Articles

[getsmarty]

Winner of Member Team Photo Competition
Red V Member Simone was the lucky winner who had the opportunity to sit in with the players for their team photo.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/13/winner-of-member-team-photo-competition/

 

[getsmarty]

MATCH PREVIEW


Indigenous Women's All-Stars v New Zealand Māori Ferns preview
Author
Alicia Newton NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Mon 11 Feb 2019, 09:16 AM

The women's rugby league calendar for 2019 officially kicks off in Melbourne with the double-header Harvey Norman All Stars clash at AAMI Park on Friday night.

After a one-year hiatus due to World Cup commitments, the women's All Stars concept has followed in the footsteps of their male counterparts with the Indigenous All Stars hosting a new-look New Zealand Maori line-up.

The Indigenous squad is new-look itself, with many representative stars missing through injury or personal reasons. Coach Dean Widders has picked a youthful squad to help develop the next crop of stars.

But for both sides their journeys to the big stage and work in the community leading into the clash is considered just as important as the fixture itself.

What you need to know
Key match-up
Bec Young v Geneva Webber: Former Jillaroos prop Bec Young returns to the representative fold after being overlooked for the NRLW competition. Young will have the fire in her belly to impress and lead an inexperienced line-up and her battle with Geneva Webber could bring the fireworks. Webber, a former world heavyweight sumo fighter, was once ranked number one in the Oceania but will face a different kind of challenge when she laces on the boots for her latest clash.

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Match: Indigenous Women’s v Maori Women's

Round 1 - Friday 15th February

5:10pm

Home Team

Indigenous Women’s


Away Team

Maori Women's

Venue: AAMI Park

Match broadcasters:

• Fox League
• GEM
• LIVE PASS

Buy Tickets
For the Indigenous Women to win
Roosters teammates Quincy Dodd and Sharon McGrady get their opportunity to play on the big stage with injuries and retirements opening the door for the NRLW rookies, and they'll need to step up against an experienced opposition. Dodd is back in her preferred position after being used throughout the 2018 season in the backline. The pair will come up against Tricolours teammate Zahara Temara, who finished the season as the Jillaroos No.7 but is eligible for the Maori side through her heritage. Temara's kicking game is one of her strengths so Dodd and McGrady will need to produce something similar.

For the Maori Ferns to win
The side's power game and experience should hold them in good stead to get the job done against the Indigenous line-up. Their spine looks their biggest strength with Krystal Rota, who was shortlisted for the women's Dally M medal last year, roaming at hooker and Temara in the halves. Tazmin Gray is another to watch and could prove a point of difference on the edge.

Indigenous Women Stat Attack
Thirteen of the 18 players in the squad are in line to make their debut for the clash, while five are under the age of 18. The Indigenous side defeated a star-studded NRL All Stars 14-4 in the last fixture in 2017.

Maori Ferns Stat Attack
As the game will be a first for the Maori side, there is limited history to fall back on. Seven players featured in the NRLW competition last season to give the side an experienced advantage over their rivals.

And another thing
Keep an eye out for the Peters sisters Kahurangi, Rona and Hilda Mariu (nee Peters) who will play alongside each other for the Maori Ferns in a rare outing for the trio. Kahurangi and Hilda played for the Warriors in the inaugural NRLW competition while Rona was part of the premiership-winning Broncos success.

Indigenous Women's All Stars
1. Tahlia Hunter, 2. Terri Ann Cain, 3. Amber Pilley, 4. Shaylee Bent, 5. Shakiah Tungai, 6. Quincy Dodd, 7. Sharon McGrady, 8. Rebecca Young, 9. Akayla McQuire, 10. Layla Fauid, 11. Samartha Leisha, 12. Caitlan Johnston, 13. Kandy Kennedy. Interchange: 14. Tallisha Harden 15. Kyara Nean, 16. Regan Hart, 17. Tommaya Kelly Sines, 18. Layna Nona Busch. Coach: Dean Widders.

Maori Ferns
1. Botille Vette-Welsh, 2. Hilda (Mariu) Peters, 3. Jonsal Tautari, 4. Amber Kani, 5. Tyler Birch, 6. Zahara Temara, 7. Teeaye Hapuku, 8. Kararaina Wira, 9. Krystal Rota (c), 10. Kahurangi Peters, 11. Geneva Webber, 12. Tazmin Gray, 13. Rona Peters (c). Interchange: 14. Christyl Stowers, 15. Kathleen (Wharton) Keremete, 16. Charlette (Harata) Butler, 17. Kerehitina Matua, 18. Acacia Claridge-Te Iwimate.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/201...s-all-stars-v-new-zealand-mori-ferns-preview/

 

[getsmarty]

MATCH PREVIEW


Indigenous All Stars v Māori All Stars preview
Author
Chris Kennedy NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 13 Feb 2019, 11:07 AM

After a one-year hiatus, a revamped NRL Harvey Norman All Stars fixture is back on the calendar with the New Zealand Māori to take on the Indigenous All Stars for the first time.

The move is a positive one with the Māori to present a welcome – and no doubt passionate – addition to the fixture.

Both teams will boast some huge names as well as some scintillating young talent.

While the Indigenous side will be without the likes of Ryan James and Greg Inglis (both knee), and Ben Barba (deregistered) and the Māori team has lost Jordan McLean (Townsville floods), their absences present opportunities to other players.

Premiership-winner Latrell Mitchell has foregone a trip to the UK for the World Club Challenge in order to represent his culture along with Origin reps including Andrew Fifita, Blake Ferguson, James Roberts, Josh Addo-Carr, Tyrone Peachey and Nathan Peats. Young stars including Jesse Ramien, Kotoni Staggs and highly-rated Brisbane forward David Fifita make their first appearance for the Indigenous side.

