Articles

[getsmarty]

McGregor, Gordon talk coach extension
St George Illawarra have officially announced that Paul McGregor will remain coach of the Dragons for a further two seasons.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/04/18/mcgregor-gordon-talk-coach-extension/

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons confirm McGregor contract extension

• 
  Mitch Jennings

Dragons Den

STAYING PUT: Dragons coach Paul McGregor has been re-signed for two more seasons. Picture: Adam McLean

ST GEORGE Illawarra coach Paul McGregor is on track to become the joint-venture's longest serving coach, with the club confirming a contract extension for the next two years.

The 51-year-old club great has penned a deal that will extend his tenure to seven seasons at the helm, taking the club to the finals two of four campaigns.

The new deal will also end what would have been prolonged speculation around McGregor's future throughout the 2019 campaign and allow him to focus on the campaign at hand that currently sits at 3-2 after five rounds.

"To have a good focus and purpose for the next two seasons is really comforting," McGregor said.

"To my extended family, in the players and staff, I feel very fortunate to be able to continue working with such quality people," McGregor said.

"The enjoyment I get out of coaching this proud club is something I look forward to every day.

"There is still a real appreciation of what 2019 is to bring too. My players are always my first priority and their needs come before anything else.

"There have been positive signs already. Team cohesion is strong and performance is spirited. We've had our challenges with the draw's scheduling but our game is growing and we keep improving which is the important part."

Dragons chief executive Brian Johnston said the decision to re-sign McGregor was one made on the basis of several factors.

"Paul's retention has come down to more than just the football played on the field," Johnston said.

"Paul is a values-driven, team-first individual who is at the forefront of personal development for both he and his players.

"A testament of this is the number of Dragons who have achieved higher representative honours and those to have successfully debuted under Paul's tutelage, as well as the club's improved results in recent seasons.

"Paul's emotional intelligence and man management attributes are key to him being well-respected throughout the playing group and the club's staff in its entirety, which is another crucial reason for his extension."


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...-confirm-mcgregor-contract-extension/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

Why Paul McGregor’s ‘best chance’ at Dragons title may have just slipped away
Dragons

• April 19, 2019 11:12am
• Simon Brunsdon@simonbrunsdon
• Source: FOX SPORTS

Injured Dragons captain Gareth Widdop and coach Paul McGregor.Source: News Corp Australia
Mark Gasnier says St George Illawarra was justified in extending coach Paul McGregor’s contract, but admits this season may have been the club’s best chance to win an elusive NRL premiership.

The Dragons announced a two-year extension for McGregor on Thursday, tying him down until the end of 2021.

He took the reins mid-2014 and has led the team to two finals series in five years, with last year’s semi final appearance their best finish to a season under his tutelage.


There’s been a knock on McGregor and his Dragons for a habit of starting a season strongly and then dropping off in the second half of the year.

But Gasnier, who played 174 games in the Red V, applauded the decision to extend McGregor’s contract.

“I think it’s a good move. Last year he probably had the roster he wanted but then he had dramas surrounding injuries, particularly with (Gareth) Widdop,” Gasnier told foxsports.com.au.

Dragons coach Paul McGregor signed a contract extension.Source: Getty Images

“I think he’s done well. I thought he did amazingly well when he took over with the squad he had, and they’ve shown so much potential.

“They’ve been the best attacking team and been on top of the table after 10 or 11 rounds for two seasons prior to this season.

“I think the contract extension is justified.”

And while St George Illawarra powerbrokers and fans will be hoping McGregor can lead the club to another premiership before his contract expires, Gasnier fears the window may be missed.

The Dragons have been forced to take the field without State of Origin lock Jack de Belin this season as the player fights a rape charge in court.

Then their captain and fullback Gareth Widdop suffered what will likely be a season-ending shoulder injury, and fellow blue-chip players Tyson Frizell and Korbin Sims have struggled for game time.

Even if de Belin wins his civil court case against the NRL and is allowed to return to the field this season, the loss of Widdop is significant to the club’s premiership chances.

Widdop departs the club at season’s end to move home to England.

“I thought this year was probably (McGregor’s) best (chance at a premiership) prior to the de Belin stuff, now Widdop’s injured,” Gasnier said.

Controversy cost Storm $500K


“If everyone was fit and healthy I’d say this was probably their best year. Next year they lose Widdop.

“I think if they are to win the comp they do need Jack.

“If you watch their games it is Cameron McInnes who leads their line speed. He had a partner in crime with a lot of their attacking plays that Jack used to set up.

“You’ve got other guys there who are playing amazing - Jacob Host, Blake Lawrie - those guys are doing an amazing job. What Jack brought is what got him into Origin and it’s something that can’t be replaced straight away.”

The Dragons are in an awkward holding pattern as de Belin’s case against the NRL will likely dictate how they recruit mid-season.

If de Belin’s stand-down is upheld in court, the Dragons can apply to the NRL for salary cap dispensation in order to hit the market and attempt to find a temporary replacement middle forward.

But Gasnier points out there isn’t many available players on the market, and if there was they would likely be asking for more than a half-season contract.


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...k=f02e4bd53d8cb93806d81171675b1be0-1555732151

 

[getsmarty]

Rookie Ravalawa making massive strides for Dragons in 2019

• 
  Mitch Jennings

Dragons Den

MATCH-WINNER: Mikaele Ravalawa celebrates his late try against Manly on Saturday night. Picture: Mark Nolan/NRL Photos


THE NRL can be a tough school but Dragons coach Paul McGregor is full of praise for the way rookie winger Mikaele Ravalawa has embraced his crash course over the opening five rounds of the season.

