2019 Trials

[LINESPEED]

Fair enough..again don't agree..Dufty is not a winger.....not just judging off one game...Dufty bought speed and elusiveness to our backline last season so also taking that into consideration . For mine, Widdop doesn't work at fullback...he was our best player most of the time @ 5/8. I would leave him there and either play Norman or Dufty @ fullback.

Here's an outside the square suggestion
1/.Dufty 2/Rava/Pearson 3/Lomax 4.Norman 5.Periera/Pearson 6 Widdop 7 Hunt ( That's an exiting backline for mine )

Mind you it will never happen because McGregor is too conservative...
he will pick
1. Widdop 2 Lomax 3.Aitken 4 Lafai 5 Periera 6 Norman 7 Hunt .....for mine that is not a speedy backline...and will take time to gel.

You nailed it with your ‘outside the square’ backline!

 

[getsmarty]

Dufty could be Dragons' new super sub

Matt Dufty looks set to start the NRL season on the bench for St George Illawarra. (AAP)


Matt Dufty's spot in first grade looked shot at St George Illawarra, but Dragons coach Paul McGregor has indicated he could still fill a bench role.

Matt Dufty could loom as St George Illawarra's supersub this NRL season as coach Paul McGregor weighs up how to use the club's young fullback.

Dufty has been relegated from the Dragons' starting side this year with Gareth Widdop moving back to fullback to accommodate Corey Norman's arrival in the halves, with the Englishman set to leave the joint-venture club at the end of the year.

After playing every game last season, the 23-year-old pushed his case in Saturday's trial win over Newcastle, with plenty of good second-half involvements and a try assist courtesy of nice footwork and a long ball.

And McGregor said there was still a chance he could fill a bench role for the Red V come round one against North Queensland, particularly given the versatility of his spine.

"Duft is an option to be in our 17 for sure. We can change things up in our spine if he comes on the field," McGregor said.

"We know Gareth is a world-class five-eighth, he's also been one of the better players at the World Cup at fullback. We know Hunty can play No.9, because he plays for Australia off the interchange at No.9.

"And Cam (McInnes) can play 13 so there is an opportunity to play them all at some stage as well.

"Duft is a really important part of our team, he knows that. That's why he stayed with us long term."

Dufty's case is largely helped by Kurt Mann's move to the Knights, leaving the Dragons without another genuine utility option.

Jai Field and hooker Reece Robson are other options unless McGregor opts to go with four forwards on the bench.

Elsewhere Euan Aitken faces a battle to hold out Zac Lomax at right centre. Both spent time there on Saturday after Lomax began outside Aitken on the wing.

McGregor is then expected to play his best side against South Sydney in next week's Charity Shield.

Fijian winger Mikaela Ravalawa also put his hand up for potential round one selection on Saturday, scoring twice with Jordan Perera the Dragons' most accomplished flyer.

"He is certainly an athlete, he is (188cm), 106kg, can run, changes ball with either hand, fends with either arm," McGregor said of Ravalawa.

"He is explosive so we have got to keep working with him because he is only new to our systems. But he is a big boy and something we are looking for as outside backs - speed and size."

Source AAP


https://www.sbs.com.au/news/dufty-could-be-dragons-new-super-sub

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


McGregor plans to pick de Belin for Charity Shield
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Sat 23 Feb 2019, 08:18 PM

St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has called for calm over Jack de Belin as he confirmed the NSW State of Origin forward would be selected for next weekend’s Charity Shield clash with South Sydney.

De Belin, whose immediate playing future is set to be decided at Thursday's ARL Commission meeting, did not play in Saturday's 18-10 trial defeat of Newcastle at WIN Stadium due to a virus.

However, McGregor said he would name de Belin, who has been charged with aggravated sexual assault, to return in the Charity Shield alongside England prop James Graham and Australian second-rower Tyson Frizell.

"We'll be running out our side as close as we can to round one and the players will be playing minutes as close to what they need to be ready for round one," McGregor said.