They won't have an easy time of it against a Māori side boasting a stack of Test talent including Jesse and Kenny Bromwich, Dane Gagai, Peta Hiku, Adam Blair, Tohu Harris, Kevin Proctor, James Tamou and Dean Whare.

What you need to know
Key match-up
Cody Walker & Tyrone Roberts v Kalyn Ponga & Jahrome Hughes: The two halves pairings in this match have boundless ability. For the Indigenous side, Walker and Roberts bring plenty of experience, calm heads and, in Roberts, the most developed kicking game from either team.

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Match: Indigenous v Maori

Round 1 - Friday 15th February

8:00pm

Home Team

Indigenous


Away Team

Maori

Venue: AAMI Park

Match broadcasters:

• Nine Network
• Fox League
• LIVE PASS

Buy Tickets
While Walker is one of the code's most dangerous running halves the Māori team still has the edge in this department with Ponga and Hughes both still better-recognised as dangerous running fullbacks despite each spending time in the halves last season.

With the squads having so little time to gel there is a chance the game plan goes out the window – which would play into the Māori pair's hands – but any extra control and polish Roberts and Walker can add could well prove the difference in even an unstructured contest.

For the Indigenous All Stars to win
The injury to Ryan James leaves the Indigenous squad a little light on for props. They have one of the most dangerous big men on the planet in Andrew Fifita but for the Indigenous side to triumph, he will need some good support from the likes of promising but uncapped rookie Kerr and journeymen Leilani Latu and Chris Smith to match it with a powerful Māori pack that has five middle forwards with Test experience in the squad.

For the Māori All Stars to win
You can all but guarantee that potent pack will create some attacking sets for the Māori side. While none of their playmakers (which also includes fullback Peta Hiku and hooker Brandon Smith) is playing out of position as such, each is playing in a jersey number which has not been their regular one at NRL level. The question is whether something of a makeshift spine can come together in time to create enough point-scoring opportunities to win the match – if they can do that they'll go a long way towards claiming the trophy.

2017 highlights: Indigenous All Stars v World All Stars

Indigenous Stat Attack
Players from the Indigenous squad were near the top of some significant stats in the Telstra Premiership last season. Winger Blake Ferguson finished best for total and average metres with 4862 at 203 per game. Andrew Fifita's 70 offloads were the second-best of all players while his 105 busts were the second-most of any forward.

When it comes to line breaks, Ferguson (19), Walker (18), Mitchell (17) and Addo-Carr (16) were all in the top 10 of the competition. There's no doubt this squad contains some of the most dangerous ball-runners in the game right now.

Māori Stat Attack
The weight of Test experience in favour of the Māori side is startling. In total the Indigenous squad has 33 Test caps shared among five players. The Māori team has a whopping 223 Test caps among 17 players. In fact, from the entire squad only the two halves and Corey Harawira-Naera are yet to represent their nation in a Test and even then it's probably just a matter of time.

These numbers include starts for Tier 2 nations but the gulf only gets wider if you trim it to just Tier 1 caps – the Indigenous squad have nine Tongan caps between Fifita and Latu while the Māori team have four Cook Islands jerseys between Brad Takairangi and Esan Marsters. The remaining 219 Test starts for the Māori side are all for Australia (Dane Gagai and James Tamou) and New Zealand. Adam Blair's 47 Kiwi Test caps outnumber the entire Indigenous squad's Test experience.

And another thing
Maroons and Kangaroos back Dane Gagai is one of a handful of players in the NRL to qualify for both teams and this year becomes the first player to represent both the Indigenous and Māori All Stars. Gagai's cousin and one-time Indigenous All Star Josh Hoffman could potentially become another in future

Televised
Live on Nine, Fox League

Indigenous All Stars
Bevan French (Eels); Blake Ferguson (Eels), James Roberts (Broncos), Latrell Mitchell (Roosters), Josh Addo-Carr (Storm); Cody Walker (Rabbitohs), Tyrone Roberts (Titans); Andrew Fifita (Sharks), Nathan Peats (Titans), Josh Kerr (Dragons), David Fifita (Broncos), Adam Elliott (Bulldogs), Tyrone Peachey (Titans). Interchange: Will Chambers (Storm), Leilani Latu (Titans), Chris Smith (Bulldogs), Alex Johnston (Rabbitohs), Jesse Ramien (Knights), Tyrell Fuimaono (Panthers), Kotoni Staggs (Broncos).

New Zealand Māori All Stars
Peta Hiku (Warriors); Dane Gagai (Rabbitohs), Esan Marsters (Wests Tigers), Dean Whare (Panthers), Jordan Kahu (Broncos); Kalyn Ponga (Knights), Jahrome Hughes (Storm); Jesse Bromwich (Storm), Brandon Smith (Storm), James Tamou (Panthers), Kevin Proctor (Titans), Tohu Harris (Warriors), Adam Blair (captain - Warriors). Interchange: Danny Levi (Knights), Brad Takairangi (Eels), James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Gerard Beale (Warriors), Corey Harawira-Naera (Bulldogs), Joseph Tapine (Raiders), Kenny Bromwich (Cowboys)



To purchase tickets, head to www.nrl.com/tickets

For flights, accommodation and tickets to visit Melbourne and attend the matches, head to www.nrl.com/travel


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/13/indigenous-all-stars-v-mori-all-stars-preview/

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons confirm Jack de Belin will play amid rape allegation

• 
  Tim Barrow

Local Sport

Allegation: Jack de Belin. Picture: Robert Peet
Should he be allowed to play?

St George Illawarra have confirmed Jack de Belin will pull on the Red V in the upcoming NRL season, while he and friend Callan Sinclair face rape allegations.

In a statement on Tuesday morning, after de Belin entered a not guilty plea in Wollongong court, the club confirmed he would continue his “training and playing commitments”, after changes to his bail conditions were approved.

“St George Illawarra player Jack de Belin appeared in Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday in relation to the allegations made against him in December,” the statement read.

