Articles

[getsmarty]

NRL: Dragons legend Matt Cooper believes youngster Zac Lomax is a potential NSW Blues bolter.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/video/league/nrl/cooper-endorses-lomax!729946

 

[getsmarty]

McGregor's Dragons not good enough

• Local Sport
  
  
  
  Wrapped up:Tariq Sims takes the line on during the Round 9 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Saturday, May 11, 2019. Picture AAP /Darren England
  St George Illawarra slumped to their third loss in a row at Suncorp Stadium after leading the Warriors 18-6 at half time
  
  The Dragons' Saturday night Magic Round game ended in a disappointing and disappearing act.
  
  The Warriors' scored 20 straight points after half-time was in the same vein as Parramatta's 32-18 come-from-behind win over McGregor's team last week.
  
  "In the second half we stopped working in defence, all the things we did well in the first 40 minutes we didn't continue to do," McGregor said after the 26-18 loss.
  
  "You need to be a consistent side for 80 minutes in this competition."
  
  The body language of players after conceding late points over the past fortnight will be a worry for coach McGregor.
  
  The loss against the Warriors drops the Dragons to 10th place on the NRL ladder.
  
  Like the Sharks, their NRL neighbours who are just finding a way to win, the Dragons are missing experienced players and are being mowed down by opposition sides.
  
  A fractured cheekbone is keeping Corey Norman out for at least another two weeks, Gareth Widdop permanently on the sideline and Jack de Belin is suspended under the NRL's no fault stand down policy.
  
  
  
  
  Loss: Ben Hunt after a Warriors try during the Round 9 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp. Picture AAP/Dave Hunt
  
  While the Warriors Kodi Nikorima enjoyed a happy homecoming to Brisbane, it wasn't like that for fellow former Bronco Ben Hunt.
  
  In a cruel repeat of his infamous knock on in the 2015 grand final, Hunt fumbled a 69th-minute dropout that swung the dying stages the Warriors' way.
  
  St George Illawarra can also expect to be without players Ben Hunt, Paul Vaughan, Tyson Frizell and Tariq Sims when the Origin rolls around in a month's time, hastening McGregor's search for answers to their worrying second-half defensive dramas.
  
  "It's not good enough McGregor said.
  
  "We have to look at why it's happening and address it quickly."
  
  The Dragons play Newcastle at Mudgee in their round 10 NRL clash next Sunday at 2pm.
  
  
  
  https://www.theleader.com.au/story/6118942/dragons-lose-their-magic/?cs=1633

 

[Old Kogarah Boy 1]

McGregor's Dragons not good enough....
"It's not good enough McGregor said.
We have to look at why it's happening and address it quickly."

Can somebody please provide McGregor with a large mirror, Quickly!!!!!!!

 

[getsmarty]

St George Illawarra players desperate to bounce back after confronting video session

• Cameron Mee

Dragons Den

Monstered: Blake Lawrie. Picture: NRL Imagery/Jason O'Brien


St George Illawarra players have spoken of the confronting video session that followed Saturday night's capitulation to the Warriors as they vowed to ensure the side produces a much-improved performance against the Knights on Sunday.

While the Dragons' first half was filled with highlights, it was a second-half horror show that saw an 18-6 half-time lead turn into a 26-18 defeat.

Representative forward Tyson Frizell said those first-half highlights were missing from this week's video session, with coach Paul McGregor instead opting to focus on the defensive errors and lapses in concentration that occurred in the second half.

"We don't go into video sessions watching our highlights, watching film of how good we scored tries," Frizell said. "The past couple of weeks it certainly hasn't been many highlights.

"It's pretty confronting for the young blokes, being there and seeing how some video sessions can go. Sometimes you can go into the video session hoping your name doesn't get called up. But it is good, it makes boys accountable. Actions that you probably don't think you've done are there for everyone to see.

"We've all played a part in how we're performing the past couple of weeks and it's good to see footage of yourself not playing as well as you think you have been."

The second-half collapse was the second-straight week the Dragons had let slip a half-time lead, with the Eels blitzing the Dragons after half-time in round eight.

With the side desperate to ensure it doesn't happen for a third time, few players were spared in this week's video session. Winger Jordan Pereira revealed McGregor made use of a wide video angle that highlighted the effort of every player on the field.

"On TV you see the angle they want to show you," Pereira said. "When coach shows you the game, he shows you the angle that shows all players on the field at all times and you can see what everyone's doing. Some of the things you wish you didn't see, but then you realise that's my job, I need to be doing that.

"From the coach's perspective, he's coming from a good place and just wants us to be better. He pointed out the one per cent effort areas that personally I was lacking in, I'm definitely going to change those coming into next week and hopefully that will contribute to a better result."


