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The Rumours Thread

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Parko1310

Juniors
Messages
1,132


Can anyone post these articles? Cheers
 
draco

draco

Juniors
Messages
662
NRL Media Street: Latest news and moves in NRL media

One of St George Illawarra’s most recent recruits was made off the field — check out all the gossip in Media Street.

Dean Ritchie

Former NRL.com journalist Chris Kennedy has stepped into the recently vacated media manager position at St George Illawarra.

Kennedy takes over from Jack Brady, who quit his post at the Red-V after six seasons.

Brady has taken up a role with Ampol, far away from the drama during his time at the Dragons, which included coach Paul McGregor’s sacking, Paul Vaughan’s BBQ-gate and Jack de Belin’s sexual assault case.

There was a sense of symmetry to Brady’s time at the Dragons. On his first day in 2017, he announced the signing of Ben Hunt. On his last day in October, he trumpeted the re-signing of the veteran halfback on a two-year extension.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...a/news-story/c701c3fdc78599196d5b4a24a250e8e4
 
draco

draco

Juniors
Messages
662

NRL 2023: Former Storm hooker Haele Finau wants Dragons No.9 jersey after Andrew McCullough retirement​

Andrew McCullough’s retirement has sparked a battle for the No.9 jersey at the Dragons and a former Melbourne Storm rookie is gunning for a round one spot.

Fatima Kdouh

Andrew McCullough’s retirement has sparked a hooking duel at St George Illawarra and the club’s newest dummy half, Haele Finau, is gunning for a round-one spot.

The former Melbourne hooker has joined the Dragons as a package deal with younger brother Sione, a rising winger who is part of the development squad.

Haele signed a full-time training deal but is expected to join the top 30 after impressing coaching staff less than two weeks into pre-season.

HOOKING DUEL

Haele is set to battle fellow new recruit and former Wests Tiger Jacob Liddle for the No.9 jumper vacated by McCullough in Wollongong.

Coach Anthony Griffin also has options in Moses Mbye and potentially Jayden Sullivan.

But Dragons fans will get their first glimpse of Haele in February’s trial matches against St Helens and in the Charity Shield against South Sydney.

“Hook wants us to play NRL, he said ‘you’re here for a reason’,” Haele said.

“Even if McCullough was still there, it hasn’t changed anything. I have that hungry mindset, I want to push.

“I know the opportunity is there and I’ll do everything I can to take it. Obviously, Liddle is there too. I‘m not trying to compare myself to Liddle and his experience. We’ve been helping each other, but pushing each other.

“We both want the same spot.”

RARE PRODUCTS

The brothers are a rare commodity in rugby league as Storm juniors. But despite coming through the renowned system, moving on from Melbourne was Haele’s best shot at playing in the NRL.

At one point the 22-year old was stuck behind Cameron Smith, Brandon Smith and Harry Grant.

“I had to think about what’s better for me, at one point I was four behind (a starting spot). So signing with the Dragons gave me better opportunities,” Haele said.

But as an apprentice to the Storm duo, Haele brings a wealth of knowledge to the Dragons.

“It was those extras after training, honing your craft. I wanted to get any information from those guys because they were the best,” Haele said.

“Harry was really good at helping develop my passing and running game.

“I still watch Harry closely and the decisions he makes, like when to run or not.”

SPINE CONNECTION

With Ben Hunt a lock at halfback, the other spine positions are set to be hotly contested. Tyrell Sloan, 20, and Cody Ramsey, 22, are vying for the fullback spot, while Talatua Amone, 20 and Sullivan, 21, are gunning for a chance in the halves.

But after Sloan and Sullivan withdraw their respective requests for a release, Haele can see the foundations of a long-term spine combination taking shape.

“We got along straight away, the first time we met those boys. Sloaney came straight up to us. We already have that bond,” Haele said.

“We catch up on the weekend. I can see us forming a long-term spine combination, we got on so well and it’s only been a week. It’s all about connecting.”

TOUGH LOVE

Craig Bellamy might be notorious for his gruelling pre-seasons but the brothers have found no respite in Wollongong with specialist coach Jamie Soward pushing the boys to their limit.

“I’d just met him, it’s the first day and he’s like giving it to us,” Haele said.