"I will choose the closest 17 as I can who are fit and healthy, and that will include James and Friz being back next week and obviously Jack if he is available."

Match Highlights: Dragons v Knights

McGregor did not want to take any questions on de Belin, who has become the focal point of an off-season of player misbehaviour after the allegations against him were detailed in court evidence, but he outlined his views in a prepared statement.

"I recognise the significance and importance surrounding the current proceedings regarding Jack de Belin and the allegations against him. There is a judicial process underway to establish a resolution to this allegation and dispute," McGregor said.

"Jack's welfare is our main concern and it is important that integrity and wellbeing are considered.

"If history and the past decade has taught us anything in rugby league, it is to refrain from making assumptions prior to legal proceedings being concluded.

Dragons halfback Ben Hunt Robb Cox/NRL Photos
"My focus needs to be on all 35 players in our squad and starting the season well for everyone associated with the Dragons and as such, I'm not interested in adding anything further to the commentary on this matter."

The Dragons used 28 players in the trial against the Knights and McGregor was largely happy with the performance of his key players but admitted there were still some positions yet to be decided.

Among them are right centre and right wing, with Zac Lomax playing both positions during the trial, while Eaun Aitken started at right centre before moving to left centre in the second half.

McGregor confirmed that fullback Matt Dufty was likely to fill the No.14 jersey in a move which could see captain Gareth Widdop shift to five-eighth, Corey Norman to halfback, Ben Hunt to hooker and Cameron McGuiness to lock when Dufty came on.

Gareth Widdop takes on the Knights defence. Robb Cox/NRL Photos
“We know Gareth is a world class five-eighth, he was also one of the better players at the World Cup at fullback, we know Hunty can nine, he plays off the interchange at nine for Australia and Cam can play 13 so there is an opportunity to play them all at some stage as well,” McGregor said.

“Duft is a really important part of our team, he knows that and that is why he stayed with us long term. I would rather be looking at them than looking for them, and to have the depth there is good.”

Hooker Reece Robson is another option for the bench utility role, while prop Josh Kerr only needs to increase the length of time he can play in each stint to come into contention for an interchange role.

Fijian winger Mikaele Ravalawa scored two tries and while he is a raw talent McGregor said he was a player who had put himself in the frame.

“He finished off two nice tries but unfortunately he came up with two errors in yardage as well so we have just got to make his best and worst not too far apart,” McGregor said.

“He is certainly an athlete, he is (188cm), 106kg, can run, changes ball with either hand, fends with either arm, he is explosive so we have got to keep working with him because he is only new to our systems but he is a big boy and something we are looking for in our outside backs.”


https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/02/23/mcgregor-plans-to-pick-de-belin-for-charity-shield/

 

[getsmarty]

GAME DAY


Game day information: Westfund Charity Shield
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Mon 25 Feb 2019, 11:27 AM

St George Illawarra Dragons v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Saturday, March 2
Glen Willow Stadium, Mudgee

Broadcast by Fox League

Match Day Sponsor: Westfund Health Insurance

5pm: Gates open
5:30pm: NSW Indigenous U16s v QLD Indigenous U16s
7:30pm: NRL Kick off – Dragons v Rabbitohs

#CharityShield #redv

TICKETING

Pre-purchase your tickets from Ticketek and save!

GAME DAY ACTIVITIES

Precinct activities

You will find all of your favourite Dragons activities around the precinct:

• Want to see what you would look like standing next to your favourite players? Head down to the Westfund marquee at the eastern entry to get your photo taken with the green screen and watch the magic happen.
• There will be a jumping castle and face painters in the south-west corner on the grassed area. We will also have the Dragons pass the ball board so you can practice your skills.
• 'Be a Player' photo opportunity - channel your inner Dragons player and find out how you would look in the Red V?

Match promotions

• Visit the Westfund chocolate wheel at the eastern entry for your chance to win some cool Dragons prizes, everybody wins.
• Pick up your 'Go Dragons' banner from the St.George Bank marquee at the eastern entry and cheer on your team.

