2024 Squad List

[Saints Forever]

I'm concerned at the lack of talk about Tamale coming out of the Dragons this pre-season because it makes me think he might not be staying around. It seems to be more about Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart, etc. As you've said a clear pathway for Tamale is probably blocked and he's off contract. I hope we can keep him, but I'm not sure we will.

Suli to back row
Lomax to full back/Lock

Either way it’s up to Tamale to force his way into the 17

 

[denis preston]

I'm concerned at the lack of talk about Tamale coming out of the Dragons this pre-season because it makes me think he might not be staying around. It seems to be more about Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart, etc. As you've said a clear pathway for Tamale is probably blocked and he's off contract. I hope we can keep him, but I'm not sure we will.

Hasn’t played one NRL game and you have him leaving already ! players need to be smashing the door down with great performances in Reggie’s to demand selection rather than expecting it.

 

[rasaint]

I acknowledge your opinion BLM that Zac Lomax is our best defensive and attacking centre.

I have a different opinion. I have never ‘bagged’ Zac Lomax but pointed out that from the very 1 st time I saw him ( I’m sure it was a game at Jubilee where he got his 1st NRL taste, only a last 5 minute cameo) I noticed a Zac cross chase where the opposition player easily scored in the south east corner. I thought ‘ok this new heralded junior looks a bit slow to me’. I was sitting on the hill south east end. Since then over many seasons now, I have considered Zac slow for a dashing centre. He runs a good line at times, has made the occasional sublime high leap catch and side flick, kicks goals but generally unremarkable. He originally had a twinkle toes inside step but I haven’t seen it for some years now.

In general play, Zac makes some ground in early hit ups and front on tackles goes ok, but struggles when a class opposition centre ( Best and Staggs as actual examples) get on his outside and he can not hot foot it with them. I consider him a reasonable standard NRL player but behind many in the centre position. That’s why I suggested a back row/ lock position may fit his tough approach, at a time when our forward stocks appear low.

It opens an opportunity for Tamale to then sink or swim.

I guess we will all have to wait and see.

 

[Parko1310]

Hasn’t played one NRL game and you have him leaving already ! players need to be smashing the door down with great performances in Reggie’s to demand selection rather than expecting it.

Yeah I'm not saying he should instantly get a go at first grade, we've got 2-3 centre options in front of him. The reality, especially of modern rugby league, is not always to sit there and "bide your time" if you're a really talented young player. Other clubs that need centres to strengthen their roster will be on the lookout for players exactly like Tamale. My point was, because he can probably start getting a shot in first grade, if not consistently then sporadically at another club, I am worried we may lose a huge talent because of that draw card and a clearer pathway into consistent first grade football. He is off contract, so I've not "got him leaving already", it's a genuine proposition that he could opt to leave after this season.

 

[AyiosYiorgos]

People having orgasms over Tamale, 90% have never seen him play, but want him in 1st grade from rd 1, too funny, he needs to learn how to tackle first, games i have seen him live and on TV show a great attacker but wasn't impressed with the defence side of things, let him learn in reserve grade and if he is good enough eventually he will get a run..

 

[Dragon David]

I acknowledge your opinion BLM that Zac Lomax is our best defensive and attacking centre.

I have a different opinion. I have never ‘bagged’ Zac Lomax but pointed out that from the very 1 st time I saw him ( I’m sure it was a game at Jubilee where he got his 1st NRL taste, only a last 5 minute cameo) I noticed a Zac cross chase where the opposition player easily scored in the south east corner. I thought ‘ok this new heralded junior looks a bit slow to me’. I was sitting on the hill south east end. Since then over many seasons now, I have considered Zac slow for a dashing centre. He runs a good line at times, has made the occasional sublime high leap catch and side flick, kicks goals but generally unremarkable. He originally had a twinkle toes inside step but I haven’t seen it for some years now.