“De Belin entered a plea of not guilty and court proceedings were adjourned until April. Lawyers made application to vary his bail conditions to enable de Belin to fulfil his training and playing commitments, which was approved.

“The club will make no further comment as this matter remains before the courts.”

READ MORE: Jack de Belin allegations have rocked St George Illawarra Dragons

The terms of de Belin’s bail meant he had to report to police twice a week, but his legal team successfully argued it should be changed, so he could travel with the Dragons this season.

A magistrate agreed to remove de Belin’s reporting conditions saying he was “too well known” to be considered a flight risk.

“(It's an) essential variation because he wouldn’t be able to continue playing football with the team, pursuant to his contract, if we didn’t get it,” barrister David Campbell SC said. Campbell also confirmed the Dragons are continuing to support de Belin during the case.

Playing on: St. George Illawarra Dragons player Jack De Belin (left) leaves Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

“Of course they are and he's standing by the Dragons and hopefully the Dragons will win the premiership,” he said.

In an exclusive interview with the Mercury last month, Dragons coach Paul McGregor said he would support de Belin.

“Obviously there’s an allegation that’s been made, there’s a denial, and there’s a court process to play out,” he said. “I’m not going to comment any further other than to say that while ever Jack’s in my care we’ll have support in place around his welfare.”

The NRL has a lengthy list and a mixed record of handling serious legal cases and whether players can pull on a boot in the meantime.

Wests Wollongong junior Brett Stewart was stood down as face of the game and suspended in 2009, but then later cleared of sexual assault allegations, finishing his career as a two-time Manly premiership and State of Origin player.

Jarryd Hayne was in negotiations to move to the Dragons this year, but that all ended and former Parramatta, Origin and NFL players left without a club as he faces an aggravated sexual assault charge.

How the de Belin case, who has been one of the most popular players among Dragons fans and made his Origin debut last year as NSW won the series, will impact on St George Illawarra’s 2019 campaign, remains to be seen.

The matter has been adjourned until April 17, which comes three days after their round five clash with the Bulldogs and three days before the Dragons meet the Sea Eagles in their first game at WIN Stadium this year.

The case will likely continue for several months.

The Dragons’ first trial is on Saturday week against Kogarah, then the Charity Shield on March 2 against South Sydney at Mudgee, before the NRL season starts against the Cowboys in Townsville on March 16.


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...-belin-will-play-amid-rape-allegation/?cs=302

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Community blitz continues in St George
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Fri 15 Feb 2019, 11:12 AM

The Dragons' annual month-long pre-season community blitz continued yesterday, with the squad visiting schools and assisting with after-school clinics throughout the St George region.

Dragons visit schools in St George region

Dragons visit schools in St George region

Dragons visit schools in St George region

11/12

Dragons visit schools in St George region

12/12
As part of these school visits students are introduced to the new NRL Junior Non-Contact program, which is a before or after school program giving primary school children (8-12 years old) the opportunity to experience Rugby League in a fun, safe and friendly environment.

This program caters for children of all ability levels with a focus on developing the fundamental skills of Rugby League. Click here for more information.

NRL Development will be operating 16 centres at the following schools in our region during Term 1:

Kogarah venues

• Memorial Fields, Brighton Le Sands
• Carlton South Public School
• St Thomas More's Catholic Primary School
• Oatley Public School
• Athelstane Public School
• Penshurst West Public School
• Narwee Public School

Illawarra South Coast venues

• Rex Jackson Oval, Helensburgh
• Sid Parrish Park, Figtree
• Ben Fretus Oval, Shellharbour
• Francis Ryan Oval, Sanctuary Point
• Berry Sporting Complex, Berry
• Lyrebird Park, Nowra
• Jamberoo Public School
• Berkeley Park, Berkeley
• Ziems Park Corrimal

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/15/community-blitz-continues-in-st-george/

 

[getsmarty]

Australian Rugby League Commission to consider standing down NRL players accused of serious crimes

• 
  Tim Barrow

Dragons Den

Ben Barba, Jack de Belin and Jarryd Hayne have had serious allegations made against them.
The Australian Rugby League Commission has announced it will launch a review of its policy on player behaviour, potentially opening the door to Dragons forward Jack de Belin being stood down while he faces rape allegations.

After discussions with the NRL Integrity Unit, St George Illawarra released a statement declaring de Belin would play in their upcoming trial games, starting against Newcastle next Saturday, and when the season officially kicks off on March 16.

However, on Friday, the ARL Commission said their policy framework would be reviewed as a matter of urgency, after a disastrous off-season where Ben Barba was deregistered for alleged domestic violence and Jarryd Hayne faces sexual assault allegations.

De Belin will front court against on April 17 after pleading not guilty to the charges he raped a woman inside his cousin’s apartment on Gipps Street in the early hours of December 9 last year while his friend and co-accused, Callan Sinclair, 21, watched on.

"The Australian Rugby League Commission's (ARLC) policy on player behaviour will be reviewed when the Commission meets on February 28," ARLC Chairman Peter Beattie said.

"At that time, we will consider the position put forward by Melbourne Storm Chairman, Bart Campbell and other leaders of the game. It will also be on the agenda when Club and State Chairs and CEOs meet on 28 February.

"The ARLC sets policy. The NRL implements it.

"The ARLC is strongly opposed to anyone in Rugby League being involved in violence of any kind , especially domestic violence and any behaviour which brings the game into disrepute.

"The ARLC has instructed the NRL to take the strongest possible action against any player engaged in such behaviour - from serious fines, to suspensions and de-registration."

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...accused-of-serious-crimes-stood-down/?cs=3713

 

[TruSaint]

Australian Rugby League Commission to consider standing down NRL players accused of serious crimes

• 
  Tim Barrow

Dragons Den

Ben Barba, Jack de Belin and Jarryd Hayne have had serious allegations made against them.
The Australian Rugby League Commission has announced it will launch a review of its policy on player behaviour, potentially opening the door to Dragons forward Jack de Belin being stood down while he faces rape allegations.