On-field activity

• High energy performance by the Senior Flames.
• Preview the game with key match ups, final team line ups and the final word from key players as part of our Dragons TV pre-match show.
• Local junior league teams will participate in a half time exhibition match as part of the St.George Bank Challenge.
• Stick around after the game for the presentation of the Charity Shield to the winning team.

RED V MEMBER TICKETING

Red V members are reminded that they can access a discount on general admission pre-purchased tickets up until 11:59pm, Friday, March 1. Follow the instructions on your member card or emails for further information.

Note the only Red V memberships which include access to this game are platinum and Mudgee add-on. Member cards will not give access, with alternate ticketing arranged and sent to eligible members.

MEMBERSHIP ASSISTANCE

Visit the Red V marquee located inside the general admission entry gate from gates open until full time for any member enquires or to become a member. You can also pick up a 2019 team poster. If you have any questions leading up to the game please call 1300 DRAGON.

MERCHANDISE

Grab the latest 2019 merchandise from the Dragons merchandise van at the eastern entry. Red V members remember to bring your member card or proof of membership purchase to receive your exclusive discount on merchandise.

TRANSPORT INFORMATION

There is strictly no public parking permitted at the venue on game day. Patrons are advised to catch the free shuttle bus or walk to the venue.

There will be a free shuttle bus service operating throughout the Mudgee CBD. Services will operate on a continuous loop to Glen Willow Stadium from the below pick up/drop off locations:

• Mudgee Tourist Office - Market Street
• Mudgee High School – Perry Street (Victoria Park side of the road)
• St Matthew's Catholic School - Lewis Street
• Mudgee Racecourse

Services will depart Glen Willow Stadium to the CBD at the completion of the game at Glen Willow.

A low-floor bus will be available for patrons requiring assistance.

Glen Willow is accessible from the Mudgee CBD. Patrons parking in the Mudgee CBD will be able to walk a short distance (approx. one kilometre) to Glen Willow Stadium.

Limited parking will be available at the Mudgee Racecourse and Parklands Resort with a $2 fee payable on entry. Please follow directions from traffic management personnel.

Vehicles displaying a disabled parking pass will be permitted to park in the car park areas on Pitts Lane directly across from the Stadium. Please follow instructions from traffic management personnel.

No drop-off is permitted on Pitts Lane. Drop-off should be to one of the four shuttle bus locations.

GATE ENTRY

There will be two ticketed entry gates to the stadium:

• Eastern side (best entry for general admission)
• Western side (best for ticket purchases and grandstand seating)

As people depart the stadium, pedestrians will be able to exit from both the western and eastern side of the ground.

For more information please head to the below link: http://www.midwestern.nsw.gov.au/community--recreation/Events/2018-nrl-matches22/


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/25/game-day-information-westfund-charity-shield/

 

[Dragonslayer]

Squad for CS announced. No JDB and no Pearson

This appears to be the top 23 that will feature in our premiership aspirations.

Euan Aitken, Matt Dufty, Jai Field, Tyson Frizell, James Graham Jacob Host, Ben Hunt, Josh Kerr, Tim Lafai, Jeremy Latimore, Blake Lawrie, Luciano Leilua, Zac Lomax, Cameron McInnes, Corey Norman, Jordan Pereira, Mikaele Ravalawa, Reece Robson, Korbin Sims, Tariq Sims, Lachlan Timm, Paul Vaughan, Gareth Widdop

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/26/nrl-team-westfund-charity-shield/

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


NRL team: Westfund Charity Shield
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Tue 26 Feb 2019, 02:53 PM

St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has named a strong 23-man squad for the 36th annual Westfund Charity Shield against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Mudgee's Glen Willow Stadium on Saturday, March 2.

Tyson Frizell and James Graham will play their first game of 2019 after both were rested last weekend; while in the interest of player welfare, Jack de Belin will not travel with the squad to Mudgee or participate in the Westfund Charity Shield.

Dragons coach Paul McGregor gave praise for his side's 18-10 win over the Newcastle Knights, but was hoping to up the ante against South Sydney.

