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getsmarty

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DRAGONS


TripADeal extend Dragons partnership
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Fri 30 Nov 2018, 12:45 PM

St George Illawarra NRL Women's Premiership foundation partner TripADeal have today extended its partnership with the Dragons to feature on the men's squads' apparel for at least the next three seasons.

The TripADeal brand – which featured on the back of the inaugural Dragons' Women's Premiership jersey – will be introduced in the same position on the men's NRL, Intrust Super Premiership and Jersey Flegg jerseys from next season.

TripADeal is an online travel agent who offers bucket list holiday experiences at unbelievable prices, both domestically and abroad, with Dragons members and partners set to also benefit from the partnership.

TripADeal co-founder and managing director Norm Black described the Dragons' sponsorship was a profound moment for both he and the business.

"It's a huge step forward for TripADeal to partner with one of Australia’s most successful sporting clubs," Black said.

"It goes without saying that this is a business decision, but also a personal one – I’ve been a passionate Dragons supporter my entire life, so I know of its incredibly strong history and I have complete faith in the club's future.

"It'll be one of the proudest moments of my life to see TripADeal on the back of every Dragons jersey."

St George Illawarra CEO Brian Johnston said TripADeal's partnership extension was another huge boon for the Dragons' football endeavours ahead of the 2019 season and beyond.

"TripADeal is an exciting Australian-owned brand with passionate people who share similar values to us all at the Dragons," Dragons Chief Executive Officer Brian Johnston said.

"We were delighted when they came on board for our inaugural Women's Premiership team this year, and the fact they have chosen to extend their partnership is great for not only our club and players, but so too our partners and members who will gain access to their great value holiday offerings."

This signing completes the Dragons' 2019 apparel partnership properties, with TripADeal joining St.George Bank, Westfund, South Village, Domus, XBlades, Paul's Customs and PlayChip.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/11/30/tripadeal-extend-dragons-partnership/
 
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Gareth Widdop determined to put an end to Dragons’ late season fade-outs
NRL Premiership
  • November 30, 2018 11:19am
  • by Steve Zemek
  • Source: AAP
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Gareth Widdop is confident the Dragons will not fade-out in 2019.Source: Getty Images
Gareth Widdop expects St George Illawarra’s heartbreaking NRL finals exit to fuel their2019 campaign but conceded they had to address their concerning trend of post-Origin fade-outs.

After guaranteeing he would remain in Dragons colours for 2019 and not seek an immediate release to return home to England,Widdop has turned his attention to the upcoming NRL season and his battle to recover from a shoulder reconstruction.

The Dragons were bundled out in the second week of the finals at the hands of South Sydney this year after being sunk by twoAdam Reynolds field goals in final three minutes of regulation.


Round 1

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'Totally not the case'

1:57
And while Paul McGregor’s side did surge late to almost win through to the grand final qualifier, in the wash up they wereundoubtedly cruelled by their lacklustre form in the final third of the regular season.

From round 17 onwards, they lost six of nine games, slumping from top spot to seventh.

In 2017 (3-6), 2016 (2-7) and 2015 (4-6), they also ended the regular season in similarly poor fashion.

“You look at the top teams, they’re the most consistent teams,” Widdop said.


“That’s what our team is aiming for. It’s good we haven’t had too much player movement.

“We lost Leeson (Ah Mau) but bring in Korbin (Sims). We’ve got a great roster here.” Widdop said he hoped the way in whichthey exited the finals would fuel their desire for next year.

“We got so close that last game there against Souths,” he said.

“It was very pleasing last year but still disappointing. We had a really good start to the year and a bit of a drop off before finding some form in the back end of the year.

“Hopefully the boys will have the hunger from knowing what it’s like to play finals because a lot of them haven’t played finalsbefore.”

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Gareth Widdop is on track in his recovery from a dislocated shoulder.Source: Getty Images
Widdop underwent surgery after suffering a shoulder dislocation against Parramatta in round 22 before re-aggravatingthe injury in week one of the finals against Brisbane.