McGregor may have been critical in his post-match analysis of Saturday's performance, however he has maintained his faith in the 17 that fell to the Warriors, with the Dragons coach naming an unchanged lineup for Sunday afternoon's game.

In positive news for the side, Korbin Sims has been named in jumper 21 and is an outside chance of making his return from injury.

Despite the recent setbacks, Frizell said the squad is determined to rebound this week, with the side placing extra focus on starting the second half well.

"Moment to moment is probably something we need to focus on, instead of worrying about what we need to do for that whole half," Frizell said. "We need to break it down into small increments throughout our halves.

"We've been focusing on the start of our games and that's been perfect. We thought two weeks ago that was a one-off with that second half, but now it's happened two weeks in a row, we need to shut it down straight away now."


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...-bounce-back-after-confronting-video-session/

 

[getsmarty]

LISTEN: The concerning trend plaguing the Dragons

The Roar
10 hours ago

St George Illawarra have failed to close out matches on a number of occasions in 2019. (Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
Magic Round 9 of the NRL season was a memorable one for a number of clubs that stepped up to take the two points. St George Illawarra wasn’t one of them.

The Dragons looked to be in control at Suncorp Stadium when they led a reshuffled New Zealand 18-6 at half time on Saturday, but the Warriors bounced back fiercely to win the game 26-18 and break a three-game losing streak.

It was a stunning comeback by Kodi Nikorima’s new side and injected some much-needed confidence into the club, but does the result exacerbate a worrying pattern for the Dragons? On today’s episode of the Game of Codes podcast, we asked Roar rugby league expert Joe Frost just that, along with what it all means for Paul McGregor.


The late blitz by New Zealand over the weekend marks the fourth major fadeout by the Dragons this season, who have been outscored 116-50 in second halves so far in 2019:

• Round 1: Trailed Cowboys 8-6 at HT, lost 24-12
• Round 2: Led Souths 12-6 at HT, lost 34-18
• Round 8: Led Parra 14-6 at HT, lost 32-18
• Round 9: Led Warriors 18-6 at HT, lost 26-18

St George Illawarra fans will be hoping this doesn’t translate into another forgettable back-end of the season, which the club has struggled with virtuallyevery year since 2015.

https://www.theroar.com.au/2019/05/14/listen-the-concerning-trend-plaguing-the-dragons/

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Sims on verge of early return for slumping Dragons
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 15 May 2019, 07:01 AM

Some St George Illawarra players may be playing for their positions in Sunday’s match against Newcastle, with forward Korbin Sims set to lead the return of the club’s sidelined stars after being named in an extended 21-man squad for the trip to Mudgee.

Sims has played just two matches in the Red V after breaking his arm in the round four defeat of the Knights, while Gareth Widdop and Corey Norman are also on the injured list and Jack de Belin has been stood down since the start of the season under the NRL’s “no fault stand down” policy.

After winning four consecutive matches, the Dragons have lost their last three to slump to 10th place on the NRL ladder but the return of the big names will provide a significant boost to the team’s Telstra Premiership ambitions.

St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor will have a clearer idea of Sims' availability on Wednesday.

If Sims doesn’t play against Newcastle on Sunday, he would be expected to make his comeback in the May 26 clash with Cronulla at WIN Stadium and Norman is considered a chance of returning in the same match or the following one after fracturing his cheekbone two weeks ago against Parramatta.

Widdop is not due back until August after undergoing shoulder surgery six weeks ago but he was a welcome sight for team-mates at training on Tuesday as he practised goal-kicking while they completed an extended ball work session.



Is it time to get over Ben Hunt's 2015 GF drop?

De Belin also trained and the NSW State of Origin lock appears ready to explode into action if he is successful in his legal challenge to the NRL’s “no fault stand down” policy, with Federal Court judge Melissa Perry expected to hand down her decision this week.

The unavailability of the star quartet has severely tested the Dragons forward depth, as Test second-rower Tyson Frizell has also spent time on the sideline after suffering a ruptured testicle in the opening round loss to North Queensland.

Blake Lawrie, Jacob Host and Luciano Leilua effectively shared an interchange position last season but all three have been regular members of the Dragons' 17-man squad this season.

Lawrie has been starting in place of de Belin, with Host and Leilua on the interchange bench along with veteran forward Jeremy Latimore and centre Euan Aitken.

The injuries and unavailability of de Belin has meant representative props James Graham and Paul Vaughan are playing longer minutes.

Graham played 66 minutes in last Saturday’s 26-18 loss to the Warriors and 53 minutes the previous weekend against the Eels, while Vaughan played 51 minutes and 58 minutes in the corresponding matches.