After discussions with the NRL Integrity Unit, St George Illawarra released a statement declaring de Belin would play in their upcoming trial games, starting against Newcastle next Saturday, and when the season officially kicks off on March 16.

However, on Friday, the ARL Commission said their policy framework would be reviewed as a matter of urgency, after a disastrous off-season where Ben Barba was deregistered for alleged domestic violence and Jarryd Hayne faces sexual assault allegations.

De Belin will front court against on April 17 after pleading not guilty to the charges he raped a woman inside his cousin’s apartment on Gipps Street in the early hours of December 9 last year while his friend and co-accused, Callan Sinclair, 21, watched on.

"The Australian Rugby League Commission's (ARLC) policy on player behaviour will be reviewed when the Commission meets on February 28," ARLC Chairman Peter Beattie said.

"At that time, we will consider the position put forward by Melbourne Storm Chairman, Bart Campbell and other leaders of the game. It will also be on the agenda when Club and State Chairs and CEOs meet on 28 February.

"The ARLC sets policy. The NRL implements it.

"The ARLC is strongly opposed to anyone in Rugby League being involved in violence of any kind , especially domestic violence and any behaviour which brings the game into disrepute.

"The ARLC has instructed the NRL to take the strongest possible action against any player engaged in such behaviour - from serious fines, to suspensions and de-registration."

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...accused-of-serious-crimes-stood-down/?cs=3713

Thanks mate, I copied that into the jdb thread.

 

[getsmarty]

NRL NEWS


Lance Thompson: Hard nut with a soft underbelly
Author
Margie McDonald Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Fri 15 Feb 2019, 05:54 PM

The player with the rock hard exterior and "soft underbelly" was remembered by more than 400 friends, family, teammates, coaches at a tribute luncheon in Sydney on Friday.

Lance Thompson died of natural causes on August 23 last year, leaving a vacuum in the hearts of the rugby league community.

But former Sharks coach Ricky Stuart, who mentored Thompson in the last two years of his playing career, said the warmth in the function room at Doltone House, Sylvania Waters, was the game at its best.

"He's left a beautiful wife and three children behind – one of the young six-year-olds is autistic and is going to need help and care – and the rugby league fraternity answered that call," Stuart told NRL.com.

"Today you could see the good in the game. It was nice so many faces were there throughout Lance's career. That's what the sport can do – it can bring people together who want to look after one another.

"The people there had Lance's back today. Lance didn't ask for it. It was all for his family.

Lance Thompson's mother Joan with former Dragon Anthony Mundine. Grant Trouville/NRL Photos
"I just wish more of the players today respected what the game can do for you, more so than abusing it. It's not about the individual. We've all got commitments and roles to do within our game.

"What I know about the goodness of rugby league, I saw there today."

Thompson's parents Brian and Joan were present, along with his 18-year-old daughter Shalisse, who was one of the guest speakers. Thompson also has six-year-old twins Lachlan and Laylah.

"He was a doting dad and just solid as a rock to his friends," said one of his closest friends, Mark Gambin – one of the chief organisers of the fundraiser.


"He was only 40 years-old so it took everyone by surprise as well as being a terrible shock," Gambin said.

"I hear him in my head all the time, especially setting up the room here for the function.

"There were plenty of photos of him around the place so he was watching over us all."

Other guest speakers were former Dragons teammates Trent Barrett and Anthony Mundine, boxing trainer Johnny Lewis who coached Thompson in several fights, and Sharks teammate Paul Gallen.

"He was just so fiercely competitive," Gallen told NRL.com.

"When he came to the club I was starting to make rep footy teams, and he always said to me ‘You know you would have been nothing without me’.

"I actually thank him for being such a great teammate. He helped me with the work rate I had to do at the club. His work rate took a little pressure off me and allowed me to shine a bit.

Lance Thompson's mother Joan with Sharks captain Paul Gallen. Grant Trouville/NRL Photos
"So without a doubt he had a massive influence on my career and helped me to where I got to."

Thompson played 239 first grade games – the majority with the Dragons (1995-2005) but the last 38 with Cronulla (2006-2008).

Barrett said Thompson as a teammate was as good as they get. The pair played in the 1999 grand final together in the Dragons' loss to Melbourne.

"I defended alongside him for a long time, so he looked after me plenty of times," Barrett told NRL.com.

"You always knew what you were going to get with Thommo. He was like that off the field too. He was a very loyal bloke, a very generous bloke."

Gambin and his team organised raffles and auction items ranging from overseas holidays, sporting memorabilia, corporate boxes at Randwick, and Sharks and Dragons home games.

The event raised $158,000 towards the financial security of Thompson's three children.

Gallen said there were moments of sadness offset by a lot of love and support for the Thompson family.

At the Lance Thompson Tribute are his parents Joan and Brian, Anthony Mundine, Trent Barrett and Johnny Lewis. Grant Trouville/NRL Photos
"I can’t imagine what his kids are going through, and his parents. I just caught up with his dad and gave his mum a cuddle and they were teary," Gallen said.

"It is emotional and being a parent myself, I can't imagine how hard it is for them."

The lunch was timely. It was held on the eve of Thompson's 41st birthday.

Donations to the Lance Thompson memorial fund: St George Back BSB: 112-879 Account: 451-646-572


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/16/lance-thompson-hard-nut-with-a-soft-underbelly/

 

[getsmarty]

H4H Tour Diary | Day Three
Kezie Apps has joined the Hogs For The Homeless crew who rode into Moree to deliver an important message to the kids.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/18/kezie-joins-the-hogs-for-the-homeless-crew/

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Secure your home game tickets now!
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Mon 18 Feb 2019, 10:01 AM

St George Illawarra Dragons fans are now able to purchase their tickets to all Dragons 2019 home games with tickets going on-sale to the general public at 10am today.