The Fijian flyer's selection for round one came as a surprise to many despite a standout a preseason, but he's made a fine fist of top-grade action with four tries in five appearances on the right flank.

None were more important than his 79th minute four-pointer against the Sea Eagles on Saturday, sealing his side's fourth win on the trot.

McGregor said it's a remarkable effort given he had barely half a season of reserve grade under his belt prior to the current campaign.

"Mika's still learning the game, he's only played it for a few years," he said.

"He's only made his first grade debut this year, he only played half a year in the Canterbury Cup last year before he went back to bush footy.

"To repeatedly get himself involved in the game, and he's been on the end of a couple of tries at important times this year as well, it's a credit to the way he's learning and his preparation to improve each week.

"He got another good one [on Saturday night] and he gets excited about them to."

It was a void that needed filling for the Dragons following the departure of Nene Macdonald over the off-season and the retirement of club stalwart Jason Nightingale.

McGregor's also found another surprise packet on the opposite edge with Jordan Pereira making the most of his belated opportunity on the other side.

However, the pair are part of an ongoing selection headache for McGregor following the long-term injury to skipper, and goal-kicker, Gareth Widdop.

Centre Tim Lafai has stepped up as a part-timer in his absence but endured a tough night with the boot against the Eagles, missing two penalty goal attempts - one from virtually in front of the posts in the first half.

The second came as he attempted to level the scores at 10 apiece with four minutes left, with Ravalawa's try ultimately getting the Dragons out of jail.

It's seen plenty of fans urge McGregor to find room for young-gun, and noted sharpshooter, Zac Lomax somewhere in his starting 13.

It will only amp up if Lafai's woes off the tee continue but McGregor backed him to bounce back from his off night.

"It wasn't a great night [of goal-kicking]," McGregor said.

"When you lose your main kicker in Gareth that can happen. Laf's been good the last couple of weeks, he was just a bit off [on Saturday].

"He missed a couple of goals that would have put us in a bit better position but that's footy. I don't think to much fazes Laf to be honest.

"It's a job he's doing but it's not a job he's been employed to do. Someone had to do it and he's practicing hard at training to try and be better.

"He wasn't great [against Manly] but all kickers have their off nights. That was just one of them."


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...-massive-strides-for-dragons-in-2019/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons key men coming up trumps down the stretch

• 
  Mitch Jennings

Dragons Den

HOW GOOD: The Dragons celebrate the match-winner on Saturday night. Picture: AAP

DRAGONS five-eighth Corey Norman believes a series of close wins are worth more than just two competition points after his side's remarkable escape act against Manly on Saturday night.

The Dragons trailed by two late in the match in Wollongong before a 79th minute try to Mikaele Ravalawa snatched a vital 12-10 home win over the Eagles.

It saw them climb to fifth on the ladder ahead of Thursday's Anzac Day blockbuster against the Roosters, with the run of four straight coming without Gareth Widdop, Jack de Belin, Tyson Frizell and Korbin Sims at different stages.

Norman believes the value of those wins will become even more apparent as the season progresses.

"It was a bit of a scrappy game, a bit clunky but credit to Manly's defence they were really hard to crack tonight," Norman said.

"It was a gritty game but it was good to get it.

"Last week was good and we could've easily come out here and rolled over and thought it was just going to happen again but Manly turned up so we said 'let's go' and turned up to.

"These wins that are grittier wins are a lot better [than blowouts] and build a lot more confidence."

It followed a 40-4 blowout win over the Bulldogs a week earlier, but their two wins prior came via a single point, Norman piloting clutch field goals through the posts on both occasions.

It was halves partner Ben Hunt who proved the match-winner on Saturday, producing a pinpoint grubber for Ravalawa's late four-pointer.

"I think each week we're getting better and there's plenty of room left for improvement."

Corey Norman
It runs counter to previous criticism of Hunt's game management in tight contests and Norman says it brings plenty of confidence down the stretch knowing either can step up the clutch moments.

"It just shows that our combination's building," Norman said

"I think each week we're getting better and there's plenty of room left for improvement. He put that kick in there tonight and got us home which is really good.

"I think the last four weeks he's been playing out of his skin. He's copped a lot of criticism in the past but to his credit his turning up every week and having a blinder."

It was a sentiment echoed by coach Paul McGregor who said his No. 7 has never showed more late-game composure.

"He's growing in that area for sure. His kicking [on Saturday] was as good as it's been and his game management's been great," McGregor said.

"I think the option of Normy on the left and [Hunt] on the right gives us a good balance as well because you've got a left and right-foot kicker on either side of the ruck.

"The opposition have to hedge their bets a little bit so they get less kick pressure and where they're putting them...it's no fluke.

"They practice pretty hard on it through the week and their execution under pressure's been great."


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...en-coming-up-trumps-down-the-stretch/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

How players points system could fix salary cap confusion
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Mon 22 Apr 2019, 01:28 PM

Greg Inglis’s shock retirement has sparked calls for greater transparency of the salary cap but a solution may lie with the new player points system being trialled in this season’s Holden Women’s Premiership.

Inglis, who last Monday announced his immediate retirement from the game, is due to begin a variety of coaching, mentoring, community and ambassador roles with South Sydney and the NRL.