In both games, the Dragons held a strong first-half lead – being ahead 14-0 against Parramatta and 18-6 against the Warriors – but fell away in the second half.



Annesley discusses key decisions from Round 9

“It’s disappointing, our two halves have been like two totally differently teams the past two weeks,” Frizell said.

“It’s hard to say what it was exactly – a lack of concentration, I guess. It’s pretty difficult to put your finger on and not let it happen but it’s something we need to change. It’s happened two weeks in a row now and only us players can fix that.

“We are doing everything we can preparation wise to get ourselves in the right mindset, we know the structures and the things we have in place within the team are perfect, we don’t need to change anything. It’s just our mindset and the way we start our halves is letting us down.”


https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/05/15/sims-on-verge-of-early-return-for-slumping-dragons/

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons donation kicks-off St George Hospital winter appeal
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Wed 15 May 2019, 05:01 PM

The St George Illawarra Dragons have helped to kick-off the St George Hospital's winter appeal by delivering a donation this week.

Dragons trio James Graham, Darren Nicholls and Joe Lovodua, as well as Women's Premiership player and Dragons Community's Kezie Apps spent time with patients in the Children's Ward at St George Hospital.

The funds raised from the Westfund Charity Shield earlier this year have helped kick-off the hospital's winter appeal. The money raised in this appeal will go towards a new Cytotoxic Drug Safety Cabinet, which will be used by St George Hospital's Cancer Care Centre.

This visit was part of three hospital visits the Dragons have conducted so far this year, including Wollongong Hospital earlier this month and Mudgee Hospital in March.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/201...n-kicks-off-st-george-hospital-winter-appeal/

 

[getsmarty]

St George Hospital visit
Dragons trio James Graham, Darren Nicholls and Joe Lovodua, as well as Women's Premiership player and Dragons Community's Kezie Apps spent time with patients in the Children's Ward at St George Hospital.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/05/15/st-george-hospital-visit/

 

[getsmarty]

St George Illawarra star Tyson Frizell urges caution in NRL debate surrounding interchange reduction

• Cameron Mee

Dragons Den

On the charge: Tyson Frizell. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled.


St George Illawarra star Tyson Frizell has cautioned the NRL to think carefully before choosing to reduce the number of interchanges teams can use per game.

The NRL competition committee will meet next month to decide whether to cut the number of interchanges available and Frizell said player welfare should be the top consideration when making the decision.

A reduction from eight to seven or six would be the second change in four years, with the NRL reducing interchanges from 10 to eight prior to the 2016 season.

Frizell supported that move and said the reduction had made for a more exciting product, however he believes a further reduction would have diminishing returns.

"I don't know what benefits we're going to get," Frizell said. "We break it down to six and then people will say to go down to four.

"It's tough on players, people want to see a better and faster game but player welfare is what you need to look out for. I think eight's perfect, in Tests it's 10, and there's plenty of fatigue out there at the moment."

Central to the final decision will be the discussion surrounding whether a cut will increase the excitement of matches and how that interacts with concerns surrounding player welfare.

Debate remains over the effect of fatigue on injuries, with some arguing fatigue makes the game safer by reducing the impact of collisions, while others claim it makes players more susceptible to injuries.

For Frizell, player welfare should sit at the top of the list of considerations and he hopes players are consulted before a decision is made.

"I hope ex-players and people that have just finished playing have input, it's a lot different to what the game was 10 years ago. If they're looking to make that change, I hope there's players that are there to make the decision.

"Sometimes fans don't see the health and welfare of players, they just see what's exciting and what's going to get the best ratings. I hope those factors get weighed in the decision whether they want to change it.

"It doesn't really factor into me, I can play 80 minutes as an edge player, but I'm not sure what benefits they're going to see out of the suggested changes."


Frizell's comments come as the Dragons forwards ready for a challenging contest against an in-form Newcastle team in Mudgee.

The match will see likely NSW teammates face off with Frizell, Paul Vaughan and Tariq Sims lining up opposite David Klemmer.

For Frizell, such a challenge is exactly what his team needs as they look to bounce back from three-straight losses.

"It's going to be a good game up front, we've done it in the past, being able to get on top of them. But they're a new side, we're a different side at the moment, I'm looking forward to going out there and coming up against those guys.

"Their forwards have really stood up, that's why we've seen Pearce and Ponga controlling the game so well. They're playing nice flat and fast footy and they're getting some good go forward to let their guys play footy.

"They're doing it pretty consistently throughout the game, where probably in the past they've done it through patches. They've been playing pretty good footy, if we're going to play the way we did on the weekend, we're going to get our pants pulled down."