"The Charity Shield is always a good contest with the atmosphere and intensity to rival an NRL game. We'll be running out a side this week that will be as close as possible to what we're looking at for Round 1 (against the Cowboys)," McGregor said.

"The most important thing for me is to give the necessary players an appropriate amount of minutes under duress so that they're ready for Round 1, rather than begin that process once the competition begins.

"The plan is to be better than what we were [last weekend]. At times we demonstrated the changes we made in our pre-season, and we now have to lengthen the time to play better for longer. There were times where we needed to be more physical with our defence and speed up our attack.

"Mudgee is a great town where we have had two great experiences over the past year. We are really looking forward to getting back out there and connect with each other and the community.

"They love their rugby league in the Central West and this is a great chance for those living in the region to see first-hand a great match and some of the best players in the game."

The Rabbitohs will enter the clash with the Westfund Charity Shield in hand following their 22-18 win in the corresponding game last year.

In their 35 previous Charity Shield clashes, the Dragons have recorded 16 wins, the Rabbitohs 14 with the two clubs drawing on five occasions.

The Dragons' Intrust Super Premiership and Jersey Flegg trials will take place against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Redfern Oval on Sunday afternoon.

Dragons Westfund Charity Shield squad (alphabetically):

Euan Aitken, Matt Dufty, Jai Field, Tyson Frizell, James Graham Jacob Host, Ben Hunt, Josh Kerr, Tim Lafai, Jeremy Latimore, Blake Lawrie, Luciano Leilua, Zac Lomax, Cameron McInnes, Corey Norman, Jordan Pereira, Mikaele Ravalawa, Reece Robson, Korbin Sims, Tariq Sims, Lachlan Timm, Paul Vaughan, Gareth Widdop

Timings for Westfund Charity Shield:

Gates open: 5pm
Indigenous NSW 16s v Indigenous Qld 16s: 5:30pm
NRL kick-off: 7:30pm



https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/26/nrl-team-westfund-charity-shield/

 

[BLM01]

Squad for CS announced. No JDB and no Pearson

This appears to be the top 23 that will feature in our premiership aspirations.

Euan Aitken, Matt Dufty, Jai Field, Tyson Frizell, James Graham Jacob Host, Ben Hunt, Josh Kerr, Tim Lafai, Jeremy Latimore, Blake Lawrie, Luciano Leilua, Zac Lomax, Cameron McInnes, Corey Norman, Jordan Pereira, Mikaele Ravalawa, Reece Robson, Korbin Sims, Tariq Sims, Lachlan Timm, Paul Vaughan, Gareth Widdop

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/26/nrl-team-westfund-charity-shield/

Hopefully Perason and Marsters will push those backs even more throughout the year

 

[nontime111]

Im worried about Pearson.......whats going on with him anyone know?

 

[possm]

Hopefully Perason and Marsters will push those backs even more throughout the year

Pearson is missing again for the Charity Shield Game so his selection for game one is looking very shaky. We need to see Masters at centre again before round 1.

 

[BLM01]

Pearson is missing again for the Charity Shield Game so his selection for game one is looking very shaky. We need to see Masters at centre again before round 1.

Well guess what Possm..you wont. He is not going to Mudgee.

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Korbin to make most of Charity Shield chance before suspension
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 27 Feb 2019, 06:01 AM

Korbin Sims aims to use Saturday night's Charity Shield match against South Sydney in Mudgee to push his case for a regular starting berth in 2019.

Sims will become the third member of his family to play in the annual pre-season feature match after brothers Ashton and Tariq but won't make his Dragons premiership debut until round three due to a suspension incurred last season with Brisbane.

He had initially feared also missing St George Illawarra's pre-season trials against Newcastle and Souths but received a clearance to play and intends to make the most of his limited opportunity to impress McGregor.

"I had my brother Ashton play here at the club and play in many Charity Shields and now Tariq is playing at the club and has played in a couple of Charity Shields so it is good to get the opportunity to do it myself," Sims said.

