of the St George Illawarra Dragons. It was an unbelievable feeling when I was told I would be the captain," McInnes said.

"This club has a great fan base and following so to be their captain is a huge responsibility. I'm focused and plan on upholding the club's legacy and doing everyone proud.

"It's a challenge I'm looking forward to. There's plenty of great people at this club who will help me along the way, which is great as I have plenty of learning and growth as a player to come."

Captain Cam has a nice ring to it, wouldn't you say?

— St George Illawarra Dragons (@NRL_Dragons) January 19, 2020
McInnes has played 112 NRL games, 73 at the Dragons since moving from South Sydney at the end of the 2016 season.

St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor spoke highly of his new skipper.

"Cameron demonstrates, drives and reinforces what is acceptable and not acceptable in our club's behaviour and standards," McGregor said.

"His ability to play through pain and fatigue is as good as anyone I have coached.

"Cameron plays with passion, he's gritty and he's a trustworthy liaison between the staff and players.

"He's been our most consistent player over the past three years which was really important when it came to deciding the leader of the club."

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/othe...t-george-illawarra-dragons-captain/ar-BBZ7oE8
 
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