2nd trial vs tigers

[Parko1310]

Now if we can beat the Titans up their way in two weeks time then the future would indeed be looking so much brighter. We have about two weeks to go over drills, moves, plans, strength, conditioning and endurance training and building up confidence. We can do it.

With Brimson playing right centre, our left side will be our target area in attack again like it was in the Tigers trial. Suli and Rav + Sloan out the back should destroy that right edge of the Gold Coast if we get our service out there right again.

 

[Dragon David]

DRAGONS’ FITNESS ADDS NEW STEEL TO DEFENCE

Shane Flanagan has added a real steel to the Dragons and improved their fitness dramatically after their 34-18 win over the Tigers.

The battle of the two bottom teams last year saw the Dragons come out more impressive after they led 24-0 at one stage and their aggression and physical fitness caught the eye of Corey Parker.

“I like their effort areas particularly defensively,” Parker said.

“Last year they were poor in that area. On their day they can score points and we have seen that.


“They have some wonderful players in their team who can score points but defensively when the blowtorch is put to them they have come up with nothing.

“They were physical and there was an intensity about what they were doing. They were going after the play.”

Jaydn Su'A was one of several Dragons looking much fitter than last season.Source: Getty Images


Flanagan based his premiership team at the Sharks around fitness and defence and it appears he is trying to instil a similar work ethic at the Dragons.

“There is no secret to be able to defend for long periods you need to be supremely fit,” Parker said.

“They obviously identified they weren’t in that space last year and then they need to train at an intensity day in and day out that then prepares you for game day when you are under the pump.


“You can’t just turn up on game day and think it is going to happen if you haven’t done the work Monday to Friday.”

However, Cooper Cronk warned the Dragons were playing the Tigers and will need to maintain that level of aggression when they face the top teams in the NRL.

“The Dragons had to reset a few things in terms of mental toughness, physical readiness and having better defensive systems,” Cronk said.

“They were a couple of things they had to change.

“The Dragons’ destiny will be can they beat the teams who are well seasoned and well prepared and mentally and physically tough just as Shane Flanagan wants their team.”

Above from Foxsports news.

 

[kit66]

The tigers knocked over Melbourne the week before so don't underestimate the form we will get a much better READ next match against the TITANS.......

If you mean the pre-season trial in week 1, the Tigers played an understrength Warriors and won 18-16, 3 tries apiece.
It was the Dogs who beat a second string Storm in week 1.

 

[st.phil]

Sua: As I said before Deano's come in and worked really hard with us on our defence was a big focus for us in the off season and something we struggled with last season. Its only early but positive signs, exciting for us and the fans.

This kinda backs up what I am saying. Deano also copped plenty of flack before and when we signed him. Picking up the son of Albert just may turn out to be a master stroke.

100 - but then again if you had to strike off individuals who have been scathed by this forum - there'd only be a couple promising juniors left

 

[denis preston]

Great game. Our team is much improved. Defence was great. First half with our top 13 we will be top 8 contenders. But with reserves being thrown in 2nd half, we were same as tigers. However we still Sele and Leilua to come in. Here are the positives:
1. Sloan (Great improvement - he organises the defensive line better, does not let the ball bounce and improved defensively - but still needs to improve)
2. Bird - It is now clear that his position is centre - Flanno was right
3. Suli - If he keeps it up, he will be in calculations for the State of Origin. Vow
4. Flanno jnr - Was much better than Bud, better organiser - puts that argument to the rest.
5. Hunt - Now he can do his running game and slot in dummy half if needed. The role that he plays for Queensland
6. Sua - Definitely will make it to State of Origin
7. Eisenhuh - Great buy. will be in our top 17. Unfortunately this may push Couchmans to reserve but they will get their chances
8. F Molo - Finally. If he keeps it up, he will be the leader of our forwards. What was he doing the last few years?
9. Lomax - His goal kicking is back and he was great in defense. Still adjusting to wing.
10. Rawa, JDB, Block and Liddle - These guys were great last year and kept it up. Hope Block and Liddle's injuries are minor and they will make it for round one

11. Mariner - Our backrow will be Sua, Eisenhuh, Leilua and Mariner. Couchmans will be get a chance though. I think we will see BMM retiring or moving to super league this year.
12. Fifita - Our frontrow will be F.Molo, Block, Sele and Fifita.
13. M Molo - Went well yesterday. Will be no 18 for most games I think. He is smaller, more mobile type frontrower in my view like Paul Gallen. Flanno was a great fan of Paul Gallen. So, if M. Molo can improve and reach the same heights as Paul Gallen, he will challenge our top.

Negatives:

1. Mulheisen - He needs to improve.
2. Marshke - He needs to improve
3. No 14 - Does not seem we have one at this stage. Let's see if Mulheisen or Marshke improve or Flanno can bring up one of the youngsters

What did Marshke do wrong?

