Aitken Re-signs with dragons for 3 years

[Old Timer]

I am sure Mann could have made a better impression at fullback if our head coach had done is job properly in the off-season. Surely Mann should have been watched very closely and any deficiencies should have been attended to.

If I remember right, Mann had problems with receiving kicks and returning the ball under pressure. Surely one day a week training to rectify such problems would have taken care of this issue. My guess is that Mary did not even notice this issue until it all went wrong in an NRL game.

Possm and all
If players are consigned to the scrap heap on the basis that their initial 1 or 2 games in elite company don't work out people like Justin Hodges would never had a club career let alone a rep one.

 

[Blood Shot Eyes]

Great news...NOW stop pi##ing about with Milne and put him in the centres with Euan and lets get down to business...they are both top liners imo and will be a great pairing who will serve us well for many a season

 

[RufusRex]

The thing about Mann is obvious ... He came into the team late last year and in 11 games on the wing scored 10 tries. No other wing in the team did that or even looked like doing that. So what else changed when Mann came onto the wing? If nothing else in the team changed then Mann was doing stuff that no other dragon player was doing. In terms of tries per game, Mann was in the NRLs top 10 last season for blokes that played more than a couple of games. No other dragons close to that.

If he is a stop gap measure in the team then his stop gap proved a lot more effective than the other options that were tried there.


Aitken may be good but in the highlight vid from the Tigers game he made critical mistakes that led to the tigers first try and was unable to set up an unmarked winger (chosing the throw the ball into his feet). Aitken has a long way to go to be the centre we need him to be .. He might get there, he might not. All I know is that when Milne came into right centre last season we looked a lot more dangerous on that side and didn't concede demonstrably more tries down that edge. Milne/Mann/Aitken/Lafai .. there are 4 centres going for 2 spots. None of them at this stage in their careers are must pick brilliant players. All have issues in their game .. It is going to be about picking the right blokes to enable the team to perform. Personally I think we need more ball play ability in our centres if Dugan plays fullback.

 

[BlackDuckSaint]

I think Aitken is a much better defender than Milne. He misses less tackles for 1 and having watched Euan pretty closely, he is very good at jamming in on the sweeper in a backline movement.

He has proven himself to be a very good runner of the ball, not many in our team are stronger outside of Dugan, and he is still young enough to improve on setting up his outside man.
He just needs to cut down on his mistakes (Still makes less than 1 a game) and he will improve out of sight when he is running off a good half and given time.

Most people on here agree that his best game has been his City Vs Country game. In that game he was given time to wind up and get on the outside shoulder of a defender to use his fend, not given a bullet like short ball 3mm from the defensive line. Or he was used to cut back against the grain in a sideways movement. Both more effective than the way he is used at the dragons, basically another back rower.

 

[Dragonslayer]

The thing about Mann is obvious ... He came into the team late last year and in 11 games on the wing scored 10 tries. No other wing in the team did that or even looked like doing that. So what else changed when Mann came onto the wing? If nothing else in the team changed then Mann was doing stuff that no other dragon player was doing. In terms of tries per game, Mann was in the NRLs top 10 last season for blokes that played more than a couple of games. No other dragons close to that.

If he is a stop gap measure in the team then his stop gap proved a lot more effective than the other options that were tried there.


Aitken may be good but in the highlight vid from the Tigers game he made critical mistakes that led to the tigers first try and was unable to set up an unmarked winger (chosing the throw the ball into his feet). Aitken has a long way to go to be the centre we need him to be .. He might get there, he might not. All I know is that when Milne came into right centre last season we looked a lot more dangerous on that side and didn't concede demonstrably more tries down that edge. Milne/Mann/Aitken/Lafai .. there are 4 centres going for 2 spots. None of them at this stage in their careers are must pick brilliant players. All have issues in their game .. It is going to be about picking the right blokes to enable the team to perform. Personally I think we need more ball play ability in our centres if Dugan plays fullback.

The argument with Aitken will sway to and fro, some think he's the best thing since sliced bread and some think he needs to improve his game.
We've read, he's only young and a better defender than Milne (for example) and is a good hard runner of the ball with a great fend. All this is true.
However, on the other hand is his inability to pass or even look to pass, poor lateral defence and an inability to defend the high ball. All this is also true.
Milne also has some (or many) deficiencies too, but what impresses me the most is that he won't die with the ball, he looks to set up anyone willing to run onto it and whilst he doesn't score himself, he will try to set someone else up for one. His front on defence is ok, just his technique is poor, he fends well and is reasonable agile and quick. He's sound under the high ball and laterally defends well.

For mine Aitken isn't going to win you a game at centre, whereas Milne could. Aitken should be looking to really power up his game and revert to an interchange utility. I believe he could become the most dangerous interchange player playing the game and this is where he will win us a game.