"Unfortunately we couldn't get the Charity Shield included as one of my suspended games but I get to play a game of football and it is just good not to be sat on the sideline for the whole pre-season.

Match Highlights: Dragons v Knights

"I think it is very important that I can get out there and I can actually run around with some of the lads and work with the different forwards we have at the club. They've got an immaculate forward pack here that I'm trying to break into."

After starting at lock in last weekend’s 18-10 defeat of Newcastle, Sims appears the most likely replacement for Jack de Belin if the NSW State of Origin forward is stood down while he defends aggravated sexual assault charges.

A decision on de Belin’s immediate playing future will be made after Thursday’s ARLC AGM but the 27-year-old has been ruled out of the Charity Shield due to concerns by the Dragons over his welfare.

Sims will line up alongside Test forwards Tyson Frizell and James Graham for the first time on Saturday night after they were rested for last weekend's trial against the Knights at WIN Stadium.

"Tyson is a class player who has obviously played a lot of representative football, and the same with James as well," he said. "They're key parts of the Dragons' forward pack and they're going to be raring to go.

"Depending on when Mary wants to put me back in the side after my suspension I am looking forward to working my back into the team."

Besides the opportunity to play in Mudgee, Sims is looking forward to catching up with Rabbitohs mentor Wayne Bennett, who lured him from Wollongong to Brisbane as a teenager.

Bennett was still in charge of the Broncos when Sims decided to return home late last season.

"I always thought he would finish at the Broncos but behind closed doors he obviously had some things that didn’t work out for him up there," Sims said.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/201...t-of-charity-shield-chance-before-suspension/

 

[Dragon66]

Just wondering - Has anyone got any goss on the situation with Pearson? I wonder if it's a case of cold feet about the move or family issues!

And Eddie Blacker. His profile is up with the NRL squad on our website. But no sign of him last week ( Nothing posted with ISP for this week so he may be there?)
He looks like he had no problems training when they had those video clips on the training paddock with his interview which he did a few weeks ago.

Very strange.

 

[Dragon66]

Just want to get this off my chest because it does really does piss me off.

I've been on the Souths site t checked out how they have posted their trial teams for their fans.

Very professional - three teams - 1 to 13, plus number subs. All three grades.

McGregor really irritates me in the way he seems to be trying to play clever games, and at the same time i'm sure annoying the fan base that really cares about what's happening at the club.

So - Just a "squad" of players, no mention (yet?) of the ISP or NYC.
He's carrying on like he is really not sure of the make up of the round 1 team.

But those of us who have had to bear the bullshit that goes on with him ever since he has been in charge know that the team that he will run out with in Round 1 is already to cut and paste.

Assuming that DeBelin plays, and barring any injuries from this weeks game i have no doubt the line up for the Cowboys will look like this.

1. Widdop
2. Periera
3. Aitken
4. Lafai
5. Lomax
6. Norman
7. Hunt
8. Graham
9. McInnes
10.Vaughan
11. Frizzel
12. Simms
13. Debelin

14. Latimore
15. Lawrie
16. Luciano
17. Dufty

And if Debelin is out, you can bet Jacob Host will be in there somewhere.

Not my choice but based on McGregor's selections for the past three years I doubt I will be far wrong.

Why does he have to play funny games. The only person he is fooling is himself and it really shits me up the wall.

 

[nontime111]

this is the exact team that will run out round 1 minus Jack as hes going to be unfairly snuffed out until the END of his trial!
Yes Host will be the lock for round 1 did well id put money on this line up...

 

[Dragonsamy]

Im worried about Pearson.......whats going on with him anyone know?

Mate it all about his family quite said for him.
Hopefully will get better soon

 

[possm]

Just want to get this off my chest because it does really does piss me off.

I've been on the Souths site t checked out how they have posted their trial teams for their fans.

Very professional - three teams - 1 to 13, plus number subs. All three grades.

McGregor really irritates me in the way he seems to be trying to play clever games, and at the same time i'm sure annoying the fan base that really cares about what's happening at the club.