“When we’re tired, he’s like ‘this is where you want to be’. He pushes us hard.

“Every little thing, he’s at me. Passes behind, he’ll yell at me.

“But I know he wants us to make it so that means a lot to us.”

LONG GAME

Winger Sione is eligible for Jersey Flegg but wants to hold down a place in the Dragons NSW Cup side next season.

The 20-year old worked closely with Justin Olam while at the Storm but is trying to model his game on powerhouse Penrith winger Brian To’o.

“There’s a lot of competition in the outside backs. But I’m trying to get to that top 30 spot,” Sione said.

“My game is still growing but To’o is someone I look to emulate … his runs from the back are so strong and he makes a lot of metres. That is an attribute I admire. I like taking carries from the back end.”

NEXT GEN

Sione is part of a rising crop of players in Wollongong eager to make their mark over the summer. Already, one youngster, Alexander Lobb is turning heads.

“Lobby, he’s a winger. When we’re running he’s already in front. He is so quick and fit. He’s showing up all the NRL players,” Sione laughed.

“He’s been flying through the conditioning sessions.

Even in the gym, the winger is leading the way.

“He‘s set the standard, even in the gym. He lifts heaps. He’s a big boy. He was squatting 110 kilograms, real low, in the warm up. I’m thinking ‘Is he even a winger?’,” Haele laughed.

FAMILY TIES

While Haele is closer to a debut than Sione, the brothers, who were two of 11 siblings, want to fulfil a lifelong dream of playing in the same NRL side.

“It was never boring at home with that many kids, there was always someone to talk to,” Sione laughed.

“The house was always clean.

“We’ll need a lot of tickets, we’ve already warned the club ‘I’ve got a big family,” Haele interjected.

“We’d love to be out there together at the Dragons. That would be the dream.”

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...t/news-story/9156c2bef176c24be813e0bb68db4211
 
Dragon David

Dragon David

First Grade
Messages
7,528
draco said:

NRL 2023: Former Storm hooker Haele Finau wants Dragons No.9 jersey after Andrew McCullough retirement​

Andrew McCullough’s retirement has sparked a battle for the No.9 jersey at the Dragons and a former Melbourne Storm rookie is gunning for a round one spot.

Fatima Kdouh

Andrew McCullough’s retirement has sparked a hooking duel at St George Illawarra and the club’s newest dummy half, Haele Finau, is gunning for a round-one spot.

The former Melbourne hooker has joined the Dragons as a package deal with younger brother Sione, a rising winger who is part of the development squad.

Haele signed a full-time training deal but is expected to join the top 30 after impressing coaching staff less than two weeks into pre-season.

HOOKING DUEL

Haele is set to battle fellow new recruit and former Wests Tiger Jacob Liddle for the No.9 jumper vacated by McCullough in Wollongong.

Coach Anthony Griffin also has options in Moses Mbye and potentially Jayden Sullivan.

But Dragons fans will get their first glimpse of Haele in February’s trial matches against St Helens and in the Charity Shield against South Sydney.

“Hook wants us to play NRL, he said ‘you’re here for a reason’,” Haele said.

“Even if McCullough was still there, it hasn’t changed anything. I have that hungry mindset, I want to push.

“I know the opportunity is there and I’ll do everything I can to take it. Obviously, Liddle is there too. I‘m not trying to compare myself to Liddle and his experience. We’ve been helping each other, but pushing each other.

“We both want the same spot.”

RARE PRODUCTS

The brothers are a rare commodity in rugby league as Storm juniors. But despite coming through the renowned system, moving on from Melbourne was Haele’s best shot at playing in the NRL.

At one point the 22-year old was stuck behind Cameron Smith, Brandon Smith and Harry Grant.

“I had to think about what’s better for me, at one point I was four behind (a starting spot). So signing with the Dragons gave me better opportunities,” Haele said.

But as an apprentice to the Storm duo, Haele brings a wealth of knowledge to the Dragons.

“It was those extras after training, honing your craft. I wanted to get any information from those guys because they were the best,” Haele said.

“Harry was really good at helping develop my passing and running game.

“I still watch Harry closely and the decisions he makes, like when to run or not.”