He has not yet returned to contact work but is confident of being ready for round one against North Queensland in Townsville.

“I’m slowly getting back into it so I’m doing all the running and things like that,” Widdop said.

“It’s just a matter of progression, which is up to the performance staff.”


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/c4d2cb3af4417e89dbb69d0d9c4fd7ac
 
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frizell--180912_09.jpg


DRAGONS


Settled Widdop can lead Dragons to success: Frizell
Author
Martin Lenehan NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Mon 3 Dec 2018, 05:01 PM

With his future at the Dragons settled for 2019, Gareth Widdop can be a vital ingredient for St George Illawarra in beating the State of Origin player drain and avoiding another late-season fade-out, according to Tyson Frizell.

The NSW and Kangaroos enforcer is adamant Widdop will have the full backing and best wishes of his teammates whenever he decides to swap the Red V for the Super League.

Widdop has made no secret of the fact he would like to return to his homeland in the coming years but last week moved swiftly to deny reports he had requested an immediate release from St George Illawarra.

The 29-year-old Dragons captain left England at 14 and started his NRL career in Melbourne before joining the Dragons in 2014 and evolving into one of the game's premier playmakers.

"Gareth had never mentioned to us about wanting to go back home but we weren't surprised by it," Frizell told NRL.com.

"He is from England but he has never had the chance to play Super League and I'm sure he'd want to play a couple of years there.

"The main thing is he is here for next year and whatever he does after that we are behind him."

Dragons pleased Widdop commits to 2019

Widdop is contracted until the end of 2021 but it seems likely 2019 will be his last year in the NRL and St Helens have emerged as favourites to land the England international when he does head home.

In the meantime, his 185 games of experience will be pivotal to the Dragons keeping their campaign on track during the demanding State of Origin period when they could lose up to five players, including Frizell and Widdop's halves partner Ben Hunt.

"It's nice to know that when we do go through Origin that Gaz and James Graham are still around," Frizell said.

"Plenty of clubs lose their best players during Origin but our best and most experienced are still playing NRL which is comforting."

Dragons coach Paul McGregor copped criticism for not resting his Origin stars mid-season but Frizell says the onus is on the players to know their body and work with medical staff to avoid burnout.

"Every player is different and I found it hard when I first started in Origin [in 2016] but 2018 was my best year in terms of getting the balance right," Frizell said.

"There's plenty of strain on the body around that time but you need to look at yourself and be honest with the medical staff and go in to each club game knowing you are going to perform as well as were leading into Origin.

"It's hard to point the finger and say it was Origin time that hurt us in 2018 as we ended up only a couple of minutes from making a preliminary final.

Widdop denies he's leaving the Dragons

"Everyone seems to think we start the year well and die at the back end but I'm sure every team wants to start the year on a high.

"Those credits we built up early kept us in the eight when we had some injuries later in the year."

Frizell says anyone who thinks coach Paul McGregor will be swayed by criticism of his methods had better think again.

"As a player 'Mary' was part of Origin so he knows what is needed and what players need and what it's like," Frizell said.

"He has experienced it and that background at the highest level is a huge bonus for us. Mary won't listen to any of the outside noise and that's why we love him.

"We go hard at this time of the year and put in the work so we can be there at the back end of the season.

"We've got a really happy group and we know we can do something special in 2019."



https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/12/03...e-illawarra-dragons-to-success-tyson-frizell/
 
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Dale Finucane, Euan Aitken eyeing Blues selection
Local Sport

Cheering: Celebrating a grand final win with Cameron Smith, Dale Finucane has another reason to cheer with his selection for an Extended Blues training squad.

Both Dale Finucane and Euan Aitken are on Brad Fitler’s radar.

Aitken was announced earlier this week as part of the NSW Emerging Blues roster, while Finucane has been named in a 32-man extended Blues training squad.