Red V Members were able to take advantage of their Member benefits and receive exclusive pre-sale access and 20% discount off Dragons home game tickets from Friday, February 15.

Become a Red V Member by visiting www.marchwithus.com.au to access ticket discounts and more!

The 2019 NRL season is just one month away and the St George Illawarra Dragons will host five unmissable matches at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah and WIN Stadium, Wollongong in addition to home games at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Glen Willow Stadium, Mudgee.

Round 2 will be the first of the Dragons’ home games at Kogarah as they take on traditional rivals South Sydney Rabbitohs. This will be just the first of many more Sydney blockbusters to take place throughout the season with the Eels and Roosters also revisiting the iconic venue.

The Dragons faithful will also want to mark down Sunday, May 26 on their calendars as the Dragons will pack out Wollongong as they take on the Sharks in a highly anticipated local derby.

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE

Red V Members receive the best savings and exclusive gear to show their support in the crowd. Ticketed memberships start from just $69 for Adults or $50 for Juniors! Belong, Connect and Commit as a Red V Member to receive exciting benefits and access to ticket pre-sales and discounts. The Red V Membership program offers a range of flexible packages to suit everyone. Head to www.marchwithus.com.au or call 1300 DRAGON to find out more!

Contact the Membership team

• Email: redv@dragons.com.au
• Live chat: www.marchwithus.com.au
• Phone: 1300 DRAGON (372 466)

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/18/secure-your-home-game-tickets-now/

 

[ALSGI]

I and l'm sure all members will join with me and offer our thanks to 'GetSmarty' for his yearly contribution in making us aware of the latest news updates each and every week.
Thanks buddy for your continued efforts!

Agree, and well said mate.

The forum would be much poorer without
Getsmarty. Great contributions here that we should all appreciate.

 

[getsmarty]

Agree, and well said mate.

The forum would be much poorer without
Getsmarty. Great contributions here that we should all appreciate.

Thanks ALSGI. Appreciate your positive comments.

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Meet the Dragons in Townsville
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Mon 18 Feb 2019, 05:31 PM

Calling all Red V Members in Townsville and surrounds - the Dragons are coming to town in Round 1 and you have the chance to meet the squad!

Visit marchwithus.com.au to become a Red V Member today.

This will be our first Red V Member-exclusive event for the year, where members will have the chance to meet the players ahead of their clash with Cowboys.

• Where: Mercure Townsville
• When: Friday 15 March
• Time: 5.15pm - 6.00pm

Please RSVP by visiting www.marchwithus.com.au or clicking here.

Exclusive Member benefits remain the foundation of member investment, including the best value tickets, savings on merchandise, access to players, exclusive member events and exclusive benefit items together with all that is new in 2019.

There is a Red V Member package to suit everyone!

Visit marchwithus.com.au to find the package that suits you, and become a Red V Member today!


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/18/meet-the-dragons-in-townsville/

 

[BLM01]

I and l'm sure all members will join with me and offer our thanks to 'GetSmarty' for his yearly contribution in making us aware of the latest news updates each and every week.
Thanks buddy for your continued efforts!

You are not wrong. Trying to work out what role 86 plays on behalf of our beloved club. Hope he is renumerated for it...some how.
I would prefer GSmarty to take over media management of our NRL website and provide us with some regular material to keep us going especially in the off season...instead of the current appease and tease, drib and drab or last to know approach.

 

[getsmarty]

February 18 2019 - 5:21PM
Country road still paying dividends for McGregor

• 
  Mitch Jennings

Dragons Den

THREEPEAT: Current Dragons coach Paul McGregor (centre) celebrates the Devils third straight premiership in 2011. Picture: Ken Robertson


IT’S been seven years since Paul McGregor lifted the third of his Illawarra League premierships with Wests – but he’s still leaning on lessons from that time in his fifth year as Dragons head coach.

McGregor moved into high performance after calling time on his playing career with the joint-venture in 2001, staying until Wayne Bennett brought in a new-look staff on his arrival in 2008.

It meant going back to work, but McGregor also took the opportunity to take charge of the Devils, winning three straight titles between 2009 and 2011.

It broke an 18-year title drought at Parrish Park, making him a lock as coach of the Wests Team of the Decade at the club’s 70th year anniversary dinner on Saturday night.

He said they were three years that put him on the path to becoming an NRL coach.

“It was the first time that I wasn’t involved in professional sport since I started [playing] back in the early 90s,” McGregor said.

“I went and got a job but I wanted to stay in rugby league. I got the opportunity to coach Wests and I really started enjoying the game again from doing that.

“They hadn’t won a comp for 18 years but they were thereabouts. I had a really good playing group, really tough, honest, committed that wanted to achieve something.

“I had nine juniors in my first year and they were that close they could taste it. They just wanted to bite into it.”

It was a fair apprenticeship and, in an era where most come through the junior coaching ranks, McGregor believes it’s still the best.

“A lot of coaches go through [SG] Ball or [Harold] Matts but you’re coaching boys there,” he said.

“In local footy you learn how to treat men with respect in what you’re all trying to achieve. You learn everything as well, you don’t just learn one thing.

“When you’re in the professional ranks you get pigeon-holed into one role. Coaching local footy you need a holistic approach to everything.

“You also learn that you’ve got to coach the group you’ve got not the one you’d like. You can’t just copy things, you’ve really got to coach the group you’ve got to be the best they can be.”

Memories of still traipsing a cold wet Parrish Park at 9 o’clock on a Tuesday or Thursday also help him appreciate times when the NRL pressure-cooker heats up.

“It gives you a really good understanding of the community and what people do for nothing in rugby league,” he said.