So - Just a "squad" of players, no mention (yet?) of the ISP or NYC.
He's carrying on like he is really not sure of the make up of the round 1 team.

But those of us who have had to bear the bullshit that goes on with him ever since he has been in charge know that the team that he will run out with in Round 1 is already to cut and paste.

Assuming that DeBelin plays, and barring any injuries from this weeks game i have no doubt the line up for the Cowboys will look like this.

1. Widdop
2. Periera
3. Aitken
4. Lafai
5. Lomax
6. Norman
7. Hunt
8. Graham
9. McInnes
10.Vaughan
11. Frizzel
12. Simms
13. Debelin

14. Latimore
15. Lawrie
16. Luciano
17. Dufty

And if Debelin is out, you can bet Jacob Host will be in there somewhere.

Not my choice but based on McGregor's selections for the past three years I doubt I will be far wrong.

Why does he have to play funny games. The only person he is fooling is himself and it really shits me up the wall.

I'd be more interested in your expert opinion on who should be selected for round 1. I doubt any one could even go close to guessing what Mary has in mind. I am sure it changes day to day, hour to hour, mood to mood.

 

[possm]

Mate it all about his family quite said for him.
Hopefully will get better soon

I'm truly sorry to hear this Sammy. I hope things improve soon for him and his family. Pearson is one player I have great hope in.

 

[getsmarty]

St George Illawarra Dragons value the community

• 
  Jay-Anna Mobbs

COMMUNITY MATTERS: Dragons' Timoteo Lafai says it's important to visit school kids because "they're the future". Photo: AAP

With only a matter of hours before the all important Charity Shield kicks off, St George Illawarra Dragons’ are making the stops around town to get in among the community spirit.

The clash is not only a pre-season match, but also an important calendar marked event for the Dragons.

“It’s getting prepared for that round one game, getting the team ready for the selections from the coaching staff. It’s definitely a big game for the squad and coaching staff,” Dragons centre Timoteo Lafai said.

It’s that game just before the season starts so it’s important game for us and the Rabbitohs.

Timoteo Lafai
Read more | St George Illawarra's Korbin Sims to make most of Charity Shield

But, it’s not all just about rugby league with Paul McGregor’s side, it’s also about getting local kids involved in the sport.

“It’s good to come back here to spend some time with the community and do some school visits,” Luciano Leilua said.

To get the kids involved is awesome because they’re the future.

Timoteo Lafai
“It’s good for the kids, to give them something to look forward to.”

“To get the kids involved is awesome because they’re the future. It helps the game grow and give back to the people of Mudgee,” Lafai said.

Kick off will be 7.30pm at Glen Willow, March 2.


https://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/story/5929571/its-not-just-about-rugby-league-for-the-dragons/

 

[nontime111]

Mate it all about his family quite said for him.
Hopefully will get better soon

Thanks so much Sammy!
Heres a message to Jonus if youre ever on here to read brother

Im a QLDER living in WA whos been a madass Dragons fan since playing all my league in Bundaberg for Brothers Club

Welcome to our great club and I hope whatever sadness is happening in your life or your familys life improves so soon brother so everyone is happy again up there and so you can enjoy again and play some good footy, I personally wish you all the best and sending you all the best too Im sure I speak on behalf of all Dragons true fans that we all cant wait to see you happy again and whatever problems or pain is going on with your family is all healed mighty brother!

 

[Dragon66]

I'd be more interested in your expert opinion on who should be selected for round 1. I doubt any one could even go close to guessing what Mary has in mind. I am sure it changes day to day, hour to hour, mood to mood.

Hi Pos,
The one thing that McGregor hasn’t moved on during his tenure as coach is his blind loyalty to his perceived top 17.

Hopefully I’m wrong but I will be surprised if he makes any radical selections.

As far as a team is concerned I only have a strong position on three things.

1. Lomax should be selected in the centres.
2. Aitken is a first grade standard player, but he not a centre. I think he could add value as a backrower or a sub.
3. That Robson is ready to to take the step up to NRL selection.