However, rival clubs have questioned the impact of his decision to retire on the Rabbitohs’ salary cap and NRL chief operating officer Nick Weeks wrote to all 16 clubs last Wednesday to advise them no decision had yet been made.

The Queensland captain has walked away from a contract worth about $1 million per season for the next two years and will reportedly earn an annual income of about $200,000 for the proposed off-field roles.

Some believe Souths should continue to carry his contract value in their salary cap, at least for this season as other clubs have had to do with players whose careers have ended due to injury, such as Newcastle winger Nathan Ross, who retired recently.



Match Highlights: Raiders v Broncos

The difference is Inglis did not medically retire and unlike those players has not had his contract paid out.

The closest comparison would be Valentine Holmes, who quit Cronulla this season for a shot at the NFL. The departure of Holmes enabled the Sharks to sign Kiwis playmaker Shaun Johnson.

Inglis’s case is also different to that of Robbie Farah, as the salary cap penalty imposed on Wests Tigers was for failing to disclose an ambassadorship role negotiated when he left the club in 2016, while claiming he was a destabalising influence in a 101A application for cap dispensation.

Weeks said the NRL was awaiting a submission from the Rabbitohs with details of the arrangement between Inglis and the club but regardless of what decision is made there will be controversy as the salaries of individual players are not made public.

The salary cap breaches uncovered at the Sharks during the off-season have raised questions about the effectiveness of a ceiling for player payments, as Melbourne, Parramatta and Manly have also been found guilty of systematic rorting in the past decade.

The establishment of the Holden Women’s Premiership last season has provided the NRL an opportunity to consider some of the major issues in the game with a fresh view, including where clubs should be located and methods for talent equalisation.

The NRLW will this season operate under a player points system salary cap in which players are evaluated on their achievements and standing in the game rather than how much they are being paid.

Under the system, all NRLW teams must sign a 22-strong squad totalling between 120 and 160 points, with a player worth:

• 10 points for Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns representatives;
• 8 points for State of Origin players;
• 4 points for members of the PM’s XIII, and;
• 3 points for selection in a National Championships team - ie: Queensland City, NSW Country.

Match Highlights: Titans v Knights

As the women’s game evolves there will be the opportunity to broaden the points system to include discounts for long-serving players, local juniors or other measures.

Former Test centre Mark Gasnier suggested in a recent NewsCorp column that the NRL should adopt a similar model to replace the salary cap, while former NRL salary cap auditor Ian Schubert has also advocated for a points system.

Schubert is currently responsible for policing the salary cap for the Illawarra District Rugby League, which this year became the first Country Rugby League-affiliated competition to introduce a player points system.

He revealed in a Men of League article by renowned journalist and former rugby league administrator Neil Cadigan that the NRL had previously considered a points system.

"I have considered points system for years and have run ran models over the NRL clubs and actual figures, just looking at how an alternative might measure up, as a personal project really," Schubert said.

Effectively it would be almost a real Fantasy League.

Ian Schubert
"Effectively it would be almost a real Fantasy League with a lot of variables covering injury, talent differentiation between same-level rep players, encouragement for clubs to be development rather than recruitment clubs, etc.

"In principle, I see the value in it being considered. Its greatest benefit is transparency."

A player points system would rid the game of the problem caused by third-party agreements as the focus would not be on how much a player earns and players could align with club sponsors without impacting on the cap.

The NBL operated a player points system but replaced it with a "soft cap" in 2016 after objections from the Australian Basketballers' Association, which represents their players.

Gasnier proposed each player be rated between one and six points, with clubs capped at 75 points for their top 25 players, while Cadigan's player points system, listed below, would mean in which each club could not exceed 1200 points.

Player points cap
Club allocation
200 points (average 40 points per player) for squad of 30 players

Points are allocated at the start of each player contract and is automatically reviewed (at June 30 to apply for the next season) after three years whether contract has expired or not.

120 points – Player with 20 Tests or more for Australia, the last within the past 18 months;

(optional) 150 points – Elite 10 (the game’s top 10 players);

100 – Australian player 10 Tests or more, NZ Tests 21 or more (once the player’s most recent Test is five years previous, 10 points are reduced, and another 10 points reduced if last Test is 10 years previous);

90 – Australian player less than 10 Tests; NZ Tests 11-20, Origin 20 games or more (reduced by 10 points once five years since last Test or Origin game);

80 – Origin, 6-19 games, NZ of England international 10 Tests or less (reduced by 10 points once five years since last Test or Origin);

70 – Origin, less than 6 games or NRL player of 200 or more first-grade games;

60 – 150-199 first-grade games;

50 – 101-149 first-grade games or more;

40 – 51-100 first-grade games or over 100 Super League games;

30 – 16-49 first-grade games, up to 99 Super League games;

20 – up to 15 first-grade games;

10 – No NRL experience.

Discounts
20 pts – 200 or more games for the club

15 pts – 150-199 games for the club

5 pts – 100 games or more for club

Injury
Clubs can apply for downgrading due to a player’s injury history.

The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of the NRL, ARLC, NRL clubs or state associations.


https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/04/22/how-players-points-system-could-fix-salary-cap-confusion/

 

[getsmarty]

St George Illawarra star Frizell backs referees despite increasing criticism of new edict

• Cameron Mee

Dragons Den

Wrestling tactics: Tyson Frizell has supported the referees despite concerns teams are intentionally slowing down the play the ball. Picture: NRL Photos/Mark Nolan.
St George Illawarra star Tyson Frizell has backed the referees to continue their current ruck interpretations, despite heavy criticism in recent weeks.