“I had guys working 40-plus hours a week, not much of it easy, that were still excited to train and play.

“After working all week they got the opportunity to play footy which they loved doing. It gives you that appreciation for what I get to do every day [now].

“The first one’s hard to back up but they backed it up comfortably the second one.

“By the third year they were probably a bit sick of me to be honest but they were three really good years. I’d do it all over again.”

2018 premiership-winning coach Peter McLeod was named assistant coach in the team of the decade and has already set his sights on going back-to-back for the first time since McGregor.

He’s retained a core group of players from last year’s grand final triumph, though some departures are notable. Five-eighth Zac Greene [Mounties] and hooker Josh Daley [Wests Magpies] are some key ones, as is the retirement of Glenn Stewart.

However, some familiar faces will return, including local junior and 174-game Super League veteran Rhys Hanbury, who’ll bring class to the spine.

Marty Cramp, Daniel Zohar, Will Te Maari, Michael Appleby and Declan Morrisey are some other old faces back on deck in what’s a still a largely youthful squad.

“We had a really young group last year and it was no fluke, we wanted to go that way,” McLeod said.

“We’ve had some guys move on to some higher levels. That’s what happens when you win a comp as young guy and as a coach I’ll encourage any young player to take those opportunities.

“We’ve got a young group again but a lot of them have won a comp now and been around for a little while so they have that experience and know what it takes.

“You have ins and outs every year and, even before any of those guys left, I knew we’d need to be better. It’s going to be tough this year, we know that.

“When you’re defending premiers everyone else is chasing you but I think we’ll have a group as good as anyone’s. It’s just about putting it together on the field.”

WEST DEVILS TEAM OF THE DECADE:

FULLBACK: Reece Simmonds

WING: Josh Goulton

CENTRE: Kevin McGuinness

CENTRE: Mitch Porter

WING: Michael Crockett

FIVE-EIGHTH: Nathan Dureau

HALFBACK: Blake Dureau

PROP: Greg Reh

HOOKER: Matt Clarke

PROP: Jason Ryles

SECOND-ROW: Danny Williams

SECOND-ROW: Glenn Stewart

LOCK: Eric Brown

INTERCHANGE: Wade Stanford

INTERCHANGE: James Grehan

INTERCHANGE: Justin King

INTERCHANGE: Aaron Hertsch

INTERCHANGE: Luke Muttden

COACH: Paul McGregor

ASSISTANT COACH: Peter McLeod

MANAGER: Jamie Ellem

STATS: Alpay Celebi


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...untry-road-still-paying-off-for-mary/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

WOMEN'S RUGBY LEAGUE


World Cup scheduling concern for Apps, Jillaroos
Author
Alicia Newton NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 20 Feb 2019, 08:01 PM

Australian Jillaroos back-rower Kezie Apps has expressed concern over the scheduling of the 2021 women's Rugby League World Cup amid fears of short turnarounds between matches.

The tournament will see an additional four games (15 in total) played in the United Kingdom across just 14 days.

Cronulla and Brisbane hosted 11 games in 17 days throughout the 2017 tournament but that figure has jumped to 15 in 2021 as two more teams are expected to participate.

As a result of the 2021 final at Old Trafford coming just 14 days after the start of the tournament, teams will have three fewer days to recover and prepare during the event.

"It's a little concerning when we thought it was at our last World Cup playing every third day," Apps told NRL.com.

"Now the competition is shorter and we're playing more games. We'd basically have the next day off after a game then have captain's run and you're back playing again.

"We managed and had a week to recover for the final but now that's not the case for the next World Cup.

"I don't think the boys would ever do anything like that which is what we're striving for, more equalisation – they wouldn't do it for the men so why is it happening for us."

Match Highlights: Indigenous Women's All Stars v NZ Maori Women's All Stars

NRL.com understands the Jillaroos plan to speak with the RLPA over the matter as they push for changes.

Given the growth expected in the women's game over the next three years, female athletes are likely to be physically advanced by 2021.

"Genetically our bodies don't recover as quick as men do, that's just part of our different hormones we produce," Apps said.

"If anything we need extra time than what the men do because we don't play enough at a high level to be conditioned.

"We just have to deal with whatever comes our way as the women have done for so long. We're going to be prepared because we know early but it's still going to be horrible.

"Hopefully it will change but if not I guess it's something we can train to work with for that quick turnaround."

Apps is on the road to recovery after breaking her leg in the Jillaroos' two-point win over New Zealand in October's Trans-Tasman Test.

"I've only just started back doing good conditioning and I'm happy with how everything has gone," she said.

Dragons star Kezie Apps. Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos
"All over Christmas, I was doing all my rehabilitation to get my leg stronger.

"I wanted to be semi-fit for the Jillaroos camp in January and surprised myself with some of the results. I'm hoping for a year of no more injuries."


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/21/world-cup-scheduling-concern-for-apps-jillaroos/

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Allgood's transition from 'schnitty' champ to devout vegan
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Fri 22 Feb 2019, 04:19 PM

Mitchell Allgood's photo once hung on the wall of a restaurant in Sydney's inner-west for setting a "schnitzel challenge" record but the St George Illawarra forward now holds the mantle as the NRL's most devout vegan.

"I wouldn't even know what meat tastes like any more," said Allgood, who established a record for diners at the Austrian Schnitzelhaus chain of restaurants in 2012 by eating 1kg of chicken schnitzel with chips and drinking a one-litre stein of beer in 14 minutes.

"If I can become a vegan anyone can."

The 29-year-old prop, who will line up for Dragons in Saturday's trial against Newcastle at WIN Stadium, became a vegan more than three years ago while playing for Hull Kingston Rovers in Super League and is influencing other players to modify their eating habits.

St George Illawarra teammates Jordan Pereira and Darren Nicholls are now dairy free, while former Dragons prop Mose Masoe turned vegan after joining Hull KR, along with Allgood's former Robins teammate Kieran Moss.