 

[BLM01]

If you mean the pre-season trial in week 1, the Tigers played an understrength Warriors and won 18-16, 3 tries apiece.
It was the Dogs who beat a second string Storm in week 1.

Warriors with 12 men for more than half a game

 

[cusnjed]

What did Marshke do wrong?

I like Marshke. I don't believe he had the same options to shine last week

 

[Victoire]

Marschke only came on after that Sloan try when Hunt went off.. so only 19 mins or so. Possession really swung back to the Tigers in that period so not much for him to do, although he was involved in the Tuipolotu no try

 

[Overseadragon]

I think it was Warriors mate, and they had 12 men for 60 minutes...minus their stars....

Yes exactly my error

 

[Overseadragon]

If you mean the pre-season trial in week 1, the Tigers played an understrength Warriors and won 18-16, 3 tries apiece.
It was the Dogs who beat a second string Storm in week 1.

Yes my error

 

[Slippery Morris]

You can only play what is in front of you and the Dragons did that quite well. I thought they were brilliant and there was a period where the ref was punishing the boys hard giving the tigers so much possession but they hung in there. Really good team effort as everyone worked together as a team. Saints have big powerful backs in Suli, Rava, Bird and Lomax and will be a handful that is for sure. Liddle was incredible. I really think he will have a great season under Flanno if he stays injury free. He was good last year until Hook put his mate Mbye on instead for some unknown reason.

How happy did Ben Hunt look. That is what I took out of it. He looks to really be enjoying himself and you feel he has more confidence in his boys and that they can actually create something special this season. Hunt will be huge for Saints and it looks like Coach Flanno has really turned it around. Kyle and Hunt look to be building a very good halves combo and will be underestimated I feel. Kyle's defence is great and he looks to be a good foil for Ben Hunt.

The press will milk the Lomax move to wing delux to unsettle the lad and teams will talk behind our backs to get him to leave. You can see Flanno has plans for Lomax and the wing role is just so he can learn more about that role which will only improve him even more when he eventually plays centre. Flanno will play him Fullback, Wing and centre to improve his knowledge and that try Bird set up for him with that kick showed that they will form a good combo. Lomax will cover all positions and it will earn him a rep jersey quicker than if he stays at centre.

Please re-sign Su'a asap, what are they waiting for. All forwards were great but my standout was Michael Molo. Something about this guy which I really like. He may be small but plays with so much heart and is more skillful with ball in hand than people think. He is the type that will score or set us a freakish try out of nothing I feel.

How good was Rava's one handed pickup which led to a try.

 

[Wolfgang90]

Amazing performance. We've played 3 great halves of footy & 1 poor half. If you told me before our trials, this would be our performance then I would be stoked.

I know a few fans want leilua in the starting side but our fitness & conditioning are at high levels, so I don't want to bring him underdone into our starting side. There's also no rush to start him considering the strong form of Su'a & Eisenhuth. Imo bring Leuilua off the bench until he works upto the required fitness & conditioning standards to play 80mins on the edge. He also needs to understand our defensive systems which will take time, especially the decision making required to play on the edge.

I'm unsure if it was Lomax possible back injury but he looked to be playing well within himself. I've liked Sloan's performance at fullback but I don't think it's enough to warrant a starting fullback spot yet. I would much prefer Lomax at fullback for his high work rate & 1v1 defence but play Sloan on the wing. He can have a roaming role in attack so he can utilise his speed for support plays. It will also become predictable when opposition teams kick to him, so we can easily plan for it. He also has the speed to cover Bird's lack of speed. Basically an Alex Johnston role, or even Nathan Blacklock (what a gun). He's also got the speed to be an excellent finisher, I think he would compliment Bird as ctr/wing pairing more than Lomax.

Sloan needs to be more active in his support plays, which is a work rate & footy IQ issue. I've liked the instances he's returned the ball at pace because he's bent the line & even poked through it on 2 occasions. He needs to do it consistently & I think wing is the perfect position to work on those areas.

I'm not saying he can't be our fullback later in the season but I've seen enough to believe it's better for his development to currently play wing, where he can develop those areas without the pressure & added responsibility of fullback.

My team after the trials

1. Lomax
2. Rava
3. Suli
4. Bird
5. Sloan
6. Flanno
7. Hunt
8. F.Molo
9. Liddle
10. JDB
11. Su'a
12. Eisenhuth
13. Sele

14. Lawrie
15. Leilua
16. M. Molo
17. Fifita

I don't think Muhleisen/Marschke form warrant either of them having a bench utility spot atm. I would rather pick players who have showed strong form. Lawrie on the bench is for experience & impact, I also like Sele's ball playing ability in the 13 & defence. F.Molo has been amazing & provides that size up front.

Currently, I think this team gives us the best shot at winning now while also developing some players for the future.

I've loved our trial form. Bring on season 2024!

 

[Wolfgang90]

I wanted to see our left side get more ball after the souths game, especially in our attacking 20 & we did that perfectly in this match. Our left side is the strike side imo. Power, Power & more power.