In general play, Zac makes some ground in early hit ups and front on tackles goes ok, but struggles when a class opposition centre ( Best and Staggs as actual examples) get on his outside and he can not hot foot it with them. I consider him a reasonable standard NRL player but behind many in the centre position. That’s why I suggested a back row/ lock position may fit his tough approach, at a time when our forward stocks appear low.

It opens an opportunity for Tamale to then sink or swim.

I guess we will all have to wait and see.

Somehow I agree with your sentiments on Lomax, rasaint. He is nowhere of the quality as a centre like Gasnier and Cooper and Steve Rogers. He is not fast and while people say he needs early ball to make a break, it doesn't take much running before he is brought down anyway as he lacks the speed and acceleration to outpace speedier opposition players.

I think Flanno will need to do some work on him if he remains a centre for us. Fullback also isn't his go in my opinion.

The team needs speed and plenty of it and there just aren't too many in first grade at the moment who has that pace to outrun the opposition.

 

[BLM01]

I acknowledge your opinion BLM that Zac Lomax is our best defensive and attacking centre.

I have a different opinion. I have never ‘bagged’ Zac Lomax but pointed out that from the very 1 st time I saw him ( I’m sure it was a game at Jubilee where he got his 1st NRL taste, only a last 5 minute cameo) I noticed a Zac cross chase where the opposition player easily scored in the south east corner. I thought ‘ok this new heralded junior looks a bit slow to me’. I was sitting on the hill south east end. Since then over many seasons now, I have considered Zac slow for a dashing centre. He runs a good line at times, has made the occasional sublime high leap catch and side flick, kicks goals but generally unremarkable. He originally had a twinkle toes inside step but I haven’t seen it for some years now.

In general play, Zac makes some ground in early hit ups and front on tackles goes ok, but struggles when a class opposition centre ( Best and Staggs as actual examples) get on his outside and he can not hot foot it with them. I consider him a reasonable standard NRL player but behind many in the centre position. That’s why I suggested a back row/ lock position may fit his tough approach, at a time when our forward stocks appear low.

It opens an opportunity for Tamale to then sink or swim.

I guess we will all have to wait and see.

Thats Ok and your opinion but you will see a fitter / lighter might be a bit quicker Lomax this year.
It might not seem it but he was one of our quickest ion the club over 40m sprint tests couple of years ago when McStuff It was coaching
He is also now one of our fittest
Lets see how he fares this year at centre
Hook had a few backs bulked up but they had lost fitness and pace??

 

[Dragons4me]

Thats Ok and your opinion but you will see a fitter / lighter might be a bit quicker Lomax this year.
It might not seem it but he was one of our quickest ion the club over 40m sprint tests couple of years ago when McStuff It was coaching
He is also now one of our fittest
Lets see how he fares this year at centre
Hook had a few backs bulked up but they had lost fitness and pace??

McStuff it!!!

 

[BlackDuckSaint]

I acknowledge your opinion BLM that Zac Lomax is our best defensive and attacking centre.

I have a different opinion. I have never ‘bagged’ Zac Lomax but pointed out that from the very 1 st time I saw him ( I’m sure it was a game at Jubilee where he got his 1st NRL taste, only a last 5 minute cameo) I noticed a Zac cross chase where the opposition player easily scored in the south east corner. I thought ‘ok this new heralded junior looks a bit slow to me’. I was sitting on the hill south east end. Since then over many seasons now, I have considered Zac slow for a dashing centre. He runs a good line at times, has made the occasional sublime high leap catch and side flick, kicks goals but generally unremarkable. He originally had a twinkle toes inside step but I haven’t seen it for some years now.

In general play, Zac makes some ground in early hit ups and front on tackles goes ok, but struggles when a class opposition centre ( Best and Staggs as actual examples) get on his outside and he can not hot foot it with them. I consider him a reasonable standard NRL player but behind many in the centre position. That’s why I suggested a back row/ lock position may fit his tough approach, at a time when our forward stocks appear low.

It opens an opportunity for Tamale to then sink or swim.