SPINE CONNECTION

With Ben Hunt a lock at halfback, the other spine positions are set to be hotly contested. Tyrell Sloan, 20, and Cody Ramsey, 22, are vying for the fullback spot, while Talatua Amone, 20 and Sullivan, 21, are gunning for a chance in the halves.

But after Sloan and Sullivan withdraw their respective requests for a release, Haele can see the foundations of a long-term spine combination taking shape.

“We got along straight away, the first time we met those boys. Sloaney came straight up to us. We already have that bond,” Haele said.

“We catch up on the weekend. I can see us forming a long-term spine combination, we got on so well and it’s only been a week. It’s all about connecting.”

TOUGH LOVE

Craig Bellamy might be notorious for his gruelling pre-seasons but the brothers have found no respite in Wollongong with specialist coach Jamie Soward pushing the boys to their limit.

“I’d just met him, it’s the first day and he’s like giving it to us,” Haele said.

“When we’re tired, he’s like ‘this is where you want to be’. He pushes us hard.

“Every little thing, he’s at me. Passes behind, he’ll yell at me.

“But I know he wants us to make it so that means a lot to us.”

LONG GAME

Winger Sione is eligible for Jersey Flegg but wants to hold down a place in the Dragons NSW Cup side next season.

The 20-year old worked closely with Justin Olam while at the Storm but is trying to model his game on powerhouse Penrith winger Brian To’o.

“There’s a lot of competition in the outside backs. But I’m trying to get to that top 30 spot,” Sione said.

“My game is still growing but To’o is someone I look to emulate … his runs from the back are so strong and he makes a lot of metres. That is an attribute I admire. I like taking carries from the back end.”

NEXT GEN

Sione is part of a rising crop of players in Wollongong eager to make their mark over the summer. Already, one youngster, Alexander Lobb is turning heads.

“Lobby, he’s a winger. When we’re running he’s already in front. He is so quick and fit. He’s showing up all the NRL players,” Sione laughed.

“He’s been flying through the conditioning sessions.

Even in the gym, the winger is leading the way.

“He‘s set the standard, even in the gym. He lifts heaps. He’s a big boy. He was squatting 110 kilograms, real low, in the warm up. I’m thinking ‘Is he even a winger?’,” Haele laughed.

FAMILY TIES

While Haele is closer to a debut than Sione, the brothers, who were two of 11 siblings, want to fulfil a lifelong dream of playing in the same NRL side.

“It was never boring at home with that many kids, there was always someone to talk to,” Sione laughed.

“The house was always clean.

“We’ll need a lot of tickets, we’ve already warned the club ‘I’ve got a big family,” Haele interjected.

“We’d love to be out there together at the Dragons. That would be the dream.”

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...t/news-story/9156c2bef176c24be813e0bb68db4211
Click to expand...
Thanks for all that you have posted draco.
 
Maddragon99

Maddragon99

Juniors
Messages
2,075
draco said:

NRL 2023: Former Storm hooker Haele Finau wants Dragons No.9 jersey after Andrew McCullough retirement​

Andrew McCullough’s retirement has sparked a battle for the No.9 jersey at the Dragons and a former Melbourne Storm rookie is gunning for a round one spot.

Fatima Kdouh

Andrew McCullough’s retirement has sparked a hooking duel at St George Illawarra and the club’s newest dummy half, Haele Finau, is gunning for a round-one spot.

The former Melbourne hooker has joined the Dragons as a package deal with younger brother Sione, a rising winger who is part of the development squad.

Haele signed a full-time training deal but is expected to join the top 30 after impressing coaching staff less than two weeks into pre-season.

HOOKING DUEL

Haele is set to battle fellow new recruit and former Wests Tiger Jacob Liddle for the No.9 jumper vacated by McCullough in Wollongong.

Coach Anthony Griffin also has options in Moses Mbye and potentially Jayden Sullivan.

But Dragons fans will get their first glimpse of Haele in February’s trial matches against St Helens and in the Charity Shield against South Sydney.

“Hook wants us to play NRL, he said ‘you’re here for a reason’,” Haele said.

“Even if McCullough was still there, it hasn’t changed anything. I have that hungry mindset, I want to push.

