NRL team: Trial v Newcastle Knights

[st.phil]

Our spirits and stocks are so low that Williame is being talked about as a good signing and his form against a very pedestrian outfit seen as crucial
FMD we have really become so desperate for any semblance of good news.

I think your spirits are low perhaps? Did you watch the trial or have you seen him play? Williame has some quality about him, yes low bar compared to our current centres but he showed some good signs and it's ok to talk about that.

 

[Dragonsteve2]

Our spirits and stocks are so low that Williame is being talked about as a good signing and his form against a very pedestrian outfit seen as crucial
FMD we have really become so desperate for any semblance of good news.

Good morning OT.
I think you are spot on when you refer to our low spirits and our desperation. There has already been plenty to further depress us in 2020 - the JDB fiasco to drag on, the speculation over Tyson's future, the injury to Cameron McInnes........... For me even the spirited display of Josh Kerr in the All Stars game makes me very frustrated because of the lack of NRL time he got last year. And now of course he too is injured. Frustrated too reading Hame Sele went well for Souths in their trial. My belief is that in 2018 Mary interrupted Jacob Host's progress by picking Sele in front of him and then just when Sele was starting to have some impact he is shown the door. Similarly I thought Leilua was beginning to show his talent towards the end of 2019 and he too was encouraged to leave.

But where I disagree with you is on jumping on any positive speculation. When Williame was first signed it was immediately described as a poor move largely based on his time in the NRL a few years back. So I think posters pointing to a positive display even against CC opposition is fair enough. Compare him to Maranta who at no stage stood out in a whole season of CC. He always resembled an old player brought back to fill in at the last minute. His selection for two games in the NRL was a disgrace when there was untapped young talent around in the backs.

A positive for me over the past two weekends has been Adam Clune. Last year he was so clearly the pivot and mastermind of the CC team while Nicholls just looked like a fill in. So I am pleased to see him grabbing whatever chance comes his way.

I think we can all be positive too that Zac Lomax is going to play NRL this year. To my mind he slotted in so naturally to the fullback role on Saturday while superstar Latrell was only occasionally sighted in the All Stars match.A really interesting comparison. And as I have said before it is refreshing to see Zac attacking the high ball, in my opinion the first Dragons player to do so since Ben Creagh. A year ago the idiot Head Coach was trialling Zac on the wing in the Charity Shield. So at least with regard to Zac we are ahead of where we were this time last year.

Last season during the miserably cold evening at WIN Stadium when the Dragons did not turn up to play the Raiders I swore I would not pay another cent to watch the Dragons play until the Mary era is over. But I have seen enough encouraging signs already to begin to waver on last year's resolution. Or should I just follow Williame, Clune and others in the CC team?

 

[Old Timer]

Good morning OT.
I think you are spot on when you refer to our low spirits and our desperation. There has already been plenty to further depress us in 2020 - the JDB fiasco to drag on, the speculation over Tyson's future, the injury to Cameron McInnes........... For me even the spirited display of Josh Kerr in the All Stars game makes me very frustrated because of the lack of NRL time he got last year. And now of course he too is injured. Frustrated too reading Hame Sele went well for Souths in their trial. My belief is that in 2018 Mary interrupted Jacob Host's progress by picking Sele in front of him and then just when Sele was starting to have some impact he is shown the door. Similarly I thought Leilua was beginning to show his talent towards the end of 2019 and he too was encouraged to leave.

But where I disagree with you is on jumping on any positive speculation. When Williame was first signed it was immediately described as a poor move largely based on his time in the NRL a few years back. So I think posters pointing to a positive display even against CC opposition is fair enough. Compare him to Maranta who at no stage stood out in a whole season of CC. He always resembled an old player brought back to fill in at the last minute. His selection for two games in the NRL was a disgrace when there was untapped young talent around in the backs.

A positive for me over the past two weekends has been Adam Clune. Last year he was so clearly the pivot and mastermind of the CC team while Nicholls just looked like a fill in. So I am pleased to see him grabbing whatever chance comes his way.

I think we can all be positive too that Zac Lomax is going to play NRL this year. To my mind he slotted in so naturally to the fullback role on Saturday while superstar Latrell was only occasionally sighted in the All Stars match.A really interesting comparison. And as I have said before it is refreshing to see Zac attacking the high ball, in my opinion the first Dragons player to do so since Ben Creagh. A year ago the idiot Head Coach was trialling Zac on the wing in the Charity Shield. So at least with regard to Zac we are ahead of where we were this time last year.

