2022 Squad: Gains, Losses & Re-signings.

[Old Timer]

OT I am still bewildered that not only he didn't attend but this was acceptable to the club ? What changed ? Obviously his sacking but my thoughts are that Webby had something to do with this and you would have thought he had a ally in Young after what his son would have told him. As I've said before if we leave the direction of the club to the board nothing will happen so whats happening now is the Webby/Hook / Young plan that the Board just tick off.

Maybe it was his charisma, charm and eloquent use of the English language that just simply bamboozled the board?

No doubt plenty of complacency by the BOD and obviously the Illawarra Chairman was simply out of his depth in making sure that "career coach" did everything possible to further our "clubs" best interests.

Lots of commentary on Albert in his prior positions and hard to argue with any of that but just maybe he has the necessary attributes to get the "club" 100% focussed on all aspects that bring success.

It needs to be remembered that Albert had that in spades when he was our 1st grade captain so maybe this job is the correct fit for him and at 1st glance our recruitment seems to have real purpose and planning with a real eye for the future so fingers crossed that Albert backs the coach and barks at the BOD and the owners to get behind the club.

 

[BBTB]

OT I am still bewildered that not only he didn't attend but this was acceptable to the club ? What changed ? Obviously his sacking but my thoughts are that Webby had something to do with this and you would have thought he had a ally in Young after what his son would have told him. As I've said before if we leave the direction of the club to the board nothing will happen so whats happening now is the Webby/Hook / Young plan that the Board just tick off.

Well I hope ur right I wish Albert all the best of luck.
So far it looks very promising.....Big Albert may be throwing his weight around in the right direction.
As long as he gets the BOD, moving to the beat of same drum.....

 

[Maddragon99]

Maybe it was his charisma, charm and eloquent use of the English language that just simply bamboozled the board?

No doubt plenty of complacency by the BOD and obviously the Illawarra Chairman was simply out of his depth in making sure that "career coach" did everything possible to further our "clubs" best interests.

Lots of commentary on Albert in his prior positions and hard to argue with any of that but just maybe he has the necessary attributes to get the "club" 100% focussed on all aspects that bring success.

It needs to be remembered that Albert had that in spades when he was our 1st grade captain so maybe this job is the correct fit for him and at 1st glance our recruitment seems to have real purpose and planning with a real eye for the future so fingers crossed that Albert backs the coach and barks at the BOD and the owners to get behind the club.

I agree, Albert was a leader on the field & a winner so these attributes will serve him well in his new role. From a players perspective I don’t think there’s anyone else who’d command the same level of respect.

further to player signings & squad depth, cap management is always going to be a challenge while we’re carrying Hunt’s contract. Once he’s off the books I’d like to see that money invested in long term deals for our gun juniors.

 

[Maddragon99]

Did anyone know we were in the mix for this guy? According to this report we were. Warriors overpaid in my opinion

Warriors sign Eels star Marata Niukore on $2.5 million deal

The Warriors have reportedly signed Eels back-rower Marata Niukore on a four-year deal worth $2.5 million.

www.news.com.au

 

[boardlumps62]

How come there's been such a turn around in feeling toward Albert. Seem only a month or two ago he was being castrated for having his nose in the trough and of no value.
He was one of our toughest represented Australia and Captain of St George. He coached and become an administrator then some turned on him and son Dean to some extent. Both of them bled for the Dragons got to show some respect.

 

[Mojo]

How come there's been such a turn around in feeling toward Albert. Seem only a month or two ago he was being castrated for having his nose in the trough and of no value.
He was one of our toughest represented Australia and Captain of St George. He coached and become an administrator then some turned on him and son Dean to some extent. Both of them bled for the Dragons got to show some respect.

A strong chairperson (note: not a dominant one), who is a good leader, sets the tone for the organization. I've never met the man and I have no knowledge of the corporate machinations of the past but his history shows that he is definitely a leader and a proud club man. I dont think it's a coincidence that the personality of the club seems to have changed almost immediately upon him stepping-up to the Chairmanship. This club has a history which is what it is all about. Having a great club man at the helm is a good thing in my opinion.

 

[possm]

Wow, some of the management have finally shown real vision on what they want outside of our own juniors.Suspect Webby , Hook , Haran , Timmins & perhaps Gentle have had a say in this. ( Why dont we just piss Millward off now , is he doing anything ?) For once Pathways looks like a system rather than the way to the bloody grounds ! Congratulations !! Agree with others that QLD & regional players will be easier to attract rather than Sydney players.You really won't recognize this side in 2 or 3 years.

I've always said Millward is the problem. Now watch the Dragons 'fire up'.

 

[Maddragon99]

How come there's been such a turn around in feeling toward Albert. Seem only a month or two ago he was being castrated for having his nose in the trough and of no value.
He was one of our toughest represented Australia and Captain of St George. He coached and become an administrator then some turned on him and son Dean to some extent. Both of them bled for the Dragons got to show some respect.

We are a fickle bunch

 

[OneEyedDragon]

We are a fickle bunch

Desperate to grab onto any sign of hope!

 

[Evil Emperor Zurg]

OT I am still bewildered that not only he didn't attend but this was acceptable to the club ? What changed ? Obviously his sacking but my thoughts are that Webby had something to do with this and you would have thought he had a ally in Young after what his son would have told him. As I've said before if we leave the direction of the club to the board nothing will happen so whats happening now is the Webby/Hook / Young plan that the Board just tick off.