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...te-surrounding-interchange-reduction/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

De Belin to learn playing fate on Friday

15th May 2019 4:42 PM

ST GEORGE Illawarra forward Jack de Belin will learn on Friday if he will be allowed to return to NRL action this season.

The Federal Court in Sydney has confirmed Justice Melissa Perry will hand down her judgment in de Belin's case against the ARL Commission and NRL at 4pm that day.

The NSW State of Origin lock, who is facing a sexual assault charge, launched legal action after he was stood down under the code's new "no-fault" rules.


The rules, which were rubberstamped in March, allow the NRL to stand down any player accused of a serious crime that carries a jail sentence of 11 years or more.

De Belin was charged with aggravated sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman in a Wollongong unit last December. He has pleaded not guilty.

Friday's judgment looms as a major test case for the NRL's no-fault rules.

De Belin and his lawyers argued in the Federal Court that the rules represented a restraint of trade and, unlike other professions and codes, he was not able to appear before a disciplinary hearing before being stood down.

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said the rules was needed to protect the game's reputation after its "summer from hell", during which several players were charged with serious offences.

If De Belin is successful he could potentially return to the NRL as soon as Sunday's clash with Newcastle at Mudgee, providing he obtains clearance from the NRL.

More likely De Belin could make his season debut next Sunday against Cronulla before a home crowd in Wollongong.

However if the legal action fails, Dragons coach Paul McGregor has previously voiced concern the 28-year-old's career could be over as the criminal case might not conclude before the end of the 2020 season.

"Jack is at an age now if he's not to play for two years his career is over," McGregor said.

De Belin has continued to train with the Dragons, McGregor saying last month he was impressed with the star's dedication.

"He's very strong and he gets his strength from his innocence," McGregor said.

"He's very strong about that."

- AAP


https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/de-belin-to-learn-playing-fate-on-friday/3728126/

 

[getsmarty]

CLUB NEWS


Charity Shield to remain in Mudgee for 2020-21
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Thu 16 May 2019, 12:35 PM

Photo courtesy of Mudgee Guardian (Jay-Anna Mobbs)

The St George Illawarra Dragons – in conjunction with the Mid-Western Regional Council and South Sydney Rabbitohs – have announced a two-year deal for Mudgee's Glen Willow Stadium to continue as the official home of the annual Charity Shield.

The renewed partnership for 2020 and 2021 comes after hugely successful Charity Shield games over the past two years that broke attendance records of more than 9,100.

The dates of the 37th and 38th traditional pre-season Charity Shield will be announced later this year.

Mayor of the Mid-Western Region Des Kennedy said he is delighted to welcome back the Dragons and Rabbitohs who have been strong advocates for rugby league in regional New South Wales.

"This is a major win for our region and proves Glen Willow is the best regional stadium in NSW if not the country, with the ability to successfully host televised NRL games," Cr Kennedy said.

"We offer fans an up close and personal game day experience, where they can see and hear every knock on and tackle just metres away.

"The Rabbitohs and Dragons share a rich history and rivalry and I am excited our region will play a role in this prestigious rugby league tradition."

St George Illawarra chief executive Brian Johnston said he was pleased the Dragons could continue making positive strides on and off the field in the Central West.

"We are delighted to have been able to reach an agreement with Mid-Western Regional Council and South Sydney to see the Charity Shield remain in Mudgee for a further two seasons," Johnston said.

"It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase NRL in the Central West and engage with the local community.

"I would like to thank Des Kennedy and his team for the opportunity to continue our association, both teams enjoy great support throughout the region and we look forward to returning next year."

Rabbitohs Chief Executive Blake Solly said: “We’re really excited to be extending the partnership with Mid-Western Regional Council and the St George Illawarra Dragons which will see the Charity Shield played in Mudgee for the next two years.

"Both clubs have worked hard to build a connection with the people of Mudgee and more broadly the Central West of NSW, and the events we’ve been able to deliver over the past two years at Glen Willow Stadium have been first class.

"The town has really embraced both teams and the Mid-Western Regional Council and Mayor Des Kennedy have been fantastic to work alongside to deliver these events, and we’re all looking forward to getting back out to Mudgee in the 2020 pre-season for the 37th Charity Shield."

Ticketing details for the 2020 Charity Shield will be announced later this year.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/05/16/charity-shield-to-remain-in-mudgee-for-2020-21/

 

[getsmarty]

NRL 2019: Dragons seeking closure in de Belin saga as judgement day arrives

• 
  Mitch Jennings

Dragons Den

BIG CALL: Dragons star Jack De Belin will learn the outcome of his federal court case against the NRL on Friday afternoon. Picture: AAP
D-DAY looms for Dragons star Jack de Belin and coach Paul McGregor admits the club will be relieved to have some "closure" on the saga.