“I know the opportunity is there and I’ll do everything I can to take it. Obviously, Liddle is there too. I‘m not trying to compare myself to Liddle and his experience. We’ve been helping each other, but pushing each other.

“We both want the same spot.”

RARE PRODUCTS

The brothers are a rare commodity in rugby league as Storm juniors. But despite coming through the renowned system, moving on from Melbourne was Haele’s best shot at playing in the NRL.

At one point the 22-year old was stuck behind Cameron Smith, Brandon Smith and Harry Grant.

“I had to think about what’s better for me, at one point I was four behind (a starting spot). So signing with the Dragons gave me better opportunities,” Haele said.

But as an apprentice to the Storm duo, Haele brings a wealth of knowledge to the Dragons.

“It was those extras after training, honing your craft. I wanted to get any information from those guys because they were the best,” Haele said.

“Harry was really good at helping develop my passing and running game.

“I still watch Harry closely and the decisions he makes, like when to run or not.”

SPINE CONNECTION

With Ben Hunt a lock at halfback, the other spine positions are set to be hotly contested. Tyrell Sloan, 20, and Cody Ramsey, 22, are vying for the fullback spot, while Talatua Amone, 20 and Sullivan, 21, are gunning for a chance in the halves.

But after Sloan and Sullivan withdraw their respective requests for a release, Haele can see the foundations of a long-term spine combination taking shape.

“We got along straight away, the first time we met those boys. Sloaney came straight up to us. We already have that bond,” Haele said.

“We catch up on the weekend. I can see us forming a long-term spine combination, we got on so well and it’s only been a week. It’s all about connecting.”

TOUGH LOVE

Craig Bellamy might be notorious for his gruelling pre-seasons but the brothers have found no respite in Wollongong with specialist coach Jamie Soward pushing the boys to their limit.

“I’d just met him, it’s the first day and he’s like giving it to us,” Haele said.

“When we’re tired, he’s like ‘this is where you want to be’. He pushes us hard.

“Every little thing, he’s at me. Passes behind, he’ll yell at me.

“But I know he wants us to make it so that means a lot to us.”

LONG GAME

Winger Sione is eligible for Jersey Flegg but wants to hold down a place in the Dragons NSW Cup side next season.

The 20-year old worked closely with Justin Olam while at the Storm but is trying to model his game on powerhouse Penrith winger Brian To’o.

“There’s a lot of competition in the outside backs. But I’m trying to get to that top 30 spot,” Sione said.

“My game is still growing but To’o is someone I look to emulate … his runs from the back are so strong and he makes a lot of metres. That is an attribute I admire. I like taking carries from the back end.”

NEXT GEN

Sione is part of a rising crop of players in Wollongong eager to make their mark over the summer. Already, one youngster, Alexander Lobb is turning heads.

“Lobby, he’s a winger. When we’re running he’s already in front. He is so quick and fit. He’s showing up all the NRL players,” Sione laughed.

“He’s been flying through the conditioning sessions.

Even in the gym, the winger is leading the way.

“He‘s set the standard, even in the gym. He lifts heaps. He’s a big boy. He was squatting 110 kilograms, real low, in the warm up. I’m thinking ‘Is he even a winger?’,” Haele laughed.

FAMILY TIES

While Haele is closer to a debut than Sione, the brothers, who were two of 11 siblings, want to fulfil a lifelong dream of playing in the same NRL side.

“It was never boring at home with that many kids, there was always someone to talk to,” Sione laughed.

“The house was always clean.

“We’ll need a lot of tickets, we’ve already warned the club ‘I’ve got a big family,” Haele interjected.

“We’d love to be out there together at the Dragons. That would be the dream.”

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...t/news-story/9156c2bef176c24be813e0bb68db4211
Click to expand...
Nice positive article for a change. Thanks for posting 👍
 
Q

qld redvee

Juniors
Messages
1,334
BIG RIG said:
Just heard on Triple M Brent Read state that the Dragons are becoming increasingly more desperate by the day to sign players for the upcoming season

especially middle forwards
Click to expand...
Maybe if we had of made offers to a few players earlier on we may have got our target ... Really just goes to show that our list management person didnt do his allotted duty .....
 