 

[BlackDuckSaint]

The argument with Aitken will sway to and fro, some think he's the best thing since sliced bread and some think he needs to improve his game.
We've read, he's only young and a better defender than Milne (for example) and is a good hard runner of the ball with a great fend. All this is true.
However, on the other hand is his inability to pass or even look to pass, poor lateral defence and an inability to defend the high ball. All this is also true.
Milne also has some (or many) deficiencies too, but what impresses me the most is that he won't die with the ball, he looks to set up anyone willing to run onto it and whilst he doesn't score himself, he will try to set someone else up for one. His front on defence is ok, just his technique is poor, he fends well and is reasonable agile and quick. He's sound under the high ball and laterally defends well.

For mine Aitken isn't going to win you a game at centre, whereas Milne could. Aitken should be looking to really power up his game and revert to an interchange utility. I believe he could become the most dangerous interchange player playing the game and this is where he will win us a game.

Interesting take and I like the idea of Aitken coming on as a roaming forward, he could really be devastating against a tiring forward pack if used properly.

I like it

 

[RufusRex]

He played fullback and 5/8 for the Storm under 20s and Qld under 20s. Played 5/8 for the Sunny coast. He debuted in 1st grade or the Storm at fullback. I think you'll find he was only a left centre at the Storm due to necessity and Mulholland has been quoted by someone on JA a while ago as saying he was recruited for the halves.

In first grade ... Mann played 28 games for Melbourne .. all but 2 of these at centre (His 4th and 5th).

 

[possm]

We have plenty of suitable centres and are trying to settle on a five-eighth and fullback this year for 2018.

Right now we still have Dugan and Widdop so we should begin the season selecting these two players in positions with an eye for next season.

Dugan to right centre - if he stays that's where he will play in 2018. If he goes then the next in line will take his place.

Widdop to halfback - If he stays he will play alongside Hunt in the halves in 2018. Widdop has experience at the highest level playing in the 7 jumper but prefers playing at 6. Until a decision is made on his extension, it is in the best interest of the Club for him to be selected at 7 and players like Mann and Field be given time at 6 during 2017.

Field/Dufty to fullback - These two players are blessed with speed and elusiveness; just what the Dragons are lacking. They both are rookies to NRL level so should be blooded in the 1 jumper during 2017. For certain plays they could switch with Dugan and really create havoc in attack.

Aitken to second row - He has a new 3 year extension and I see this move as the natural path for Aitken. His strength and speed would give our left edge attacking flair not seen since Creagh's move to the 11 jumper.

With a new coach in 2018 and so many contracts up at the end of 2017, there will most certainly be a cleanout of our NRL squad. I believe making the above selections early in the season would place out squad in a better position for the 2018 season.

 

[Old Timer]

In first grade ... Mann played 28 games for Melbourne .. all but 2 of these at centre (His 4th and 5th).

Thanks for the intel RR as that conclusively confirms the utility factor that people keep posting about.
I suppose his utility factor was so great that when one of the centres returned to the Storm, they dropped Slater just so they could find a spot in the team for Mann?
Good old Mary and co they worked it out though, if it was only good enough for Bellyache to play him 2 games at FB, that's all we should give him as well.
Mary and the anti Mann people are correct he's shit compared to Lafai and co and we will be far better off when he leaves the club lol.

 

[Old Timer]

Forgot to add that our coaching staff is so much better than the Storm coaching staff that we quickly worked out that if Mann only played 26 games at centre (more than a regular season) he would not be any where near good enough to play even 1 game at centre in the NRL for us because our system is so much more sophisticated at picking the best man for each and every position.
We showed them Storm wankers a thing or two didn't we after all there only losers and choked in the GF better of to run 11th than do that lol.

 

[Saints Forever]

If it gets down to Lafai and Mann, I hope Mann scores the left centre position

Lafai would need to return to his 2014 form to be a chance

Last year was not Lafai's best

April may be crunch time for Tim as both he and Havili may get the boot if they are convicted of that assault.

Would be sorry to see Havili go as he is a powerhouse who should have featured regularly as an impact player who doubles up as a hooker. Can put on a good hit in defence and is a rampaging runner with the ball in hand

 

[MattoDragon]

why announce this at 7 in the morning on mon?

Sorry, did we wake you up??? HAHA

 

[MattoDragon]

Interesting.

Wonder what their plan is for Aitken going forward. Is he a long term centre? What about Duges, given both their preferred position is right centre?

Certainly an interesting signing given Duges remain unsigned.

With Dufty coming through and Dugan wanting $1m a year, I would think the club has 2 options...
convince Dugan $750k is as much as he is worth playing Fullback or Right Centre or show him the door.
Imo, FB: Dufty and RC: Aitken.
And thanks for the memories Duges!

 

[MattoDragon]

Awesome news! Hope Packer,Mann and Milne are next

Yes, those 3 are very important and are must signings asap.

 

[MattoDragon]

Why Mann? If he can play halves well, that would be great. If not, NSW Cup player. haven't seen enough of Milne yet either.