After last year's crackdown resulted in stop-start games and sky-high penalty counts, this year has seen referees instructed to put the whistle away and let the game flow.

Concerns have been raised that the pendulum has swung too far, with South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett expressing his frustration after his team's victory over Canterbury on Friday.

For Frizell, however, the 2019 interpretations have made for more free-flowing football throughout the first six rounds of the season.

"I don't mind that the whistles have been put away, games are a lot tighter," Frizell said.

"At stages when you feel like you've won the play the ball and want a penalty, they're probably not bringing it out as much, they're probably not giving the advantage for the attacker."

As a forward with the ability to generate quick play the balls, Frizell has been affected significantly by the new edict. He is hopeful, however, we don't see another shift in interpretation now that the criticism has begun.

"There's a balance between giving the penalty for those tackles where they're holding down a fair bit, but I'm happy with the way they're going at the moment and I'm sure, with people talking about it now, they're going to start blowing more penalties.

"I hope that doesn't happen, because no one wants it to go back to how it was last year, but we do need to find a balance there."


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...te-increasing-criticism-of-new-edict/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Frizell to wear protective cup for rest of season
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Mon 22 Apr 2019, 07:01 PM

St George Illawarra forward Tyson Frizell is likely to continue wearing a protective cup until the end of the season for peace of mind after recovering from surgery for a ruptured testicle.

Frizell, who required seven stitches after sustaining the injury in the opening-round loss to North Queensland, returned just three weeks later and has appeared unaffected as he displayed the form which has ensured he is one of the first players picked for NSW and Australia.

The 27-year-old second-rower said he should soon be able to play without the protector, more commonly worn in UFC or ice hockey, but it had given him confidence and he now planned to wear it for the rest of the season.

“It is a little bit uncomfortable during training but once you get out and start playing you don’t really worry about it,” Frizell said as he joined St George Illawarra team-mates for a private tour of the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park ahead of Thursday’s annual clash with Sydney Roosters at the SCG.

“I will probably end up playing in it for the rest of the year just for my head. I know it is well protected and I will probably only have to wear it for another two or three more weeks but for myself I just want to wear it.”

Despite concerns from commentators when he has taken a knock during matches, Frizell said he recovered quickly from the surgery and had not encountered any further problems.

Dragons forward Tyson Frizell. Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos
“It was probably a week before I could move freely and it was pretty sore for two weeks and then it just come good so I sort of knew I was ready to play and just had to get medically cleared,” he said.

"I just needed to get my mental state right but I was all fine once I spoke to the specialist.

“It is not an issue and it doesn’t play on my mind at all during the games. I get asked a lot about whether I had been hit again but I am probably better protected than most of the other boys now, wearing the guard.”

Frizell said he was looking forward to playing the Roosters on Thursday and going head to head with NSW and Australian second-row partner Boyd Cordner.

The Roosters have won their last five consecutive matches, including last Friday night’s golden point defeat of Melbourne, while the Dragons have triumphed in their past four games.

“They are probably the standout team with their performances so far but with a short preparation we can really only focus on ourselves as a team,” Frizell said.



Match Highlights: Dragons v Sea Eagles

“We are going to be up for the game and they are going to be up for the game.

“I think if we played anyone on ANZAC Day we would rise to the occasion. You could be playing the team on the bottom of the ladder but everyone finds something extra and ANZAC Day is all about mateship so everyone wants to play for their mates and do everything they can.

“We get to play at the SCG. I have only played there a couple of times and never played before a packed crowd there so it will be a pretty special given the history of the ground.”


https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/04/22/frizell-to-wear-protective-cup-for-rest-of-season/

 

[getsmarty]

NRL COMMUNITY


Dragons trio named NRL community advocates
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Tue 23 Apr 2019, 11:15 AM

St George Illawarra trio Tariq Sims, Kezie Apps and Sam Bremner have been named asNRL Community Advocates, helping support two of the biggest NRL community programs – State of Mind and Voice Against Violence.

Sims, Apps and Bremner are amongst a list of 34 current players that have self-nominated to promote the programs and help shed more awareness of the positive work being undertaken game-wide.

NRL Head of Government and Community Relations, Jaymes Boland-Rudder congratulated the players on their commitment and said there were many players and officials that regularly promoted and took part in the Game’s community programs.

"Our State of Mind and Voice against Violence programs are two of the most important in our game, dealing with issues that impact many communities," Mr Boland-Rudder said.

"We will continue to use our collective voice across Australia and abroad to promote our work within communities and I want to thank the player advocates that have committed to amplifying awareness of mental wellbeing and violence prevention.

"I also want to thank our expert partners who lead our training and provide guidance to player advocates and our community team.

"With topics such as mental health and domestic violence, it’s crucial that we work closely to ensure our education, training and prevention is correct as we reach out to those that are part of our game – from fans to players; grassroots to our elite athletes.”

NRL community advocates will support the State of Mind and Voice against Violence programs throughout 2019, with 13 of the 34 players nominating as first-time advocates for the programs.

To learn more about the NRL’s State of Mind and Voice Against Violence programs, including a list of partners, visit www.nrl.com/community

A full list of players is below.