Justice Melissa Perry will hand down her verdict in de Belin's federal court case against the NRL at 4pm on Friday, with the outcome set to have huge ramifications for the code.

The NSW Origin rep has mounted a challenge to the NRL's new no-fault stand-down policy that has seen him indefinitely sidelined awaiting the outcome of his sexual assault case.

De Belin was charged with aggravated sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman in a Wollongong apartment in December. He has pleaded not guilty and vehemently maintains his innocence.

The charge saw the ARLC adopt it's new stand-down policy that stipulates players facing serious charges - carrying 11 years imprisonment or more - can not play until their court process has concluded.

Dylan Walker will return for Manly this weekend after being found not-guilty of assaulting his partner, a charge that also saw him stood down under the policy.

The respective legal teams concluded their cases a fortnight ago with all parties sweating on the ultimate outcome.

McGregor said his discussions with de Belin have centred purely on his well-being and not "hypotheticals" relating to the verdict.

"It's all hypotheticals at the moment," McGregor said.

"Of course I've spoken to Jack and it's mainly around his welfare at the moment and how he's feeling. We're looking for some closure and the decision that's made on Friday afternoon's important.

"There's been conversation around it on a weekly basis, on a daily basis, so it'll be nice, once the decision's made that everyone can move on and Jack gets a little bit of closure around what's next.

"What happens after that I really haven't given much thought to. I've got to focus on the team I've got training that's available this week. That's the only thing I'm focus on."

Even if the decision falls in his favour, de Belin will remain at long odds to play in Sunday's clash against Newcastle.

The Dragons will fly to Mudgee on Friday and, with the verdict up in the air, de Belin is unlikely to travel with the team, making his side's round-12 clash with Cronulla a more likely return date.

Should the NRL's win the case, the 27-year-old will likely be out of action until at least June next year, possibly much longer.

The club will seek salary cap relief should that be the case but are yet to put that process in motion as it awaits Friday's outcome.


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...-belin-saga-as-judgement-day-arrives/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

'We want closure': de Belin's last day in green before green light?
Adam PengillyMay 16, 2019 — 6.29pm

• Send via Email

Jack de Belin wore bright green, finally hoping for the green light. It's the bib he's had to wear over and over and over again for the past few months, training like he's about to play for Australia and playing for no-one.

On Friday afternoon, de Belin finds out if his self-funded challenge to the NRL's no-fault stand-down policy means he can throw that fluoro cloth, reserved for the reserves, into the corner and wear his colours again.

Hopeful: Jack de Belin.Credit:AAP

Opinion is split on whether Justice Melissa Perry will hand down her judgment in favour of the St George Illawarra forward, sidelined under the Australian Rugby League Commission's rule for players on serious criminal charges, or the game's administrators.

In truth, no one knows what the Federal Court is thinking. It's even harder to understand what's going through de Belin's mind.

By knock-off time, he could be back with a chance of playing NRL again in a little over a week. Or he could be facing the prospect of not knowing when - or even if - he'll play another NRL game. His criminal trial on an aggravated sexual assault charge will drag on well into next year. De Belin has pleaded not guilty.

On Thursday, he stood opposite the teammates he desperately wants to join as he helped them prepare for a match against the Knights. The Dragons have lost three on the skid, the Knights have won three on the bounce.

The rest of the St George Illawarra squad will fly to Mudgee on Friday while de Belin waits to hear if he can join them. If cleared, it's unlikely de Belin will be ready in time to face Newcastle. The Dragons will need to get a rapid exemption from the NRL - if they even apply for one - and then whisk him to Mudgee. A return against the Sharks at WIN Stadium the following week would be more logical.

There was certainly no signs coach Paul McGregor was keen to play him immediately, despite the longtime Dragons boss keeping his cards close to his chest on Thursday. Korbin Sims (broken arm) ran with the main group nearing a return, de Belin brought the energy opposite them in that dreaded bib.

For McGregor, it's the issue which just won't go away. He wasn't flippant when he said a few weeks ago de Belin's career is as good as over if he doesn't successfully challenge the NRL's rule and his trial spills well into 2020.

Right now he just wants to close the book on this chapter.

Certainly we're looking for some closure and the decision that will be made on Friday is an important one to everything

"It's all hypotheticals at the moment," McGregor said. "Of course I've spoken to Jack and it's mainly around his welfare at the moment and how he's feeling. Certainly we're looking for some closure, and the decision that will be made on Friday is an important one to everything.