Both the Melbourne Storm lock and St George Illawarra centre were in the thick of contention for a jumper in 2018, but Finucane was snubbed after a broken thumb sidelined him for a month, while Latrell Mitchell was given the shot in the centres.

Aitken said it was his dream to be named to play for the Blues and that the selection for the Emerging outfit was a good marker on the way to that.

“Blues selection is a dream of mine so I’ll always do my best to try and get into that team,” he said.

“It’s definitely a confidence boost being named for the Emerging Blues and it will be a good stepping stone to be part of that system.”

The former Merimbula-Pambula Bulldog has played internationally for Scotland, but has aspirations to make it as a Wallaby one day.

“Right now the focus is having a good pre-season to put myself in the best position to have a good year for the Dragons.”

It’s a sign that Aitken is back on track after being hamstrung by a series of injuries in earlier seasons, but an off-season epidural provided a catalyst for managing his problem areas.

“We have done some outside the box things in terms of my injuries, but in saying that, it’s a testament to the performance staff and physios at the club,” he said.



https://www.naroomanewsonline.com.au/story/5788421/finucane-aitken-on-fitlers-radar/?cs=1615
 
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NRL HISTORY


2010 grand final rewind: Bennett and Boyd end Dragons' drought
Author
Scott Hazlewood NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Tue 4 Dec 2018, 10:01 AM

The 2010 grand final was a historic one on many levels for the St George Illawarra Dragons, with the club winning their first premiership as a joint venture and coach Wayne Bennett clinching his seventh title. It was his first away from the Brisbane Broncos.

In the first all-Sydney NRL grand final for six years, the Sydney Roosters were also out to make history, aiming to be the first club in 76 years to go from worst to first in two seasons.

In greasy conditions, very little could separate the sides in the first half with the Dragons leading 8-6 at the break following tries to Mark Gasnier (Dragons) and Joey Leilua (Roosters).

A second-half double to Jason Nightingale helped the Dragons streak away to claim a well-deserved premiership.

Best player
Darius Boyd played the role of conductor throughout much of the game, with his standout moment a weaving run to set up one of Nightingale's tries. He mesmerised and bamboozled the Roosters' outside backs before sending his winger over.

The unsung hero
Anytime you can score two tries in a grand final it will go down as a special moment in a player's career. Nightingale not only crossed twice but was able to do so at critical times to keep the Roosters at bay.

Looking back at the 2010 grand final

Play of the day
Dean Young capped a memorable moment for his family when he plunged over in the 62nd minute to all-but seal the win, 31 years after his father captained the St George Dragons to their last premiership.

The what-if moment
Young was given the benefit of the doubt about a possible knock-on into Roosters forward Mitch Aubusson when he scored his crucial try. With the Dragons leading 18-8 in the 62nd minute, the try stretched the lead to 16 points and ensured the mountain was too high for the Roosters to climb.

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Another try for the Dragons. :copyright:NRL Photos
The quote
Wayne Bennett on Darius Boyd's performance and that of the team: "He's been one of our best performers all year and tonight was what I expect from him and what he expects from himself. But teams win grand finals, individuals don't. And a team won here tonight."

Recollections of a champion
Dragons halfback Ben Hornby: "I guess we more felt relief at the time because there was so much pressure leading up the game. Obviously, we were excited but there was a lot of relief after the final siren.

"When we were up by a fair margin at the end of the game we were able to really enjoy the last part of the game with the fans, that's the bit I'll remember the most after it was really tight at half-time and both sides were playing well.

"But when we kicked away in the second half we were able to really enjoy it, which I don't think you get to do with any game much less a grand final."

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A scramble for a loose ball. :copyright:NRL Photos
Recollections of a runner-up
Roosters fullback Anthony Minichiello: "I thought our first half went well as we were leading at half-time (8-6). But then it turned into a bit of a nightmare as the rain came tumbling down.