Mann was our top try scorer last year. He SHOULD be our halfback this year and he has great utility value. He can play fullback, wing, centre, half and I'm quite sure he could slot into lock with a few extra kgs.
Milne played the last 10-12 games of 2016, how could you not see enough of him? Based on form, he's a far better prospect than Lafai.
Mann and Milne are NOT NSW Cup players, they are both quality!

 

[MattoDragon]

Forgot to add that our coaching staff is so much better than the Storm coaching staff that we quickly worked out that if Mann only played 26 games at centre (more than a regular season) he would not be any where near good enough to play even 1 game at centre in the NRL for us because our system is so much more sophisticated at picking the best man for each and every position.
We showed them Storm wankers a thing or two didn't we after all there only losers and choked in the GF better of to run 11th than do that lol.

You sarcastic old bugger, I love it!!!

 

[MattoDragon]

I see. He did well finishing off tries on the wing. For most of those he didn't have to do much but catch and run. I can't remember him taking on the opposition defensive line and going through it. I don't remember him making a lot of meters running out of dummy half either. But anyway, just my opinion. I agree he is solid in a number of position but this far, hasn't gone close to excelling in any. I hope he gets a chance at 5/8 but if he can't make it in the halves, NSW Cup beckons.

Milne could be a gun but I haven't seen enough yet.

if you don't remember Milne, you must also have trouble remembering some of the good stuff Mann did.
Your ridiculous comments about him basically just falling over the line to score, not taking on an opponent, not breaking the line....did you watch any dragons games in 2016???
If your the clubs top try scorer, you obviously excelled on the wing!!!
He defended very well, took many bombs and broke tackles out of defense regularly.
As for Milne, he outshone Aitken as a centre partner, in the 10 or so games he played. He's strong, a good defender and he can set up tries with a good offload and even a kick.
I just don't know what you want from a player???
Both these guys are important to the club's future

 

[MattoDragon]

You must be have been tripping. Mansour, Radradra, B. Morris a few years ago excelled on the wing. A winger has to do more than finish off tries.

For the record, you are merely stating your opinion. You are welcome to it but you shouldn't fly off the handle if you disagree with mine. For mine Mann should get a chance at 5/8 but if he can't make a go of it there, he won't be in the centres ahead of Aitken, Dugan or Milne, won't be fullback ahead of Dufty or Dugan and won't be a winger ahead of McDonald, Nightingale or one of the young players coming through.

He has good footwork and is relatively safe and is a relatively good defender but IMO he lacks the ability to punch through the opposition defensive line as all the best outside backs can do. In the 9s he seemed to have some ball playing ability. Not on the same level as the Rorters or Melbournes rookie halves but enough to suggest he may be able to make a go of it in the halves at the Dragons. At least for this year and depending on what happens with Field and Dufty, maybe for a few years.

He doesn't have it as a fullback and I can't see him being anywhere near as good as Field as a 5/8 so maybe he doesn't need to be resigned.

How can you say he shouldn't be in the centres before Milne? You said you haven't seen enough of Milne?
And how can you say he doesn't have it as a fullback? He got 2 games. No one proves themselves in 2 games. He was the only player dropped after we got absolutely hammered by the shirees and he was not responsible for every point they scored. On that day, 8-10 players deserved being dropped.
Maybe you got your players mixed up. Are you talking about Marketo???
Your comments on Mann are totally ignorant. You either don't watch the games closely enough to see this kid's talents or you have an issue with Mann.
Watch the kid closely FFS

 

[MattoDragon]

Okay. This is getting ridiculous. Duges was by light years the best back last season and you are tripping to state otherwise. After Duges would probably be Aitken and then Nightingale. It absolutely isn't a guy who spent most of the season in the NSW Cup. Mann is fighting for a spot, probably in a new position, in a team widely tipped to be bottom 4 this season. If that isn't a fringe first grader, I don't know what is. Isn't he off contract at the end of this season? I don't see the Dragons or any other club rushing to resign him. Good move. If he can't make it in the halves, and I hope he can, he shouldn't be resigned. How many of those tries did he just have to catch and run and put the ball down? There is a lot more to a wingers game than simply finishing off backline movements.

So having said that, let's just agree to disagree.

And Mann is very good in all those aspects of a winger.
Yes, he's fighting for a first grade spot, as is Aitken with Dugan: as is Nightingale with McDonald, Fai Fai Loa and Glyman. If that's your argument, are Aitken and Nightingale fringe first graders?
So far you have not come up with one valid argument against Mann. And that's proven by the fact you are receiving no support from this place

 

[MattoDragon]

Okay. Call it a pie in the sky if you like but the bottom line is, they take on the opposition defensive line and go through it on a relatively regular basis. I don't think Mann can do this and I haven't seen him do it. Therefore IMO, if he can't make it in the halves, he shouldn't be resigned.
But the Old Dude tripping, talking about him (Mann) being the best back last season is without question false and not a matter of just my opinion.

You, my friend, are the one tripping. The "Old Timer's" comments are all valid and all provable if you look at the stats.
Your comments, on the other hand, lack all credibility and knowledge. As proved by the total lack of support you have received