"There has been conversation around it on a weekly basis, daily basis so it will be nice once the decision is made everyone can move on and Jack's get a bit of closure about what's next so to speak.

"What happens after that I really haven't given it much thought to be honest. I've got to focus on the team that is training at the moment and who is available this week. We'll have to worry about it when the decision comes down."

To a man his Dragons teammates have spoke glowingly about his contribution away from the bright lights.

"He's been fantastic," back-rower Jacob Host said. "He trains the same all the time, whether he's in the team or not. He's good for team morale as he's an upbeat and positive person. It will be good if he can get a positive result. He's a rep player and that's how much of a boost he would bring to the team."

Without that green vest, and with a green light he's been banking on for months.


https://www.theherald.com.au/story/...n-be-cleared-to-tackle-the-knights-on-sunday/

 

[getsmarty]

Like picking a favourite child: Pereira's allegiance conundrum
St George Illawarra Dragons winger Jordan Pereira discusses his international allegiences

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/201...avourite-child-pereiras-allegiance-conundrum/

 

[getsmarty]

• 
  NRL still waiting on Dragons salary cap relief bid as axe looms
  Adam PengillyMay 20, 2019 — 5.14pm
  • Send via Email
  The Dragons are yet to lodge an application with the NRL for salary cap relief in the wake of Jack de Belin's unsuccessful Federal Court challenge as fullback Matt Dufty comes under increasing pressure to hold his spot in the struggling side.
  
  As of Monday night, the Dragons still hadn't lodged paperwork with the NRL to formalise a bid to shore up a roster set to be without de Belin for the rest of the year as they desperately try to resurrect their season.
  
  
  
  
  Under scrutiny: Dragons fullback Matt Dufty.Credit:NRL Photos
  
  It's expected St George Illawarra will have almost $230,000 to spend on a like-for-like replacement for the State of Origin forward, whose expensive legal challenge to the NRL's no-fault stand-down policy was rejected last Friday.
  
  Dragons chairman Andrew Gordon told the Herald on the weekend he hoped to hold talks with the NRL over who would fit the bill for the salary cap relief, but St George Illawarra's fourth straight defeat has added urgency to the matter.
  
  The Dragons still have two roster spots to fill before June 30.
  
  
  'I don't have to talk myself up': Pearce stars in Origin audition
  They resisted formalising any application for salary cap relief until de Belin had exhausted his legal avenues challenging the NRL's policy, hopeful he would be able to return before their deflating loss to the Knights in Mudgee.
  
  Dragons coach Paul McGregor hinted at changes after Mitchell Pearce and Kalyn Ponga embarrassed the Red V.
  
  It's understood Dufty is one player under pressure despite in the past month logging two try-of-the-season contenders, a scintillating solo effort against the Roosters on Anzac Day and a length-of-the-field team beauty against the Eels.
  
  Dufty started the year on the interchange bench but was whisked back into the starting side after captain Gareth Widdop dislocated his shoulder.
  
  Corey Norman's imminent return and the emergence of Jai Field will force McGregor into making another crucial decision in relation to his spine, which has been ravaged by injury this year.
  
  If it's not right, as a player you'd rather get it right so it's not in the back of your mind heading into a game thinking about it
  
  Corey Norman
  Norman rated himself an outside chance of making his return from a fractured cheekbone in the local derby against the Sharks at WIN Stadium on Sunday.
  
  "I guess if it's fully healed the plan will be to come back [against the Sharks]," Norman said. "But we have to see how it feels.
  
  "If it's not right, as a player you'd rather get it right so it's not in the back of your mind heading into a game thinking about it. If I do miss the Sharks we've got the bye then I'm back and I'm probably not even thinking about it.
  
  "We'll see what happens but if it feels right I'll be out there."
  
  Norman underwent surgery after a sickening head clash with Parramatta winger Maika Sivo, which was the first of two games where the Dragons blew big half-time leads before being torched by Newcastle.
  
  "The first week after the surgery I didn't do much," Norman said. "You've just got to sit around. You can't do any rehab and it's a bit of a process.
  
  "Even at training the other day I was just walking around watching the boys train and I was like, 'I'm bored. What am I doing?' I'm not a good watcher."
  

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/nr...-relief-bid-as-axe-looms-20190520-p51p7z.html

 

[Old Kogarah Boy 1]

NRL: Dragons legend Matt Cooper believes youngster Zac Lomax is a potential NSW Blues bolter.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/video/league/nrl/cooper-endorses-lomax!729946

Matt Cooper is kidding himself.
l'm a Lomax fan but he's struggling to make first grade at present.
Only a complete idiot would put him in Origin.