NRL State of Mind player advocates

• Darius Boyd (Broncos)
• Jayden Okunbor (Bulldogs)
• Siliva Havili (Raiders)
• Josh Dugan (Sharks)
• Dale Copley and Michael Gordon (Titans)
• Joel Thompson (Sea Eagles)
• Christian Welch and Dale Finucane (Storm)
• Hymel Hunt (Knights)
• Michael Morgan (Cowboys)
• Daniel Alvaro and David Gower (Eels)
• Frank Winterstein and Wayde Egan (Panthers)
• Dane Gagai (Rabbitohs)
• Tariq Sims (Dragons)
• Angus Crichton and Simaima Taufa (Roosters)
• Paul Momirovski (Tigers)
• Ruan Sims, Maddie Studdon and Sam Bremner (NRLW players)

NRL Voice against Violence player advocates

• Alex Glenn (Broncos)
• Aiden Tolman (Bulldogs)
• Joseph Tapine (Raiders)
• Kyle Flanagan (Sharks)
• Maxwell King and Michael Gordon (Titans)
• Christian Welch (Storm)
• David Klemmer (Knights)
• Jake Granville (Cowboys)
• Daniel Alvaro and David Gower (Eels)
• Frank Winterstein (Panthers)
• Braidon Burns (Rabbitohs)
• Kezie Apps (Dragons)
• Simaima Taufa (Roosters)
• Ryan Matterson and Josh Aloiai (Tigers)

* New advocates in italics


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/04/23/dragons-trio-named-nrl-community-advocates/

 

[getsmarty]

What's your hidden talent outside football?
One Dragons player claims to be really good at surfing, another says he's a gymnast outside of football. Find out who in this week's player interviews by our Junior Reporters Eli and Georgia.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/04/23/whats-your-hidden-talent-outside-football/

 

[getsmarty]

Lafai urges Samoa to lock in Pereira before Kiwis swoop
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 24 Apr 2019, 07:01 AM

Dragons centre Tim Lafai hopes to continue his combination with left edge partner Jordan Pereira in the Samoa team for June’s Pacific Test against Papua New Guinea at Leichhardt Oval.

Pereira, who was born in New Zealand but also qualifies for Samoa through his father and England through his mother, has yet to decide which country to align himself with but Lafai urged Samoa to make the first call on him.

“It’s nice to have a fellow Samoan on my wing,” Lafai said.

“I think he is definitely a frontrunner for that wing position and if he keeps up his form I think he should get that spot.

“He has been one of the best wingers in the game this season and he has been one of our best backs in getting us forward and getting us out of the corner with yardage. His work rate is high and it is a credit to him for the hard work he has put in.”

Despite not making his NRL debut until Round 19 last season, Pereira has enjoyed a rapid rise and he is now St George Illawarra’s most established winger.

The 26-year-old, who recently re-signed until the end of the 2021 season, has scored five tries in the opening six rounds and is averaging 148.6 running metres per match.


“Jordy has worked really hard at finishing tries. He has had some brilliant ones this year,” Lafai said.

Having only taken up league when he moved from Wellington to Perth in 2014, Pereira was recruited by Mackay Cutters before joining the Dragons midway through the 2017 season.

He says he rarely watches NRL matches.

Asked who he would be playing opposite in Thursday’s ANZAC Day clash with Sydney Roosters at the SCG, Pereira said: “I know last year it was Blake Ferguson but he has moved on. I don’t watch football so I will wait until we do our homework and go from there”.

Instead, he prefers to spend his time away from training and playing at the beach or on bushwalks with fiancée, Sarah Orange.

“We obviously don’t get much time with each other so if we just sit there watching footy it is not going to be good,” Pereira said.

“Normally I am trying to recover and we live pretty close to the beach or we will go on a bushwalk and try to find a local swimming hole, there are heaps around the Illawarra area.


“It is kind of footy related because obviously my body is in pain so I am trying to recover at the same time but we just go around it from a therapeutic angle rather than just sitting there watching more footy or doing more homework.”

However, Pereira is looking forward to playing in the traditional ANZAC Day clash between the Dragons and the Roosters for the first time and was anticipating a finals-type atmosphere at the SCG.

“To be a part of something that obviously means so much to where I am from in New Zealand and also here adds that special element to it,” he said.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/04/24/lafai-urges-samoa-to-lock-in-pereira-before-kiwis-swoop/

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


10-year wait for Norman to become field goal sharpshooter
Author
Dan Walsh NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 24 Apr 2019, 07:59 PM

It's taken Corey Norman 10 years of first grade to back himself as a field goal sharp shooter as the Red V recruit squares off with fellow golden point match winner Latrell Mitchell on Anzac Day.

Norman's left boot has proven instrumental in keeping the Dragons afloat amid injuries and off-field distractions to start 2019, his back-to-back field goals against Brisbane and Newcastle securing crucial wins in the past month.

The traditional Roosters-Dragons Anzac Day clash has form when it comes to close finishes, and so does Mitchell.

His booming 40-metre one-pointer to sink Melbourne last week has been the talk of the NRL town since last Friday, with the fact both he and Norman offer left-foot options at the clutch making them prime contenders should it go down to the wire on April 25.

It's a far cry from the first 170 games of Norman's career, in which he kicked just the one field goal for the Eels in 2017, before nailing successive match-winners in his first four weeks at the Dragons.

"I got one for Parra and that was pretty wonky but I guess I've never really been in so many situations where we needed a field goal," Norman told NRL.com.