"I don't shout it from the rooftops but a few of the boys have made changes in their diet, and they are seeing the immediate health benefits and performance benefits," Allgood said.

"They are feeling a lot better and are really enjoying it."

NBA stars Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan are high-profile vegan athletes, alongside NFL quarterbacks Tom Brady and Colin Kaepernick, while Argentina teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero are vegan during their soccer season.

Australian cricketers Peter Siddle and Adam Zampa are other sport stars to have spruiked the benefits of a plant-based diet, along with Indian batsman Virat Kohli.

Allgood said he and his wife Madeline had decided to turn vegan in 2015 for ethical reasons, but believes being a vegan had also given him greater stamina and energy.

"The ethical side is what drives it because if it was just a diet then, like most diets, you would slip up from time to time," Allgood said.

"All the health benefits that come from eating plant-based food has made it even easier to maintain. I have found that it has increased my stamina and I can play longer minutes.

"I've had a few injuries so I wasn't training as much but through my diet I found I was able to maintain my fitness or energy levels to be able to go out and play longer minutes. That was just purely to do with what I was putting in my body.

"There is a misconception that you need to eat meat to gain protein but there is so much protein in other foods and it is easy to source at the supermarket or shops these days and you can always find vegan options at cafes and restaurants."

The former Parramatta prop's regular diet includes breakfasts comprising of cereals and fruit, vegan patties and salad or pastas for lunch, and dinners such as falafel, pies, vegetarian lasagne and bean burritos.

St George Illawarra players are given lunch at training and the club now offers vegan and dairy-free options such as beetroot, bean and quinoa patties with salad. Allgood adds protein powder to smoothies and makes his own protein shakes at training.

The night before playing, he usually eats spaghetti bolognese made with plant-based mince.

"I have never been more conscious of what I am getting out of each meal than I have since making the change to be vegan," Allgood said.

Dragons prop Mitchell Allgood. Nathan Hopkins/NRL Photos
"I used to just eat whatever and never really think about whether I was having a balanced diet. I would predominantly eat meat. I wasn't someone who ate lots of salads and vegetables. My diet now is pretty much the same as what everyone eats, except it's an alternative to eating animals.

"Everyone at this club has just been accepting, nothing is ever a hassle. The players ask lots of questions but it is more out of curiosity. They are not offended by my decision, it is just what I do."

Allgood said his main motivation for becoming vegan had been animal welfare, along with environmental impact and health benefits.

"I just had a shift in the way I saw things," he said.

"I never really questioned what I ate. It was just what we did and immediately I realised that I didn't want to be eating animals.

"I don't think that we are meant to be eating animals. I feel like our bodies are designed to be eating predominantly plant-based and fruits and vegetables and things that we can get naturally without having to source it from eating another life.

"For me it's animal welfare first and the moral understanding that we should be doing that and then the environmental impact. All the health benefits are just a bonus that come with that."

Dufty on re-signing with the Dragons


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/22/allgoods-transition-from-schnitty-champ-to-devout-vegan/

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Coach raring for footy's return
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Sat 23 Feb 2019, 11:43 AM

You could mistake St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor as a current player given his keenness for rugby league's return in 2019 this weekend.

The Dragons will face the Newcastle Knights at WIN Stadium, Wollongong, and while as disruptive a change of venue at the eleventh hour may have been to both squads, McGregor is eager to see how his squad stacks up.

It will be the first time Dragons' members and fans will get to see recruits Corey Norman, Lachlan Timm, Mikaele Ravalawa and Lachlan Maranta play in the Red V.

Fellow new face Korbin Sims has been given the green light to play in the trials also, despite being suspended until Round 3 of the regular season.

For others, like Mitch Allgood, Jackson Ford, Josh Kerr and Steven Marsters it's their opportunity to push for their so far elusive Dragons or NRL debut.

"It has been a productive pre-season and everyone involved – from the players, performance staff and coaches – are really excited that the season has finally arrived," McGregor said.

"2019 is the beginning of something better for the Dragons, and we are approaching it in great shape with no players currently injured. Those missing are in name of player workload management, otherwise the squad of 28 will all get the opportunity to play."

The outcomes McGregor seeks are all granted considering the nature of the Dragons initial hit-out.

"This is our first occasion to build towards Round 1 against the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville," McGregor said.

"It's an opportunity to view our technical and tactical tweaks as well as further the development of our younger players and the new faces to the club.

"We will be closely watching how individuals and the team overall execute under fatigue and pressure from the opposition. It will also allow the players the opportunity to show they're right for the role."

McGregor also acknowledged the interest and opinions surrounding the Jack de Belin legal proceedings.

"I recognise the significance and importance surrounding the current proceedings regarding Jack de Belin and the allegations against him. There is a judicial process underway to establish a resolution to this allegation and dispute," McGregor said.

"Jack's welfare is our main concern and it is important that integrity and wellbeing are considered.

"If history and the past decade has taught us anything in rugby league, it is to refrain from making assumptions prior to legal proceedings being concluded.

"My focus needs to be on all 35 players in our squad and starting the season well for everyone associated with the Dragons and as such, I'm not interested in adding anything further to the commentary on this matter."