 

[getsmarty]

INDIGENOUS ROUND


Importance of Indigenous Round not lost on Dragons
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Tue 21 May 2019, 04:49 PM

The St George Illawarra Dragons look forward to celebrating the significance and importance of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history, with National Reconciliation Week quickly approaching (May 27 to June 3).

The highlight of the Dragons' recognition will be the club's Round 11 Indigenous Round clash against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at WIN Stadium on Sunday, May 26.

Players will wear a specially-designed jersey which carries meaning and significance to our traditional custodians.

The Dragons are excited about promoting and celebrating the significance of our national and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' culture.

The Dragons are excited because we will bring together many community groups and expose our fans, members, players, ex-players and staff to real experiences through many cultural activities.

We would like to share the poster below with our members, fans and schools ahead of this weekend's Indigenous Round and the forthcoming National Reconciliation Week.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/05/21/importance-of-indigenous-round-not-lost-on-dragons/

 

[getsmarty]

11 Dragons junior reps named in NSW Under-18s Women's squad
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Wed 22 May 2019, 10:28 AM

11 St George Illawarra Tarsha Gale Cup players have been named in the New South Wales Under-18s squad to play on Friday, June 21 at North Sydney Oval.

Acting as a curtain-raiser to the Women's State of Origin, eight players from the Illawarra Steelers' Tarsha Gale Cup side have been selected (the most from any team) following their grand final win over the Newcastle Knights earlier this month.

A further three players from the St George squad also received a call up for the match.

Illawarra Steelers' premiership-winning coach Daniel Lacey will take charge of the team in what is the first an Under-18s women's team has been picked to play Queensland.

The 25-person squad will train at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence before the final team is chosen to come into camp on Tuesday, June 18 for the historic match.

Harvey Norman NSW Under-18s Women’s squad (St George Illawarra junior reps in bold) -

• Shondell Akhabue (Parramatta Eels)
• Eleni Amone (Illawarra Steelers)
• Janaya Bent (Wests Tigers)
• Teegan Berry (Illawarra Steelers)
• Jamie Chapman (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
• Emily Curtain (Wests Tigers)
• Sophie Curtain (Wests Tigers)
• Brandii Davis-Welsh (Sydney Roosters)
• Tymekqwa Duckett (Sydney Roosters)
• Tegan Dymock (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
• Zali Fay (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
• Tiana Graham (Illawarra Steelers)
• Filomina Hanisi (St George Dragons)
• Caitlan Johnston (Newcastle Knights)
• Olivia Kernick (Newcastle Knights)
• Mikayla Kidd (Illawarra Steelers)
• Joeli Morris (Newcastle Knights)
• Taina Naividi (St George Dragons)
• Riley Scott (Illawarra Steelers)
• Tess Staines (Riverina Bulls)
• Mareva Swann (St George Dragons)
• Rhiannon Tungai (Illawarra Steelers)
• Olivia Vale (Illawarra Steelers)
• Reshaun Vaughan (Penrith Panthers)
• Maddison Weatherall (Illawarra Steelers)

Coach: Daniel Lacey (Illawarra Steelers)


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/201...ior-reps-named-in-nsw-under-18s-womens-squad/

 

[getsmarty]

2019 Holden Women's State of Origin launched
Author
NRL Media Release NRL Media
Timestamp
Wed 22 May 2019, 12:14 PM

Holden Women's State of Origin was officially launched today, with emerging players joining current stars to mark the occasion.

This year's rivalry will be played on Friday 21 June at North Sydney Oval, and will feature a double-header, with the next generation of Queensland and New South Wales players taking the field in an under 18s match, before the two Origin sides.

NRL General Manager of the women's elite game, Tiffany Slater said there was plenty of feeling building between the two teams, with just under a month until play.

"This is one of our biggest occasions and just like the men's Origin, there's a rivalry without rival when our players take the field," Ms Slater said.

"The atmosphere at North Sydney Oval for Origin last year was fantastic and this year, fans will have the opportunity to see our pathways in action – with our aspiring Queensland and New South Wales under 18s playing prior to our Origin stars."

New South Wales Women's Origin coach, Andrew Patmore said this year's event will raise the bar on the already high standard displayed in the inaugural women's State of Origin last year.

"The skill and fitness level of the players has gone to another level and as a result the style of play is continuing to improve," Mr Patmore said.

"There are a whole range of skills that have developed and made the game even more attractive. Their general fitness, and how tough they are, is amazing to watch."

Patmore said it was also exciting for the Under 18s women's match to be added to the State of Origin program this year.