I guess we will all have to wait and see.

Considering in 2022 we had the strongest right edge in the comp defensively of all teams not named the Panthers. I'd say you are exaggerating how much Zac gets towelled up by opposition centres.

The only time it really comes to mind was when he was playing on the left inside Amone and Outside Feagai and got towelled up by Jesse Ramien.

Other than that, I'd say he holds his own against most centres from a defensive stand-point.

As for the Twinkle toes, he doesn't get enough good ball putting him in 1 on 1's. Look at the second game against the roosters in 22'. He stepped Billy Smith out of his ACL.

Zac looked his strongest when playing with Dufty. For all his shortcomings. He was a pretty good ball player and could get Zac into space. He may not have speed off the mark but he has one hell of a motor and can run good lines all day.

I really believe Zac is a victim of poor coaching, poor game plans and most of all, poor service.
Just look what happened after Ryan Carr told him to go after the game. He was running 200+ metres with 20 or so touches, scored some tries, set up some tries, defended well. He's got that dog in him but I don't think Mary or Hook were the coaches for him. I believe Flanno, a noted man manager, may be.

 

[possm]

From the games I have seen of Tamale he will have a few clubs more than interested yet Tamale might not see a clear pathway here at the Dragons with Suli and Lomax in front

He has come on so quickly for a rugby junior and already made in his first year SOO under 19s

We will get to see a lot more in the next few months if he has not been pinched by another club for 2025

Well maybe Tamale will get a shot sooner than you think as I'm tipping Lomax will start the season at fullback and so there will be a vacancy at centre. In addition, if Suli does not lift his game playing in his preferred position of right center in early 2024, a shift to the forwards could be on the cards.

Tamale will just have to produce the goods and coach Flanno will do the rest.

 

[possm]

People having orgasms over Tamale, 90% have never seen him play, but want him in 1st grade from rd 1, too funny, he needs to learn how to tackle first, games i have seen him live and on TV show a great attacker but wasn't impressed with the defence side of things, let him learn in reserve grade and if he is good enough eventually he will get a run..

Flanno will get him defending well. If he is not up to first-grade, he won't be selected for the team. If he is up to it, I look forward to seeing him carve up the opposition.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Enjoying this thread but if anyone is interested:

What does the panel think about Liddle?

Are you comfortable with him?

At the Tigers, he had his moments but I too often felt he wasn’t at optimum.

Do you have same view and if so what kind of game do you need from him to keep him beyond this year?

I’m just curious, I haven’t watched him play properly for awhile.

What is your out of 100 rating?

 

[Auntie.Gerald]

Liddle for me is a good value solution for now but obviously with KFlanno originally brought on for a specialist no14 there must be aspects of Liddles game management that Shane thinks can be done much better


He would be on $300k pa or so max

Ipape would be very exciting if that can happen in 2025?

Or maybe Kyle could become a true "manage the game" hooker like a Cam Smith type of hooker? Obviously I am comparing pineapples and passionfruit but i suspect Kyle could manage our field position and forwards very well given his experience as a half and is solid defensively. There was a simplicity to how Cam smith managed a game via relentless field position as no1 and squeeze the opposition SOO style............his kicking from dummy half and moving out to second or first receiver when in the red zone of the opposition to obtain repeat set on his left foot grubbers or short passes that were almost always forward worked.

Hunt if he likes the place and we land another serious half would be excellent at no9 and might be able to play that role like Smith for a couple more years.

But we need to sort out our halves first

 

[possm]

Liddle for me is a good value solution for now but obviously with KFlanno originally brought on for a specialist no14 there must be aspects of Liddles game management that Shane thinks can be done much better


He would be on $300k pa or so max

Ipape would be very exciting if that can happen in 2025?