Dragons NRL pre-season trial team to play Newcastle Knights (alphabetically):

Euan Aitken, Mitchell Allgood, Matt Dufty, Jai Field, Jackson Ford, Jacob Host, Ben Hunt, Josh Kerr, Tim Lafai, Jeremy Latimore, Blake Lawrie, Luciano Leilua, Zac Lomax, Joe Lovodua, Lachlan Maranta, Steven Marsters, Cameron McInnes, Darren Nicholls, Corey Norman, Jordan Pereira, Mikaele Ravalawa, Reece Robson, Tristan Sailor, Korbin Sims, Tariq Sims, Lachlan Timm, Paul Vaughan, Gareth Widdop


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/23/coach-raring-for-footys-return/

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Gallery: February fan day
Sun 24 Feb 2019, 09:01 AM
Share on social media
Dragons fans enjoyed mingling with the players at this weekend's fan day in Wollongong.



https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/24/gallery-february-fan-day/

 

[getsmarty]

:

PREVIEW


St George Illawarra Dragons 2019 season preview
Author
Dan Walsh & Alicia Newton
Timestamp
Mon 25 Feb 2019, 08:01 AM

The Dragons' 2018 finals campaign wound up with a bang few would’ve thought them capable of achieving, but their storming finish spelled out what is often forgotten in their late-season clock-offs.

St George Illawarra's premiership window is open, and with three quality playmakers in Ben Hunt, Corey Norman and Gareth Widdop working behind a pack littered with rep players, this is their best title shot since 2010.

With Widdop exiting the club at season's end too, now is the time to take their shot.

The Dragons' propensity to start fast and stall spectacularly from the middle of the year onwards still ranks as Paul McGregor's biggest concern.

But the ongoing court case for Jack de Belin and growing controversy over his availability also looms large as the season kick-off nears.

The 2019 outlook
What's new
The Dragons let go more regulars than they gained, with the club looking to a bumper crop of young talent rather than the market for reinforcements.

The club has lost two quality wingers in Jason Nightingale (retirement) and Nene Macdonald (Cowboys), but Zac Lomax's emergence late last season is easing concerns out wide.

Dragons recruit Corey Norman. dragons.com.au
Norman's arrival adds another point of difference to their attack and Matt Dufty's short-term future, though his new two-year contract means he won't be leaving as a result.

The utility bench role is likely to fall Dufty's way following Kurt Mann's departure to Newcastle while Korbin Sims is a virtual straight swap for Leeson Ah Mau (Warriors) in another boost for an already intimidating pack.

The draw
Two trips to Queensland – where the Dragons have struggled in recent years – have them taking on the Cowboys and Broncos in early March heat, making for a tough opening month that also features clashes with Souths and Newcastle.

Three five-day turnarounds, equal-most in the NRL, also loom as a challenge for the Red V with their traditional Anzac Day blockbuster against the Roosters to be played at the SCG off a short preparation.

The Dragons' run into the finals is a relatively smooth one based off last year's ladder. They face the Titans twice over the last six weeks of the Telstra Premiership as well as the Eels and Wests Tigers either side of back-to-back clashes with the Roosters and Cronulla.

The stat that gives you hope
The Dragons conceded fewer tries following a penalty than all comers bar Melbourne in 2018. Just 21 tries were scored against McGregor's side in the set after an infringement.

What you need to know NRL Fantasy wise
Tackle machine Cameron McInnes ($837,000) is one of the hardest-working 80-minute hookers in rugby league and could rival Damien Cook and Cameron Smith for NRL Fantasy points this season. Young gun Zac Lomax ($230,000) looms as one of the most popular cheapies of 2019 in the outside backs, and Luciano Leilua ($447,000) has the potential to be a Fantasy star if he can play big minutes in a stacked pack.

The coach
Regardless of who you ask, McGregor is always one spoken-about coach – rated under pressure one minute, then praised the next. His ability to get the side into the finals in 2018 was his biggest achievement and may have just secured his job for a further few seasons.

NRL.com reported in February that McGregor had begun discussing a contract extension with the club for beyond 2019. Anything less than a finals finish, especially after a contract renewal, won't go down well with the faithful.

Contract matters
Some of the Red V's best and brightest are up for grabs with Jai Field, Blake Lawrie and under 20s Origin talents Tristan Sailor and Reece Robson off contract.

James Graham celebrates a try. Grant Trouville/NRL Photos
Gareth Widdop's confirmed move to England at the end of 2019 should free up some funds for that quintet, while James Graham will also make a call on the final year of his contract – in 2020 – that is an option in his favour.

The burning question
Can the Dragons manage the rep period drain?

With Tyson Frizell, Tariq Sims, Paul Vaughan and de Belin incumbent NSW forwards and Ben Hunt a likely starter for Queensland again, St George Illawarra will be hurting during and after the Origin period. They'll be better for navigating the scenario in 2018, but it'll be no easy matter this time round either.

Representative bolter
Korbin Sims has floated around Origin discussions and camps more than once and could come into contention given Queensland are coming off a rare series loss. Brother Tariq's shift to the Dragons delivered career best form and a NSW debut last year, though chief on Korbin's to-do list is dropping his average missed tackles from the two per game he missed in 2018.

Match Highlights: Dragons v Knights

The player you should follow on social media
Tariq Sims. No other player represents the South Coast of NSW more than the Blues forward. If he's not on the training paddock he's exploring every beach or community gathering around town with his family of four. Add in Korbin's arrival and you can expect a lot more social content coming from the Sims clan over the 2019 season.


The quote
"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." – Tyson Frizell.

2019 squad
Euan Aitken, Mitchell Allgood, Jack de Belin, Matt Dufty, Tyson Frizell, Jai Field, James Graham, Jacob Host, Ben Hunt, Josh Kerr, Tim Lafai, Jeremy Latimore, Blake Lawrie, Luciano Leilua, Zac Lomax, Lachlan Maranta, Cameron McInnes, Darren Nicholls, Corey Norman, Jonus Pearson, Jordan Pereira, Mikaele Ravalawa, Reece Robson, Tristan Sailor, Korbin Sims, Tariq Sims, Lachlan Timm, Paul Vaughan, Gareth Widdop.

Note: These club squads are subject to change. Each club is required to submit 29 of their official 30-man playing squad to the NRL by March 1. The final spot in theses rosters can remain free up until June 30.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/25/st-george-illawarra-dragons-2019-season-preview/