Dragon David

Dragon David

First Grade
Messages
7,528
qld redvee said:
Maybe if we had of made offers to a few players earlier on we may have got our target ... Really just goes to show that our list management person didnt do his allotted duty .....
Click to expand...
I think the guy who was our list manager is someone called Shane Flanagan. I'm not sure if he was because I think he spent more time on Fox assisting in calling league games and spending time away so I'm thinking he didn't do too much. No-one wanted him as their head coach so I heard he has gone to Manly as an assistant to a guy who was a shocker at the Broncos - I think his name is Tony Seafood or something???

Only joking!

This is what Mr Flanagan is up to at the Sea Eagles and his work at the Dragons was a waste of time and will not be anywhere near our club again in the future methinks:-
 
P

Parko1310

Juniors
Messages
1,132
BIG RIG said:
Just heard on Triple M Brent Read state that the Dragons are becoming increasingly more desperate by the day to sign players for the upcoming season

especially middle forwards
Click to expand...
Funny how almost everyone on here agreed we needed to move faster and could see it from a mile off that it needed to happen. They sat around and did nothing whilst we all told them to get moving. Now they're getting desperate. Holy shit they're abysmal.
 
P

Parko1310

Juniors
Messages
1,132
Parko1310 said:
Funny how almost everyone on here agreed we needed to move faster and could see it from a mile off that it needed to happen. They sat around and did nothing whilst we all told them to get moving. Now they're getting desperate. Holy shit they're abysmal.
Click to expand...
Just to add, whilst they're busy getting desperate for 2023, they're overlooking 2024 whilst all the good players off contract at the end of 2023 are slowly starting to get signed up. Again, they won't make moves to ensure at least 2024 isn't an abject failure. Even further, a lot of our best players or best young players come off contract at the end of 2024, so a bad year in 24 as well could mean we lose a lot of them. FFS at the very least start moving for 2024 NOW. If it wasn't so painful it would be funny how incompetent they are...
 
Q

qld redvee

Juniors
Messages
1,334
Dragon David said:
I think the guy who was our list manager is someone called Shane Flanagan. I'm not sure if he was because I think he spent more time on Fox assisting in calling league games and spending time away so I'm thinking he didn't do too much. No-one wanted him as their head coach so I heard he has gone to Manly as an assistant to a guy who was a shocker at the Broncos - I think his name is Tony Seafood or something???

Only joking!

This is what Mr Flanagan is up to at the Sea Eagles and his work at the Dragons was a waste of time and will not be anywhere near our club again in the future methinks:-
Click to expand...
DD - flanno had a title and probably a well paid gig BUT our people allowed him to go and do fox commentary ( probably so flanno could check out talent ha ha ) and now we are looking at our worst recruitment "drive" in a few years .. Christ a 30 something journeyman would at least give us a name ...
where are all these signings management said would be revealed ... We had no impact in the forwards this year and its looking a lot worse for 23 unless christmas comes early
 
Dragon David

Dragon David

First Grade
Messages
7,528
qld redvee said:
DD - flanno had a title and probably a well paid gig BUT our people allowed him to go and do fox commentary ( probably so flanno could check out talent ha ha ) and now we are looking at our worst recruitment "drive" in a few years .. Christ a 30 something journeyman would at least give us a name ...
where are all these signings management said would be revealed ... We had no impact in the forwards this year and its looking a lot worse for 23 unless christmas comes early
Click to expand...
It makes me so angry and it is not at all pleasant. The incompetency of the whole club is for all to see. Flanno knows how bad things are at this unworkable club and he already sees some better days for him at the Sea Eagles than all of the time he had been at the Dragons.

I am hoping though deep down that even though the club is seen as being badly run at the moment, our players that we will have as our squad for 2023 will do their darnedest to give a good sight in the games win, lose or draw.

When the chips are down and there we are the underdogs there has to be something good that will eventually happen for us.
 
Gareth67

Gareth67

First Grade
Messages
8,407
qld redvee said:
Maybe if we had of made offers to a few players earlier on we may have got our target ... Really just goes to show that our list management person didnt do his allotted duty .....
Click to expand...
Have thought the same for quite some time , in fact over numerous years . Our mob seem to wait until the gate has been opened and the thorough-breds have bolted , leaving us with a few nags that have all but had their day .
 
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