"We didn't come out with much intensity in that second half and they got the jump on us. Whatever Wayne Bennett said at half-time it really worked for the Dragons because they came out and played as a team.

"Really, they were the most consistent team all year. We were up and down at the start of the season and had a good run towards the end.

"So I think they drew on that consistency they'd shown throughout the year and showed they were the better team."

"We came in the next year expecting to be up there again. And that's not the way it happens in the NRL.

"You've got to start all over again and build that winning culture from day one in the pre-season. I think we were too relaxed that pre-season – myself included – and it just didn't happen for us."

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Dragons centre Mark Gasnier. :copyright:NRL Photos
The year after
The Dragons were unable to follow up their success in 2011 when they faced the Brisbane Broncos for the second time in three seasons in the semi-finals, this time losing 13-12 in extra-time.

The Roosters suffered an even bigger fall from grace, failing to make the finals and finishing 11th on the ladder after just 10 wins for the year.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/201...-rewind-bennett-and-boyd-end-dragons-drought/
 
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NRL 2019: The biggest issue facing your NRL club this pre-season

john_dean.jpg

DRAGONS — The wing position

St George Illawarra are still on the lookout for an established winger following Nene Macdonald’s release to North Queensland and Jason Nightingale’s retirement.

The club reportedly has around $500,000 to spend and was interested in Jarryd Hayne, but that’s now a no-go after the former Dally M winner was charged with aggravated sexual assault.

The Dragons have signed Jonus Pearson from Brisbane and Mikaele Ravalawa from Canberra, so both are options should they fail to find someone.

Book rookie Zac Lomax could also shift to the wing if coach Paul McGregor plays Tim Lafai and Euan Aitken in the centres.


https://www.foxsports.com.au/news/n...n/news-story/0870f34805b1425fe446458cd421ff40
 
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Confidence key for Kerr in 2019
Author
Jack Brady
Timestamp
Tue 4 Dec 2018, 05:33 PM

St George Illawarra front-rower Josh Kerr has reached a crossroads in his young rugby league career.

Touted to make his first grade debut ever since starring for the Melbourne Storm in the now defunct Holden Cup competition, Kerr still awaits a taste of NRL football two years on from his arrival at the Red V.

Kerr has labelled the 2019 Telstra Premiership as the year he finally hopes to make the step up to the big boys.

Now five weeks into his third pre-season at the Dragons, the 22-year-old believes a newfound sense of self-belief will help him overcome his confidence issues.

"The big thing for me is my mentality towards everything. I'm my own worst enemy at times," Kerr said.

"Physically, on the field or at training, I hold my own. That's a confidence booster for me. That confidence is something I need to take into 2019. This year is the year for me.

"I have to keep telling myself and believe I can [make my first grade debut]. I need to ensure mentally I'm always there so that hopefully in the future I can become a real good player."

While he has one of the "best forward packs in the world" to break into, Kerr is done biding his time in the Intrust Super Premiership.

With age well on his side, he's not however willing the likes of Jeremy Latimore and James Graham into retirement and credits them as important factors in his constant development.

"I'm doing everything I can to push into first grade. It comes down to how hard we want to work," Kerr said.

"I'd say we have one of the best forward packs in the world so that's a real challenge for myself. But (the older boys) have a set a real good platform for me to work off so it's up to me to live up to that."

Seeing the likes of Luciano Leilua and Blake Lawrie make a name for themselves in the NRL is another source of inspiration for the Redcliffe Dolphins junior.

"It's amazing to see what they have done. I've been with those boys for a few years now so I've seen what they have done to get to where they have," Kerr said.

"It gives me confidence that I can do that too. I'm super proud of those boys in terms how far they have come."



https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/12/04/confidence-key-for-kerr-in-2019/
 
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Dragons 2019: Leilua not slowing down after breakout campaign
Dragons Den
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STRONG FINISH: Luciano Leilua scored five tries in the Dragons final 12 games of the 2018 season in a breakout year. Picture: AAP

DRAGONS wrecking ball Luciano Leilua hasn’t enjoyed the off-season – he’s dispensed with it altogether to ensure he carries his strong late-season form into 2019.