Norman slots field goal for Dragons win

"Obviously with Gaz [skipper Gareth Widdop] going down, he's the Dragons go-to man.

"I knew I didn't have a good strike rate, I've tried a few field goals but they haven't come off. I'd say the change is me just backing my ability and saying 'just give me the ball and I'll have a crack'.

"I'm lucky that those two went over and we've got the two points. It's very pleasing but in saying that I wouldn't mind just winning in normal time too.

"That field goal was something else by Latrell, and you probably wouldn't expect anything less from him. He's just such an athlete and he's so gifted. Hopefully we don't have to go into that field goal battle with him."

While Norman's halves partner Ben Hunt hasn't kicked a field goal in 218 first grade games, the Roosters boast arguably the NRL's best exponent in Cooper Cronk (21 one-pointers) steering the ship alongside Mitchell.

It was Cronk's feigning to the right that gave Mitchell ample time to slot his monster drop punt against Melbourne, prompting plenty of Roosters teammates to join him in practice at Wednesday's captain's run.

Left-footed playmakers are on the rise across the game, with Norman joined by the likes of Camerons Munster and Smith at Melbourne and Brisbane's Jamayne Isaako also striking them well as southpaws.

With teams well-versed in defending the crucial play late in the game, Norman says he has stepped into the void left by Widdop thanks to the point of difference he offers with the game on the line.

"When Gaz was there we'd get to the left post, and with him obviously being a right-footer we'd get there and he'd be the man for the shot," Norman said.

"But the last couple of times with me, we'll go right post and I've got the left foot as a point of difference, so anywhere right of the posts is fine by me."



Norman wins it in golden-point again

Regardless of how the 80, or possibly more, minutes play out before a healthy SCG crowd on Thursday, Norman is wary of keeping his emotions in check on what has grown to be one of rugby league's marquee events.

"I've been looking forward to the Anzac Day game for a while," Norman said.

"The boys have told me a few stories about the atmosphere and the occasion and how it's just electric. It's a day where you're honoured to play and everyone reflects on how privileged we are to live in such a country and be able to play footy for a living.

"The emotions could come into it, but I think it's about knowing your role and what you've got to do.

"If you've got that down pat you can embrace the day and the game, but you still know what your role is come kick-off."


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/201...for-norman-to-become-field-goal-sharpshooter/

 

[getsmarty]

:

DRAGONS


2019 commemorative jersey auction now live
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Wed 24 Apr 2019, 04:06 PM

The St George Illawarra Dragons match-worn 2019 commemorative jerseys are now available to be bid on.

Ahead of the traditional Anzac Day fixture against the Sydney Roosters at the SCG, a live auction will kick start on Wednesday afternoon, April 24 at 5pm.

Dragons members and fans will be given the opportunity to bid on these player-worn commemorative jerseys, a portion of the funds will be donated to the Australian War Memorial.

Read more about the 2019 commemorative jersey here

The live auction will close on Sunday, April 28th between 7pm and 8pm. Tthe end of the jersey bids will be staggered throughout the evening

Each of the player-worn commemorative jerseys will be signed by their respective player, while one team-signed jersey will also be up for bidding as part of the auction.

You can bid for your favourite players' commemorative jersey here.



https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/04/24/2019-commemorative-jersey-auction-now-live/

 

[getsmarty]

‘More steps than the Opera House’: Jinking Dufty goes 60m to leave Tedesco in his wake
Dragons

• April 25, 2019 6:03pm
• Source: FOX SPORTS

Dufty steps past James TedescoSource: FOX SPORTS
Matt Dufty scored a try for the ages as he dragged the St George-Illawarra Dragons back into the Anzac Day contest against the Sydney Roosters.
Coming out of the Dragons’ half, the fullback stepped past Angus Crichton, Zane Tetevano and Cooper Cronk.

A gap opened up inside him, and the Dragons No. 1 needed no further invitation to burn his way past the covering Boyd Cordner to charge into open space.

Matt Dufty torches Roosters

0:39
Round 7
Live stream the 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership on KAYO SPORTS. Every game of every round live & anytime on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14 day free trial >

James Tedesco scorched across to close him down, but Dufty was too smart and sidestepped to the left, leaving the NSW Blues and Kangaroos No. 1 in his wake.

Dufty shows his footwork to get past TedescoSource: FOX SPORTS
Dufty was honing in on the line, but Cronk was tracking back to cover him.


The Dragons fullback shimmied left once, and then right again before crashing over as Latrell Mitchell tried to close him down.

Andrew Voss described the try in commentary as having “more steps than the Opera House.”


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...k=3dbcf7b317436aa8e882ffa48af7a521-1556271304

 

[getsmarty]

ON THIS DAY


On this day April 26: 'Changa' calls time
Author
NRL.com
Timestamp
Fri 26 Apr 2019, 06:01 AM

On this day, rugby league legend Graeme Langlands hung up his boots, Alfie got one-up on Joey, while Semi Radradra created history.

1976
All-time great Graeme Langlands announces his retirement following a club match between St George and Wests. 'Changa' and Wally Lewis eventually become the next players selected as an Immortals in 1999. Langlands was born in Wollongong in 1941 and died in January, 2018 after battling illness.

1991
Brisbane hooker Kerrod Walters blows his chance at State of Origin and Test honours when he is sent off for punching Wests forward Graeme Wynn in a Friday night game.

