2 tries in 120 mins is a concern. Of that there is no doubt. But there are a few things to consider:
The side last year under Flanno beat the Roosters and the Titans. They were impressive wins and showed what Flanno and the players are capable of. R.Stuart coached this side for 4 years and it will take Flanno time to have the team playing his style of footy and not R.Stuart's style. It took Wayne Bennett 2 seasons to get the Dragon's playing the way he wanted them to and he is the best coach in the game.
The important 6 and 7 combination (Porter/Graham/Kelly/T.Smith whoever that ends up being) will take time to gel. That won't happen in the space of 2 trial matches.
Gallen and J.Smith, arguably our two best players, will have their minds on the job when it matters.
There is a question mark over positions 2 through to 5. I know that there are a lot of Pom fans here, but I just don't see him as a centre. Put him in the back row. What top 8 side has got a lock/second rower like Pom playing in the centre's and is successful? The successful sides have got thoroughbreds playing out wide that ask questions of the defence when they get the ball. Also, Gards can't be out 'go to man' in attack all the time. Sides will read that and tackle him out of the game. Their needs to be other options in attack.
Stapleton, Gordon, and Williams have got real speed. They need to back up the ball carrier. Sniff around, look for an opportunity, put the defence in two minds. Play with a little more imagination and enterprise. If nothing else, give us something to get excited about after two years of averaging 2 tries per game.
When it comes together (and it will but have a little patience), we will have a better season than last year. It is just a question of how much higher up the ladder we will finish. Injuries, of course, are the x factor.