"Three years ago there was no elite girls' rugby league competition for this age group," he said.

"There has been a massive improvement in that time and it has broadened the base of quality players to choose from for the women's premiership and Origin in general."

Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons coach, Jason Hetherington said he was looking forward to another epic contest.

"Last year's match was an incredible spectacle that inspired many sports fans across the country," Mr Hetherington said.

"While we were disappointed not to get the win, the performance has provided a great platform for us moving forward.

"Our players have come a long way in a short space of time; and I expect to see even more improvement following the work they've already put in through our club competitions and QRL development programs.

"It really is an exciting time to be involved in women's rugby league, particularly with the introduction of the Under 18s match between the two states."

Holden Women's State of Origin tickets are available at www.nrl.com/tickets with pre-purchased adult tickets $10 and those under 15 years of age, free.

The 2019 Holden Women's State of Origin is proudly supported by naming sponsor, Holden, together with the New South Wales Government, via its tourism and major events arm, Destination New South Wales.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/05/22/2019-holden-womens-state-of-origin-launched/

 

[getsmarty]

KICKOFF: Off-field dramas a different kettle of fish for NRL players and coaches

• 
  Mitch Jennings

Dragons Den

STORMY WEATHER: Dealing with matters like the ongoing Jack de Belin saga takes a different toll on players and coaches like Paul McGregor, than the other hurdles NRL seasons typically toss up. Picture: Adam McLean


LAST week Dragons coach Paul McGregor said his squad and his club were looking for some "closure" on the Jack de Belin saga.

He wasn't the only one. We in the media had asked about the issue more than we ever wanted to.

The Dragons have backed de Belin to the hilt but, like the rest of us, had no idea which way the federal court verdict would fall on Friday.

When it did, fairly emphatically in the NRL's favour, it wasn't the outcome the Dragons were looking for. Looking at their performance against Newcastle on Sunday, it didn't bring a whole lot of closure.

People took a very literal view of McGregor's post-match comments that his side had "expected" de Belin to play against the Knights. In reality it was more a hope then an expectation.

There certainly wasn't a game plan based around his return. McGregor and his staff have spent a lot more time this season making plans around not having de Belin then having him.

The players have all spun the "no excuses" line. They have to, but James Graham did admit that the verdict "probably did knock the wind out of a couple of people's sails."

It was all too apparent that it did. The desired outcome would have been a morale boost. It stands to reason the opposite put a dent in it. It also illustrates the different challenge such matters pose for coaches and players compared to injuries all clubs deal with each each season.


The Dragons have dealt with their fair share. Gareth Widdop has been out since round three and won't be back until the finals - if they get there.

They've also been without Tyson Frizell, Korbin Sims and now Corey Norman, at different stages. It's creeping up on half the club's cap.

Still, Manly have been without Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic for a large chunk of the year and are still 6-4 and running fifth.

Sure, they had to deal with Dylan Walker's stand-down. Walker's "I'm back baby" carry-on in front of watching media at training last week suggests he still doesn't realise the gravity of the situation he found himself in, but he was never facing the sort of long-term uncertainty de Belin and the Dragons are dealing with.

Cronulla have been without a host of stars and have still pulled off some big against-the-odds victories. None have seemingly derailed their season to extent the de Belin drama has the Dragons.

A look to the past shows players accept injuries are part and parcel of their profession. However, when players perceive injustice - rightly or wrongly - it's a much different battle.

It's one the Roosters and coach Trent Robinson learned back in 2016, a year that began without their skipper and No. 7 Mitchell Pearce after his infamous drunken Australia-Day shenanigans.

Todd Greenberg admitted last weekend that the NRL "overcooked" it's sanctions of an eight-week suspension and $120,000 fine.

You can bet Robinson and Pearce's teammates felt the same. With James Maloney the obvious exception, their roster that season was very similar to the one that took the Roosters the three previous minor premierships.

They started the season not just missing their halfback, but with the whole saga, and everything it brought, hanging over them. They ended up up in a 1-7 hole and couldn't climb back out.

2016 now seems an aberration in an otherwise five-year period of excellence. It just shows the toll such matters take. The added scrutiny, the questions his teammates faced week after week about something they had no say in or certainty about.

It wasn't just de Belin's on-field return his teammates were hoping for, it was an end to all that. They'll be hoping the questions Graham fielded on Tuesday prove their last lap around that course.

Korbin Sims returns this weekend, while the eventual return of Norman and hopefully Widdop are other morale-boosters the club has in the holster.

They just need to stay in finals battle long enough to make sure they're not bullets ultimately fired from a popgun.



https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...-of-fish-for-nrl-players-and-coaches/?cs=3713