1994
Dean Pay is named Canterbury captain in the absence of Terry Lamb.

1998
Brisbane record their highest score in a premiership match with a 60-6 annihilation of premiership contenders North Sydney. Norths players Ben Ikin and Mark Soden are revealed to have visited a Brisbane nightclub on the eve of the match.

Former Broncos and North Sydney bears five-eighth Ben Ikin. NRL Photos
2002
Veteran halfback Allan Langer takes the honours in his much-anticipated battle with Newcastle maestro Andrew Johns as the Broncos upset the previously undefeated Knights 18-12 at ANZ Stadium. The result continues Newcastle’s run of outs in Brisbane. Broncos captain Gorden Tallis is banished to the sin bin by referee Paul Simpkins after being twice warned for dissent

2003
Newcastle captain Andrew Johns is placed on report for head-slamming Wests Tigers centre Mark O’Halloran during the Knights’ 34-6 win at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

2008
Former Broncos prop Shane Webcke is named alongside Allan Langer, Paul Green, Michael De Vere and Peter Ryan as members of Ivan Henjak’s coaching support staff for 2009. Webcke declines to rule out a future as a first grade coach.

Cowboys coach Paul Green in his playing days with the Roosters. NRL Photos
2013
South Sydney overcome Manly 20-12 in a brutal and thrilling encounter at a packed Brookvale Oval. Manly forward Richie Fa’aoso is reported twice for dangerous tackles on Souths fullback Greg Inglis and is later suspended for eight matches. Sea Eagles centre Steve Matai and fullback Brett Stewart are also charged over separate incidents.

2016
Fijian-born winger Semi Radradra makes history when chosen in Australia’s team to meet New Zealand in the Anzac Test at Hunter Stadium on May 6. The Parramatta star becomes the first player in over 100 years to be selected to play a Test for the Kangaroos but not be eligible to represent New South Wales or Queensland. Radradra joins fellow Kangaroos newcomers Blake Ferguson, Josh McGuire and Michael Morgan.



https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/04/26/on-this-day-april-26-changa-calls-time/

 

[getsmarty]

Beattie refuses Dragons demand to issue apology to de Belin
Adrian ProszenkoApril 27, 2019 — 6.00pm

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Lawyers acting for St George Illawarra and Jack de Belin took the extraordinary step of drafting an apology statement for ARLC chairman Peter Beattie in which he was to declare "Jack is innocent unless proven guilty" following his controversial commentary about de Belin and the aggravated sexual assault charge levelled against the player.

The validity of the game’s new "no fault" stand down policy is set to be determined this week. Justice Melissa Perry is poised to hand down her ruling in coming days after overseeing a four-day hearing in the Federal Court earlier this month. A decision which finds the policy unlawful could see de Belin return to the football field while he fights the charge, to which he is pleading not guilty.

ARLC boss Peter Beattie led the campaign to stand down Jack de Belin (inset).Credit:NRL Photos, Adam McLean

The Sun-Herald has obtained correspondence between lawyers acting for the Dragons and de Belin and those representing Beattie in relation to the former Queensland premier’s public comments on the star forward's alleged conduct. Beattie was outspoken about the need for the game to take a hardline stance on player behaviour after the case against de Belin was detailed in court documents.

Craig Osborne, a Dragons director and managing partner at RMB Lawyers, wrote to Beattie on February 27, a day before the new policy was officially announced. Osborne claimed Beattie had "engaged in a media campaign against our clients" that was potentially defamatory and in contempt of court.

The letter stated Beattie’s comments have "a real tendency to interfere with the administration of justice" and demanded he "cease and desist in this campaign against Mr de Belin".

It also claims Beattie’s conduct "imputes that Mr de Belin is guilty of rape".

The letter goes on to demand that Beattie issue the following public statement to rectify the damage: "I have given a number of interviews over the last seven days and made public statements about SGI rugby league player Jack de Belin. I need to clarify something very important: Jack is innocent until proven guilty.

"Neither I, nor the ARLC or NRL, are in possession of any evidence that enables us to form a view on this matter. Jack is entitled to have this matter determined by the courts and that process should not be interfered with.

"I apologise to Jack if my conduct over the last seven days has led people to believe that I have formed a view about the allegations against him. I have not."

The ARLC responded via its lawyer, Tony O’Reilly, refuting any suggestion that it had defamed de Belin or prejudiced his criminal matter. The request to publish the statement was declined. Suggestions of interference with contractual matters were also refuted.

Further court documents released show that de Belin’s current three-year contract was worth $500,000 in 2018, $545,000 this season and $595,000 in 2020. There were no third-party agreements listed in the deal.

De Belin remains on full pay until the criminal proceedings are concluded. That prompted Alan Sullivan, appearing for the ARLC during the Federal Court hearing to quip: "It would be hard for a player being stood down on $500,000 to plead hardship."

If de Belin receives a favourable verdict in his case against the NRL, he could return to the Dragons line-up in time to take on Parramatta at Bankwest Stadium next Sunday.


https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/be...ssue-apology-to-de-belin-20190427-p51hr2.html

 

[getsmarty]

Steelers qualify for SG Ball, Tarsha Gale Cup grand finals
Author
NSWRL
Timestamp
Sun 28 Apr 2019, 11:09 AM

The 2019 Junior Representative Grand Final fixtures have been confirmed following an exciting weekend of Finals Week Three action with all games set to be played at the new Bankwest Stadium in Western Sydney on Saturday, 4 May.

The Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup Grand Final will kick-off at 11am, with the Illawarra Steelers going head-to-head with the Newcastle Knights

The Steelers and Knights both enjoyed dominant 2019 campaigns having lost just one game respectively, and is only fitting that the two best teams will meet in the decider.

Meanwhile, UNE Harold Matthews Cup minor premiers Newcastle Knights will take on the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at 1pm with both teams cementing their place following respective Preliminary Final wins.

The Knights recorded a 20-6 victory over the Panthers on Saturday before the Bulldogs enjoyed a thrilling 36-30 win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

The Illawarra Steelers and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles will round off the historic day when they do battle in the UNE SG Ball Cup Grand Final at 3pm.

The matches will be live streamed on nswrl.com.au.

Fixtures
11am – Illawarra Steelers v Newcastle Knights (Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup)

1pm – Newcastle Knights v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (UNE Harold Matthews Cup)

3pm – Illawarra Steelers v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (UNE SG Ball Cup)


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/04/29/fixtures--nswrl-junior-representative-grand-finals/

 

[getsmarty]

Play of the week: Round 7
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Mon 29 Apr 2019, 09:58 AM

The St George Illawarra Dragons almost completed an impressive comeback against the Sydney Roosters in the annual Anzac Day match, clawing their way back from a 14 point deficit at half time.

Despite the last-minute try to the Roosters spoiling their hopes of a fifth straight victory, both of the Dragons' tries will be featured on highlight reels for months to come. Now it's up to you to choose which was your favourite play of the week.

Option A. After being held scoreless for the opening half of the match, the Dragons came into the final period with a point to prove and their eyes set of crossing the white stripe.

Twenty metres out from the Roosters line, Ben Hunt showed his class by throwing a stunning cutout ball to Euan Aitken who drew in the last defender before offloading to Zac Lomax. With plenty of space down the sideline, Lomax planted the ball in the corner for the Dragons' first points of the match.

Option B. Only a few minutes later, Dragons live-wire Matt Dufty pulled off what could well be the try of the season. Zigging and zagging his way through the Roosters defence from inside his own half, the speedy fullback bamboozled high profile players in a scintillating solo effort which put the Dragons back into the match.

Vote for your favourite below!

Play of the week: Round 7
Vote for your play of the week below

Play of the week: Round 7 Vote for your play of the week below

• A. Zac Lomax
  0%
• B. Matt Dufty
  0%

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/04/29/play-of-the-week-round-72/

 

[getsmarty]

The problem the Dragons are yet to solve
While the Dragons have seemingly sorted their spine issues, another substantial chink in their armour has appeared.

Angus Simpson
CONTRIBUTOR
April 29, 2019 - 10:29 am
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https://static.nospam21.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/GettyImages-1131526887-696x464.jpg?x20057
WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 23: Zac Lomax of the Dragons watches on during the NRL trail match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Newcastle Knights at WIN Stadium on February 23, 2019 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Following a rough start to the season both on and off the field and the forced re-shuffle of their much-maligned spine, the Dragons have begun to look like the premiership contenders they were tipped to be after winning four on the trot. However, if they are to remain in the top half of the competition there is another issue they must address, their leaky right edge defence.

While Euan Aitken and Mikaele Ravalawa have proved to be quite the handful in attack, with seven-try involvements between them in the opening six rounds, their defensive frailties far outweigh their attacking prowess.

The numbers do not paint a pretty picture for the Dragons’ right edge combination, with Aitken and Ravalawa ranking third and last respectively amongst all Dragons for tackle efficiency, as well as Ravalawa ranking first for try causes with seven, and Aitken ranking third in the same metric contributing three.

The Dragons have conceded a reasonable but not outstanding 20 tries over the opening six rounds of the competition, ranking seventh in the competition. However, unfortunately for the Red V, 11 of those tries have come through their right edge, with the middle conceding six and the left edge a slender three, clearly displaying a weakness to opposition teams.

Luckily for the Dragons’ faithful, coach Paul McGregor is thinking the same thing. Opting to start the man anointed by Brad Fittler as “the gifted one”, Zac Lomax, on the right wing for their ANZAC Day clash with arch-rivals the Roosters. While the Dragons did concede one try down their right on Thursday, a dropped bomb leading to a Latrell Mitchell try, Lomax and Aitken looked like a much more defensively solid combination. The pair communicated well and defended in unison, rather than one shooting up and one staying back like Ravalawa and Aitken did regularly across the first six rounds.


Another advantage to Lomax starting is he would provide St George Illawarra with a genuine goal-kicking option, following the injury to skipper and goal kicker Gareth Widdop as well as the less than impressive performances of centre Tim Lafai off the kicking tee. Culminating in a less than impressive 2/5 shots against Manly in round six, in which two of these missed kicks Lafai could have thrown over with his eyes shut. Lomax displayed over the back end of 2018 that he is more than capable off the tee, nailing 85% of his attempts.

While the Dragons are slowly gathering momentum on the field following a chequered off-season, if they are to be the premiership contender many pundits have tipped them to be, coach McGregor is going to have to find a solution to his leaky right edge. Here’s hoping for Dragons fans that solution has come in the form of the 19-year-old Lomax.

https://www.nospam21.com/the-problem-the-dragons-are-yet-to-solve-43423/

 

[Morotti]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.th...t/news-story/3925c9f8a90a6ce5f6d9b493b3f02f04

Can anybody load this article? Behind a paywall but looks interesting reading.