Sure they might be lacking top end speed but other teams will have to deal with our power. We need to continue playing to our strengths because that side has elite power. The 1, 2 & 3 punch of Su'a/Suli/Rava could be immense. This is probably bias but all 3 have potential to be in the top 5 players in their positions. Flanno also feeding them the ball was soo good to watch. It's the perfect balance with Flanno on that side.

 

[Hound of Dracula]

Well shiver me timbers and call me Woody!
All the newfound luv for Kyle.

Hopefully we'll all be raving about Sloan soon.

 

[baggygreen man]

“The Dragons’ destiny will be can they beat the teams who are well seasoned and well prepared and mentally and physically tough just as Shane Flanagan wants their team.”

Spot on Cronk. That will be the litmus test for our new regime.

 

[baggygreen man]

He also has the speed to cover Bird's lack of speed.

You hit nail on head, Birds lack of speed. Add his mediocre defense, game reading, lack of creativity. Question why do you and evidently Flanno Snr want him at centre, even in the starting 13. Only muddies the water.

1. Lomax- TICK
2. Rava- TICK
3. Suli-TICK
4. Bird- TAMALE/FINAU
5. Sloan-TICK
6. Flanno- TICK
7. Hunt
8. F.Molo-LAWRIE
9. Liddle-TICK
10. JDB-FiFiTA/SELE
11. Su'a-TICK
12. Eisenhuth-M MOLO
13. Sele-JDB

14. Lawrie-F MOLO
15. Leilua-TICK
16. M. Molo-EISENHUTH/BIRD/TUITAVAKE
17. Fifita- SELE

 

[FlickFlano]

You should actually watch games this year not talk about what you remember incorrectly from last year

 

[VodkaSaint]

so I bumped into Apisai Koroisau 6.45 am near Allambie Heights and asked the question
what happened mate, I thought you guys where going to smash the so called wooden soon favorites.
he had a Laugh and said Mate, Dont go there , got his coffee and zoomed off

 

[toddgakk]

Amazing performance. We've played 3 great halves of footy & 1 poor half. If you told me before our trials, this would be our performance then I would be stoked.

I know a few fans want leilua in the starting side but our fitness & conditioning are at high levels, so I don't want to bring him underdone into our starting side. There's also no rush to start him considering the strong form of Su'a & Eisenhuth. Imo bring Leuilua off the bench until he works upto the required fitness & conditioning standards to play 80mins on the edge. He also needs to understand our defensive systems which will take time, especially the decision making required to play on the edge.

I'm unsure if it was Lomax possible back injury but he looked to be playing well within himself. I've liked Sloan's performance at fullback but I don't think it's enough to warrant a starting fullback spot yet. I would much prefer Lomax at fullback for his high work rate & 1v1 defence but play Sloan on the wing. He can have a roaming role in attack so he can utilise his speed for support plays. It will also become predictable when opposition teams kick to him, so we can easily plan for it. He also has the speed to cover Bird's lack of speed. Basically an Alex Johnston role, or even Nathan Blacklock (what a gun). He's also got the speed to be an excellent finisher, I think he would compliment Bird as ctr/wing pairing more than Lomax.

Sloan needs to be more active in his support plays, which is a work rate & footy IQ issue. I've liked the instances he's returned the ball at pace because he's bent the line & even poked through it on 2 occasions. He needs to do it consistently & I think wing is the perfect position to work on those areas.

I'm not saying he can't be our fullback later in the season but I've seen enough to believe it's better for his development to currently play wing, where he can develop those areas without the pressure & added responsibility of fullback.

My team after the trials

1. Lomax
2. Rava
3. Suli
4. Bird
5. Sloan
6. Flanno
7. Hunt
8. F.Molo
9. Liddle
10. JDB
11. Su'a
12. Eisenhuth
13. Sele

14. Lawrie
15. Leilua
16. M. Molo
17. Fifita

I don't think Muhleisen/Marschke form warrant either of them having a bench utility spot atm. I would rather pick players who have showed strong form. Lawrie on the bench is for experience & impact, I also like Sele's ball playing ability in the 13 & defence. F.Molo has been amazing & provides that size up front.

Currently, I think this team gives us the best shot at winning now while also developing some players for the future.

I've loved our trial form. Bring on season 2024!

Don't think flanno will go with 4 forwards on the bench...maybe 3 and a utility...Marschke for mine.

 

[Wolfgang90]

Don't think flanno will go with 4 forwards on the bench...maybe 3 and a utility...Marschke for mine.

I agree but I don't think either Marschke or Muhleisen did enough to warrant a spot on the bench compared to other players. Marschke just didn't get enough mins imo. I also think we have enough utility coverage in our 17 without having a designated utility on the bench. Maybe something for later in the season depending on health of our team. He certainly won't do it while liddle is under an injury cloud.