Last season during the miserably cold evening at WIN Stadium when the Dragons did not turn up to play the Raiders I swore I would not pay another cent to watch the Dragons play until the Mary era is over. But I have seen enough encouraging signs already to begin to waver on last year's resolution. Or should I just follow Williame, Clune and others in the CC team?

Nicely out together post and much of which I can agree with especially Host & Sele.
The point I was making was how the Williame drum is being beaten so quickly and loudly when in fact he has yet to prove anything against opposition that finished above last year. His form line at 1st grade level is anything but decent and for him to be heralded just shows how shit we have become.
I have heard all this early praise before Lafai, Masoe, Hunt, Norman, Nielsen ffs even the ponderous 2nd rower Harrison ?? from the Raiders etc etc and all of these had better credentials than Williame so to declare him a good signing and pin hopes on him is just way to premature
I agree with you that there are some potential positives like Zac at FB and Clune who imo is potentially better than either Norman or Hunt but I suspect you are correct you will see Clune, Host, Sailor Williams and Zac if he has a bad game it 2 all in CC.
In fact I can see myself following CC much more than our predictable and incredibly ponderously coached 1st grade side.

 

[Old Timer]

I think your spirits are low perhaps? Did you watch the trial or have you seen him play? Williame has some quality about him, yes low bar compared to our current centres but he showed some good signs and it's ok to talk about that.

Following our lot with Mc Fookknuckle doesn’t exactly invoke high spirits.
Happy to discuss Williame when he has played against some quality opposition
Some nice touches in the trial but he won’t get that time and space in 1st grade and I will be interested to see how he responds to close marking and hard hitting defence.
TBPH I can no longer get excited by a performance against pedestrian opposition as we have been well and truly sucked in on that front by others.

 

[Dragonsamy]

How did Saab play in the trial? I hear he was quiet and didn’t set the world on fire. Is that a fair summary or did he play better than I have been told?[/QUOTE

He was quiet only played 30 mins against the Knights seconds but did nothing wrong.
Bigger test this week

 

[possm]

I said as soon as Williame was signed that he is a good signing who would surprise the people reacting negatively to it.

You from what I have seen of him, you are right. Let's see how he goes against some top NRL players in the Charity Shield game next week. I agree with you and just hope he scrubs up well for this game.

One down - Lafai, and one to go - Aitken.

 

[Dragonsteve2]

Nicely out together post and much of which I can agree with especially Host & Sele.
The point I was making was how the Williame drum is being beaten so quickly and loudly when in fact he has yet to prove anything against opposition that finished above last year. His form line at 1st grade level is anything but decent and for him to be heralded just shows how shit we have become.
I have heard all this early praise before Lafai, Masoe, Hunt, Norman, Nielsen ffs even the ponderous 2nd rower Harrison ?? from the Raiders etc etc and all of these had better credentials than Williame so to declare him a good signing and pin hopes on him is just way to premature
I agree with you that there are some potential positives like Zac at FB and Clune who imo is potentially better than either Norman or Hunt but I suspect you are correct you will see Clune, Host, Sailor Williams and Zac if he has a bad game it 2 all in CC.
In fact I can see myself following CC much more than our predictable and incredibly ponderously coached 1st grade side.

No argument with you there, OT, except I now believe that Zac has deservedly passed into being one of Mary's 'boys'. It can be very tough for a junior to prove himself to Mary (unlike less capable but experienced players from other clubs) but once you do you are in for life. I think Aitken is the only junior to have previously achieved this. The list of the juniors who have failed to make it inside Mary's circle is almost infinite as you would know. Their NRL success must await an opportunity at another club.

I guess for me the tale of woe under Mary has been just so endless that for the first time in about 55 years of fanaticism for the Dragons my support has been severely strained to near breaking point. In this era of gloom a few positive glimmers of light are needed to sustain me. And reaching the 9s final (with a rare and massive slice of good fortune) beats our typical elimination at the preliminary stage while beating a weak Knights side is more fun that the drubbing the Knights gave us in Mudgee last year. After all, we don't follow a footy team just to give us a reason to be on a permanent dose of anti-depressant meds.

 

[Old Timer]

No argument with you there, OT, except I now believe that Zac has deservedly passed into being one of Mary's 'boys'. It can be very tough for a junior to prove himself to Mary (unlike less capable but experienced players from other clubs) but once you do you are in for life. I think Aitken is the only junior to have previously achieved this. The list of the juniors who have failed to make it inside Mary's circle is almost infinite as you would know. Their NRL success must await an opportunity at another club.

