2021 - Squad, Signings, Re-signings

[since77]

Hook & Co are watching the reggies game today.

I don't think it's just to see how JDB plays. I think he'll be viewing and scrutinising a few others as well.

He specifically mentioned wanting to watch Sullivan in his press conference

 

[Gareth67]

G.H. Chrust ! Would you look at that - a player actual tackling around the legs , now that is guaranteed to stop any further movement upfield . I wonder if the coaches will introduce that into their training sessions in future ?

 

[George Dragon]

He specifically mentioned wanting to watch Sullivan in his press conference

I think Bud will be in the 17 next week.
He played 60min today that was the plan.
When Pellow got injured and Bud got up to go back on Hook Matty and Basil all yelled out NO

 

[RedVDave]

View attachment 48945

G.H. Chrust ! Would you look at that - a player actual tackling around the legs , now that is guaranteed to stop any further movement upfield . I wonder if the coaches will introduce that into their training sessions in future ?

Hip Hop Drop 5 weeks suspension.

 

[Gareth67]

Hip Hop Drop 5 weeks suspension.

No mate , the above is a classic example of the hip-drop tackle , performed by the games experts in this field - among many others illegal tactics .

And I can guarantee you that not one of the three sods involved , got as much as a warning from the ref for their efforts , let alone 5 weeks .

 

[RED73V]

I was just perusing the off contracted players at the end of this year. I would definitely be targeting Nicho Hynes , Dale Funicane & Tyrone Peachey .... thoughts ???

 

[possm]

All I want for Xmas is Brandon Smith.

Hooker
I still believe B Smith is the answer at 9 with Mc:Cullough on the bench or in reserve grade.

Prop rotation
Molo is not the complete answer, we need another top prop to partner Vaughan in the run on 13. Right now Lawrie is out of form and the others are depth players. Prop rotation should be Vaughan, new prop, Molo and maybe lawrie.

Back row
With De Belin now available again, the 3 best backrow forwards we have at the club are De Belin, Sims and Fui. Could be Bird if they do not extend Fui.

Halves
We could do well to let both Norman and Hunt go but there are no clubs chasing either of these players. Lucky for us Norman's contract is up. Our junior depth is Sullivan and Amone. I'm not sure if they are ready but it might be a case of use them or lose them.

Centers
Right now Lomax and Bird are a good choice. Schiller is a contender from reserve grade.

Wingers
Let the Feagai brothers, Ravalawa, Ramsey, and Sloan fight it out for the two wing spots. JP's contract is up and I believe we should let him go.

Fullback
I think we should sign Hynes for 2022 and beyond and give Ramsey and Sloan a chance to stake their claim in 2021. Dufty is gone and so we need to look forward.

Coaching Staff
I'm not sure about the thinking behind McCullough and McGuire for the period beyond 2021. Maybe it is depth and experience, so the bench at best for both of them. In my view the biggest mistake our coaching staff have made this season is to not have coached our players to avoid the 6 again and high tackle rules. Mind you, many other clubs are in the same boat but fortunately have the depth to cope.

 

[Coffs dragon]

I was just perusing the off contracted players at the end of this year. I would definitely be targeting Nicho Hynes , Dale Funicane & Tyrone Peachey .... thoughts ???

All 3 are decent players, but IMO we seriously need to overhaul the engine room up front with some mongrel in the front row and a fast and crafty dummy half.
I don’t think Funicane would be a priority as lock with the return of JDB and both Fui and Grub playing that position as well.

 

[Como Connection]

All 3 are decent players, but IMO we seriously need to overhaul the engine room up front with some mongrel in the front row and a fast and crafty dummy half.
I don’t think Funicane would be a priority as lock with the return of JDB and both Fui and Grub playing that position as well.

Peachey as backup hooker/ utility works for me.
CC

 

[Coffs dragon]

Peachey as backup hooker/ utility works for me.
CC

Maybe, but I did read somewhere that he wants to remain on the Gold Coast under the coaching of Holbrook.

 

[thebigredv]

Hooker
I still believe B Smith is the answer at 9 with Mc:Cullough on the bench or in reserve grade.

Prop rotation
Molo is not the complete answer, we need another top prop to partner Vaughan in the run on 13. Right now Lawrie is out of form and the others are depth players. Prop rotation should be Vaughan, new prop, Molo and maybe lawrie.

Back row
With De Belin now available again, the 3 best backrow forwards we have at the club are De Belin, Sims and Fui. Could be Bird if they do not extend Fui.

Halves
We could do well to let both Norman and Hunt go but there are no clubs chasing either of these players. Lucky for us Norman's contract is up. Our junior depth is Sullivan and Amone. I'm not sure if they are ready but it might be a case of use them or lose them.

Centers
Right now Lomax and Bird are a good choice. Schiller is a contender from reserve grade.

Wingers
Let the Feagai brothers, Ravalawa, Ramsey, and Sloan fight it out for the two wing spots. JP's contract is up and I believe we should let him go.

Fullback
I think we should sign Hynes for 2022 and beyond and give Ramsey and Sloan a chance to stake their claim in 2021. Dufty is gone and so we need to look forward.

Coaching Staff
I'm not sure about the thinking behind McCullough and McGuire for the period beyond 2021. Maybe it is depth and experience, so the bench at best for both of them. In my view the biggest mistake our coaching staff have made this season is to not have coached our players to avoid the 6 again and high tackle rules. Mind you, many other clubs are in the same boat but fortunately have the depth to cope.

Certainly would make for a strong squad but not sure we can pull off Hynes, Smith and a prop.

Ben Hunt will become an interesting one next year. Finding a successful halves partner for him might be pivotal to whether he stays, goes or is let go. He is playing more consistently under Griffin and I would consider a renewal of his contract. Norman is a no brainer and I hope we see Sullivan given a good go at 6 now that he is back. TBH even Clune looked more dangerous filling in at 5.8 v Sharks.

 

[blacksafake]

Peachey as backup hooker/ utility works for me.
CC

The perfect 14, especially in today’s game

 

[Ted bartolo]

Clune should be given a go at hooker if any injuries

 

[Como Connection]

The perfect 14, especially in today’s game

There's a Peachey playing in the junior grades, so maybe a connection.
CC

 

[Drewbrees]

There's a Peachey playing in the junior grades, so maybe a connection.
CC

It's his brother.

 

[St Tangles]

Watching the Sharks fullback closely he has a better allround game then Dufty.

 

[dungay dragon]

Watching the Sharks fullback closely he has a better allround game then Dufty.

Has resigned with Cronulla along with Rudolph

 

[St Tangles]

Has resigned with Cronulla along with Rudolph

Hadn't heard that
Thanks mate

 

[Dragsters]

If they are letting Dufty go then they also need to punt Norman and offer Hynes and BSmith a package deal.

Everything Melbourne did well the other night came from their combination...

 

[Gareth67]

If they are letting Dufty go then they also need to punt Norman and offer Hynes and BSmith a package deal.

Everything Melbourne did well the other night came from their combination...

Yes Dragsters , that would be money well spent for the Dragons , a positive result for once . Although apparently Smith declared that he would be with the cheaters again next season and for all interested parties to speak to his agent for the season 2023 .

Still a lot can happen between now and then .