The 22-year-old played the final 12 straight games for the Dragons in a barnstorming finish to the year where he emerged as a major attacking spark on the left edge.

It was a glimpse of the former NYC star’s potential that looked like it could go unrealised after he spent the entire 2017 season in reserve grade.

It was comfort zone he admittedly slipped into after debuting in the NRL at 20 in 2016.

“In 2017, to not play at all that year really woke me up,” Leilua said.

“I learned you’re not just going to play every single game, you’ve got to work hard.

“That’s what I lacked in that preseason heading into 2017. I didn’t work as hard as the other boys and I just thought it was all going to come.

“I switched that mindset last year and I was pretty happy with it.”

They’re lessons he continued to put into practice over the break, sticking to a strict training and diet regimen to ensure he didn’t start preparations for next season from behind the 8-ball.

“This year I feel I’m more mature and I just know how my body works,” he said.

“During the off-season I spent a lot of time making sure I didn’t put on heaps of weight or come in lacking too much fitness.

“That was one of the main things talking with my personal trainer that I didn’t want to lose fitness and we worked hard to maintain it.

“Obviously when you come back [into preseason] it’s a different level, you don’t know what to expect, but I’ve got the first two weeks out and I’m feeling good.

“I feel like my fitness level is pretty much at where I left off so I’m pretty happy.”

The bigger engine certainly showed at the back-end of 2018, scoring five tries in the final 12 games after being drip-fed NRL action earlier in the year.

“During preseason I was a bit worried I might not get another [NRL] game but when Mary picked me for round one I was stoked,” he said.

“It was good he believed in me that I could start [later in the year] and it was a good few games we had there. You can't be comfortable in the NRL but I’d say I felt confident by the end.”

It proved a breakout NRL stint but he faces a battle to reclaim that spot on the edge in 2019 should NSW Origin duo Tariq Sims and Tyson Frizell stay fit.

It might be frustrating for some but Leilua, who last year re-signed with the club until the end of 2020, is more than happy to serve an apprenticeship under the pair.

“It creates a lot of competitiveness and everyone loves that,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity to learn off great players. I remember watching Tariq when I was younger and he was at the Cowboys and he was a monster.

“He’s always chipping away with little bits of advice to help me be better. He’s an Origin player so I just feed off him as much as I can.”



https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...ping-foot-to-the-floor-ahead-of-2019/?cs=3713
 
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MOSES, NORMAN LINKED TO RIVALS

Speculation surrounding the futures of Mitchell Moses and Corey Norman continues to bubble away.

Moses has been continually linked with a move to Brisbane, and talk of a move north reared its head again following the Nikorima reports.

According to The Courier Mail, the Broncos shot it down again.

Moses was also linked to the Warriors, but club CEO Cameron George told The Daily Telegraph “it is not a push from our end”.

On Thursday, Norman had been reportedly approached by St George Illawarra.

Channel 9 said the Dragons had confirmed the interest in the five-eighth/fullback.

Hearing the @NRL_Dragons have made contact with the Eels Corey Norman. The club has confirmed interest. Some talk of a three year contract offer but that has not been confirmed. @9NewsSyd

— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) December 5, 2018
While Dragons skipper Gareth Widdop last week denied talk of an immediate release, he did allude to the possibility that he may not see out the full term of his contract because of a dream of playing in England.

“I can’t see how Parramatta will retain both Moses and Corey Norman who come off-contract after next year,” The Daily Telegraph’s Dean Ritchie told The Big Sports Breakfast.

“Both could go, or certainly one will go — who that is will depend on Brad Arthur and how they start the year.”


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...r/news-story/dc5a43a874001a9bd94e077b30ed7b45
 
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