I guess for me the tale of woe under Mary has been just so endless that for the first time in about 55 years of fanaticism for the Dragons my support has been severely strained to near breaking point. In this era of gloom a few positive glimmers of light are needed to sustain me. And reaching the 9s final (with a rare and massive slice of good fortune) beats our typical elimination at the preliminary stage while beating a weak Knights side is more fun that the drubbing the Knights gave us in Mudgee last year. After all, we don't follow a footy team just to give us a reason to be on a permanent dose of anti-depressant meds.

I forgot to say that the constant panning and bagging of those players that leave us is even more depressing than the unproven upside that heralds almost all new signings where I should have included the name of James Graham.
What would a Joel Thomson or a Reuben Garrick be worth to us last season or even this but no they were shit and well past it and now there is talk of Frizz wanting out he is copping some flack as well FMD we are an upside down club that's for sure.

 

[Crush]

Following our lot with Mc Fookknuckle doesn’t exactly invoke high spirits.
Happy to discuss Williame when he has played against some quality opposition
Some nice touches in the trial but he won’t get that time and space in 1st grade and I will be interested to see how he responds to close marking and hard hitting defence.
TBPH I can no longer get excited by a performance against pedestrian opposition as we have been well and truly sucked in on that front by others.

Some people are just optimists OT. There is so much pessimism on this forum that I think optimistic posts should be applauded.
Williame played well and showed more than the dragons incumbent centres.
I'm excited to see how he goes this year. Hopefully he turns out to be a quality signing, I reckon he just may.

 

[Dorothy the Winowhore]

I'd just like to ask you OT, how many games did you see Wiliame play for Manly before he went to Super League? He was around 20 years old and injury cover for 1st graders such as Dylan Walker. I remember watching him play 2 or 3 games in 1st grade at Manly, and he impressed me for someone new to the game at NRL standard. He showed lots of ability that needed to be honed to make it. Super League was a great move for him to hone those skills. He will be our number 1 centre this year.

 

[muzby]

Maybe OT just needs a hug?


Come here, ya big grump!

 

[Old Timer]

I'd just like to ask you OT, how many games did you see Wiliame play for Manly before he went to Super League? He was around 20 years old and injury cover for 1st graders such as Dylan Walker. I remember watching him play 2 or 3 games in 1st grade at Manly, and he impressed me for someone new to the game at NRL standard. He showed lots of ability that needed to be honed to make it. Super League was a great move for him to hone those skills. He will be our number 1 centre this year.

I would just like people to hold their fire a little bit so we can see what we have rather than all this ejaculating while speculating.
The ESL is no indicator for me especially where backs are concerned and I acknowledge what you say about him re his previous NRL stint but we have had a plethora of these types of signings (Taane Milne for instance) and as far as I am concerned at the moment Williame is just another 1 of them.
To finish off regardless of what he might have to offer our system is what it is especially where backline play is concerned and I don't expect anyone to shine in it.
We could f**k this bloke up just like so many others and never see what might have been so until something changes dramatically within the coaching ranks I am not going to get too excited about anything especially about a guy who played well against a 3rd rate outfit.
Will be more than happy to have some optimism especially when he gets picked for 1st grade and continues the form line people are currently excited about.
PS
All the optimism in the world will not get this bloke a start in 1st grade.
.

 

[Dennis Papaioannou]

There are exceptions to the baggers OT. Lots of them but I know what you mean.
How can you bag Brett Morris, Joel Thompson for example?
Staunch servants of the club who performed and were gentlemen on and off the field.
Garrick has certainly proven himself after we didn't even give him a chance.
If Frizz leaves there is nothing to say other than we deserve what we get.
5-6 years of McGregor at the wheel will repel many good players.

 

[Frank Facer]

Regarding last week's trial against Newy. I was impressed with the intent Jacob Host showed. He looks hungry (metaphorically speaking). He also looked good physically. I am thinking that I would like to see him given a shot at one of the middle bench spots. I would have him there ahead of Lawrie. He may even prove to be a much better investment than persisting with the likes of Graham and Sims. He has the size to play prop or lock and does the simple things right that is needed in the middle.

I would like to see the likes of Blacker, Kerr and Host given a shot this year. They all may prove to be good investments and even be better than the likes of Lawrie, Graham and K Sims. I think Kerr looks like the perfect bench prop, but if he is good enough, then he could even command a starting spot. It was the first look I have seen of Blacker and I liked what I saw. He has a great physique for a prop.

 

[SnowDragon]

Some people are just optimists OT. There is so much pessimism on this forum that I think optimistic posts should be applauded.
Williame played well and showed more than the dragons incumbent centres.
I'm excited to see how he goes this year. Hopefully he turns out to be a quality signing, I reckon he just may.