Mary was too busy watching videos until 3am

 

[Maddragon99]

Mary was too busy watching videos until 3am

Just an observation. As you all know I’m not a big fan of Griffin’s coaching but he’s obviously had a very positive influence on recruitment & development. He’s investing in youth outside of the top 30, made a number of astute ’Moneyball’ type signings plus brought in Origin caliber players in Molo & Su’a without over spending.

This is pretty consistent with his record at both Brisbane & Penrith yet he got punted from both gigs. I wonder if he’s not better suited to a Coaching Director or Manager of Football type role. He’s obviously got a lot of ability to build a team, the question is, will he be able to coach them effectively?

 

[blacksafake]

Just an observation. As you all know I’m not a big fan of Griffin’s coaching but he’s obviously had a very positive influence on recruitment & development. He’s investing in youth outside of the top 30, made a number of astute ’Moneyball’ type signings plus brought in Origin caliber players in Molo & Su’a without over spending.

This is pretty consistent with his record at both Brisbane & Penrith yet he got punted from both gigs. I wonder if he’s not better suited to a Coaching Director or Manager of Football type role. He’s obviously got a lot of ability to build a team, the question is, will he be able to coach them effectively?

Interesting observation.
Maybe his personality could have had some bearings as well. It’s no secret that he & Gus had a falling out at the Panthers over how to coach the side.

 

[BIG RIG]

I am absolutely over the moon that we are finally starting to bring in talented youngsters from across Australia and NZ and developing them together

Hopefully we can see some of them turn into pure first graders

 

[denis preston]

Just an observation. As you all know I’m not a big fan of Griffin’s coaching but he’s obviously had a very positive influence on recruitment & development. He’s investing in youth outside of the top 30, made a number of astute ’Moneyball’ type signings plus brought in Origin caliber players in Molo & Su’a without over spending.

This is pretty consistent with his record at both Brisbane & Penrith yet he got punted from both gigs. I wonder if he’s not better suited to a Coaching Director or Manager of Football type role. He’s obviously got a lot of ability to build a team, the question is, will he be able to coach them effectively?

Time will tell .

 

[Maddragon99]

Zero Tackle doesn’t have the best credibility but I think Ben Hunt is being shopped around. If true it’s obviously to be able to keep Sullivan happy. Not sure it’d save much Cap space for ‘23 because we’d be kicking a big portion of Hunt’s salary but it does open the path for Sullivan to be our starting halfback in 2023. Hmmmmm, interesting…

NRL captain reportedly set to exit club before end of contract

Could it be a change of scenery in 2023?

www.zerotackle.com

 

[blacksafake]

Zero Tackle doesn’t have the best credibility but I think Ben Hunt is being shopped around. If true it’s obviously to be able to keep Sullivan happy. Not sure it’d save much Cap space for ‘23 because we’d be kicking a big portion of Hunt’s salary but it does open the path for Sullivan to be our starting halfback in 2023. Hmmmmm, interesting…

NRL captain reportedly set to exit club before end of contract

Could it be a change of scenery in 2023?

www.zerotackle.com

I reckon it’s Jackson.
The dogs would be at breaking point with their cap with all their recent signings.
Plus they supposedly signed Burton for only 450k so he’ll need an upgrade at about this time.

 

[The Word]

Interesting observation.
Maybe his personality could have had some bearings as well. It’s no secret that he & Gus had a falling out at the Panthers over how to coach the side.

Gus also had a falling out with Ivan Cleary I recall.

 

[possm]

Zero Tackle doesn’t have the best credibility but I think Ben Hunt is being shopped around. If true it’s obviously to be able to keep Sullivan happy. Not sure it’d save much Cap space for ‘23 because we’d be kicking a big portion of Hunt’s salary but it does open the path for Sullivan to be our starting halfback in 2023. Hmmmmm, interesting…

NRL captain reportedly set to exit club before end of contract

Could it be a change of scenery in 2023?

www.zerotackle.com

The only way this would make sense is if Bennett wanted Hunt and we wanted B Smith. With Hunt's salary cap we could afford a 3 year deal for Smith and promote Sullivan our NRL halfback position. McCullough would then be our backup hooker for 2022.

However, when you consider that Griffin brought McCullough to the Dragons for his combination with Hunt, the above suggestion makes no sense at all.

 

[blacksafake]

The only way this would make sense is if Bennett wanted Hunt and we wanted B Smith. With Hunt's salary cap we could afford a 3 year deal for Smith and promote Sullivan our NRL halfback position. McCullough would then be our backup hooker for 2022.

However, when you consider that Griffin brought McCullough to the Dragons for his combination with Hunt, the above suggestion makes no sense at all.

Hey Possm there’s no chance in hell that Smith will be signing with us.

 

[The Word]

Just an observation. As you all know I’m not a big fan of Griffin’s coaching but he’s obviously had a very positive influence on recruitment & development. He’s investing in youth outside of the top 30, made a number of astute ’Moneyball’ type signings plus brought in Origin caliber players in Molo & Su’a without over spending.

This is pretty consistent with his record at both Brisbane & Penrith yet he got punted from both gigs. I wonder if he’s not better suited to a Coaching Director or Manager of Football type role. He’s obviously got a lot of ability to build a team, the question is, will he be able to coach them effectively?

Might be a controversial comment, but could Ryan Webb have had anything to do with this increased intensity and focus around recruitment? I mean he’s the guy that runs the club now right?

He inherited a bit of mess early 2020. He’s had to deal with covid and oversee a huge structural change at the club.

I reckon he’s going really well so far. Young’s more of an ambassadorial figure. Webb’s making the big decisions at the club.