Or maybe Kyle could become a true "manage the game" hooker like a Cam Smith type of hooker? Obviously I am comparing pineapples and passionfruit but i suspect Kyle could manage our field position and forwards very well given his experience as a half and is solid defensively. There was a simplicity to how Cam smith managed a game via relentless field position as no1 and squeeze the opposition SOO style............his kicking from dummy half and moving out to second or first receiver when in the red zone of the opposition to obtain repeat set on his left foot grubbers or short passes that were almost always forward worked.

Hunt if he likes the place and we land another serious half would be excellent at no9 and might be able to play that role like Smith for a couple more years.

But we need to sort out our halves first

Yes, we know Hunt wants out and K Flannagan wants the halfback spot. So, recruit Mam and then look for a good hooker. Liddle will do for now but he did not appear to be an 80-minute player. Maybe after this off-season, he is much fitter and last 80 minutes.

Swap Hunt for Mam.

Lomax (c)
Mam
Flannagan
Liddle - for now

 

[redV06]

Hooker is a problem area we need to address. Liddle doesn’t have the minutes in him, 40 mins at best. I’d say they’re looking for depth there. Muhleisen isn’t enough as back up.

 

[Draginzaaar]

Yes, we know Hunt wants out and K Flannagan wants the halfback spot. So, recruit Mam and then look for a good hooker. Liddle will do for now but he did not appear to be an 80-minute player. Maybe after this off-season, he is much fitter and last 80 minutes.

Swap Hunt for Mam.

Lomax (c)
Mam
Flannagan
Liddle - for now

Recruit Mam?.......it's so easy to do.

 

[Victoire]

Somehow I agree with your sentiments on Lomax, rasaint. He is nowhere of the quality as a centre like Gasnier and Cooper and Steve Rogers. He is not fast and while people say he needs early ball to make a break, it doesn't take much running before he is brought down anyway as he lacks the speed and acceleration to outpace speedier opposition players.

I think Flanno will need to do some work on him if he remains a centre for us. Fullback also isn't his go in my opinion.

The team needs speed and plenty of it and there just aren't too many in first grade at the moment who has that pace to outrun the opposition.

He lacks outright speed perhaps but in this example here (granted only against the Tigers) he shows the strength of Cooper, paired with the footwork and skill of Gasnier. It's a formidable combination even if he isn't lightning fast. He showed some real desire and effort after Griffin was dumped in 2023 and with some good coaching from now on who knows what he might be capable of. I rate him.

 

[Dragon David]

He lacks outright speed perhaps but in this example here (granted only against the Tigers) he shows the strength of Cooper, paired with the footwork and skill of Gasnier. It's a formidable combination even if he isn't lightning fast. He showed some real desire and effort after Griffin was dumped in 2023 and with some good coaching from now on who knows what he might be capable of. I rate him.

I must admit that after Griffin was dumped and Carr became the interim head coach, Lomax did show much more in attack and defence and more positivity in general. Under Flanagan he could be even better. We wait and see.

 

[Parko1310]

Enjoying this thread but if anyone is interested:

What does the panel think about Liddle?

Are you comfortable with him?

At the Tigers, he had his moments but I too often felt he wasn’t at optimum.

Do you have same view and if so what kind of game do you need from him to keep him beyond this year?

I’m just curious, I haven’t watched him play properly for awhile.

What is your out of 100 rating?

My take on Liddle is he can completely change a game - if he comes off the bench. ANZAC Day this year his influence was one of, if not the biggest factor in turning the game around. We need a quality starting hooker who provides good service and is more defensively solid. Muhleisen for example doesn't have the quality to perform that role. An import like Ipape is more of an impact hooker as well with questionable defensive ability. My ideal player to fill that position would be Jayden Brailey, and I'd keep Liddle as a 30-40 minute player off the bench as his impact can be game changing.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

I must admit that after Griffin was dumped and Carr became the interim head coach, Lomax did show much more in attack and defence and more positivity in general. Under Flanagan he could be even better. We wait and see.

It’s hard watching that clip again lol.

Tim Sheens didn’t even say goodbye to us. We gave his wife a job in admin as well.

Maybe they were arguing about the lounge room curtains all day.