Nice comments.

I just know our incumbent centers disappointed and things need to change. I am worried that Williame’s defence isn’t good enough, but was impressed at what I saw. I’m optimistic and hopeful if not convinced. If I only based my opinion on what I saw in the trial I’m super happy with the signing at this stage

 

[SnowDragon]

Regarding last week's trial against Newy. I was impressed with the intent Jacob Host showed. He looks hungry (metaphorically speaking). He also looked good physically. I am thinking that I would like to see him given a shot at one of the middle bench spots. I would have him there ahead of Lawrie. He may even prove to be a much better investment than persisting with the likes of Graham and Sims. He has the size to play prop or lock and does the simple things right that is needed in the middle.

I would like to see the likes of Blacker, Kerr and Host given a shot this year. They all may prove to be good investments and even be better than the likes of Lawrie, Graham and K Sims. I think Kerr looks like the perfect bench prop, but if he is good enough, then he could even command a starting spot. It was the first look I have seen of Blacker and I liked what I saw. He has a great physique for a prop.

Agree with a lot you said, though I think Korbin is a lot better than you think. You focused on props I guess, but Ford has great utility forward prospects, and Tyrell is behind him.

we thus have good forward depth and potential. (Even if mostly the same guys disappointed last year)

 

[Belta]

How did Saab play in the trial? I hear he was quiet and didn’t set the world on fire. Is that a fair summary or did he play better than I have been told?

I think Saab done the little things well. I still held reservations that leading into this season Saab was going to struggle physically due to his age and build. I saw enough to suggest his carries were strong and even at this early stage himself (and Lomax) showed positive signs that they are both physically ready for first grade. Saab looked strong and bent the line on each of his carries. One other aspect I noted was that himself and Lomax were in good position when high kicks went up. I got the feeling their height and athleticism is going to cause real headaches for the opposition and they’ll be attacking weapons for us going forward. I do suspect that JP and Rav may get the early jump on Saab but Saab will only get better and looks to have too much talent to keep out for much longer.

I Also agree with others about positive starts from Host, Kerr and Blacker and Wiiliame. Blacker excited me most of all. He looks a beast. I also share the sediments about how it’s way too early to get too excited as the last couple of seasons have started full of hope and ended full of despair. Its one game at a time for me

 

[Dorothy the Winowhore]

I would just like people to hold their fire a little bit so we can see what we have rather than all this ejaculating while speculating.
The ESL is no indicator for me especially where backs are concerned and I acknowledge what you say about him re his previous NRL stint but we have had a plethora of these types of signings (Taane Milne for instance) and as far as I am concerned at the moment Williame is just another 1 of them.
To finish off regardless of what he might have to offer our system is what it is especially where backline play is concerned and I don't expect anyone to shine in it.
We could f**k this bloke up just like so many others and never see what might have been so until something changes dramatically within the coaching ranks I am not going to get too excited about anything especially about a guy who played well against a 3rd rate outfit.
Will be more than happy to have some optimism especially when he gets picked for 1st grade and continues the form line people are currently excited about.
PS
All the optimism in the world will not get this bloke a start in 1st grade.
.

So, the answer to my question of how many games did you watch him play before superleague is zero?

And you rate him as a spud because Taane Milne was a spud? Bit harsh.

 

[Frank Facer]

Agree with a lot you said, though I think Korbin is a lot better than you think. You focused on props I guess, but Ford has great utility forward prospects, and Tyrell is behind him.

we thus have good forward depth and potential. (Even if mostly the same guys disappointed last year)

K Sims looks good in attack when he comes off the bench, although he does make some errors at times, but I have noticed that teams he plays in, their defence struggles through the middle. It was the case at Newy, then at Brissy and now here. I have also seen him get dominated by defenders a few times. I don't knock his effort and intent. I would like to see if Host is more solid.

I think Ford is a specialist edge forward, but he is real footballer who can play lock or fill in at centre if need be.

 

[Old Timer]

So, the answer to my question of how many games did you watch him play before superleague is zero?

And you rate him as a spud because Taane Milne was a spud? Bit harsh.

Incorrect assumption on your part
I do remember him when he was at Manly which was around the time of the Brett Stewart fiasco but I have to say he didn’t leave a lasting impression on me a bit if a T Rex type if I remember correctly namely good when all going his way but can be found wanting.
Re being a spud I suggest we don’t know yet but we don’t know he is not either.
Worthwhile to note he has been released to go elsewhere from all the systems he has played for in Australia ie Storm, Eels, Knights, Eagles and now Catalans so maybe that might tell me something 27 years of age and 6 different outfits.