Articles

[getsmarty]

St George Illawarra Dragons unveil 2020 football department

• Cameron Mee

Dragons Den

Tough year: Paul McGregor and the Dragons struggled in 2019. Picture: Adam McLean.
The door remains ajar for Shane Flanagan to join the St George Illawarra coaching staff after the club announced their off-field staff for the 2020 season.

As expected, Paul McGregor will remain in charge of the NRL side next year, with James Shepherd announced as an assistant coach. The Dragons will hire a second assistant coach, with Flanagan tipped to be the man to join the club.

Such a move would mark the end of the former Cronulla coach's exile from the NRL, with Flanagan suspended by the NRL last December for remaining involved in the operations of the Sharks while he was on a one-year suspension in 2014 for his role in the club's peptides regime.

Flanagan was given permission to return to coaching by Todd Greenberg in September, however he remains banned from any head coach position for the next two years.

Shepherd was the under 20s coach at the Sharks in 2014 and stepped into the head coaching role midway through the season. Most recently he was an assistant coach at the Newcastle Knights.

Shephered has been signed to replace Ben Hornby, with Dean Young set to continue his role as an assistant coach.

McGregor praised the appointment of Shepherd and said he's looking forward to working with the experienced assistant.

"Our performances throughout the 2019 season were not demonstrative of this proud club, given also the successful season we produced 12 months prior," McGregor said.

"There are plenty of positives that have come from the review. We accept we didn't play to our potential as a team last season. The review has also provided everyone involved a chance to reflect and learn from the hardships of 2019.

"The amount of change implemented across the football department hasn't occurred for a very long time and will provide a positive new approach to the 2020 season.

"I look forward to overseeing a collective rejuvenation of our on-field structures; this will be indicative of the football department changes as well as further involvement from the playing group."

The appointment of Shepherd comes amid a mass overhaul of the Dragons football department following the completion of a review into the club's disappointing season.

Read more: Why the battle over Dapto Dogs' future has only just begun

St George Illawarra finished 15th in a year in which nothing went right for the club. From the indefinite suspension of Jack de Belin to the long-term injuries to star players including departing captain Gareth Widdop, the Dragons struggled all season.

A review was conducted by Phil Gould, with the former Panthers boss finding McGregor required an experienced figure to act as an adviser. Gould also determined the club lacks a firm culture.

Nathan Pickworth remains head of athletic performance, with Alex Clarke replaced by Adrian Jimenez as head of strength and conditioning. Jimenez was previously at the Parramatta Eels and spent 11 years with the Melbourne Storm.

Steve Dean will lead the physiotherapy team, while Gerard Murphy will guide the club's culture and leaders. Matt Griggs has been signed as a mind and performance coach.

Dragons CEO Brian Johnston acknowledged the 2019 season was not good enough and said he's confident the new coaching staff will help lead to a rebound on the field next year.

"Everyone at the Dragons were terribly dissatisfied with the club's 2019 season campaign which resulted in this wide-ranging internal and external review of the club's football department," Johnston said.

"The Dragons have made key structural changes to its coaching, performance and medical staff following the determination of a lack of experience within the wider group. This includes several new staff appointments to the football department.

"It was noted throughout the review that there needed to be a greater focus on club culture and leadership. In acknowledging this, the club have taken steps in this space in order to bring further accountability and discipline to the playing group.

"The Dragons are also in the process of renovating its facilities at WIN Stadium. This is for the benefit of not only the players but the staff situated in Wollongong as well.

"All of our stakeholders, including our partners, members and supporters can rest assured that the Dragons have not taken this process lightly and look forward to greater success in our upcoming campaign and beyond."


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...gons-unveil-2020-football-department/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


2020 Indigenous jersey design competition
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Mon 11 Nov 2019, 11:34 AM

Artists within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community are invited to submit a painting design to be considered as part of the 2020 Dragons Indigenous Jersey.

The Dragons RAP committee, players and staff are encouraging artists (aged 16 years or over) from within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to become a key part of the 2020 Indigenous Round celebrations by submitting a painting design that recognises and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in our community and also captures the spirit and passion of the Dragons fans.

The chosen design will be incorporated within the 2020 Dragons Indigenous Jersey and associated supporter's merchandise, which will be showcased across the week leading into Indigenous Round.

Representatives from Dragons RAP committee, playing squad and staff will review all submissions and select the winning design based on relevance to the design brief.

Please click here download entry form and read the full design brief and terms of submission. Artwork must be submitted by Tuesday 10 December 2019.



https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/11/11/2020-indigenous-jersey-design-competition/

 

[getsmarty]

CLUB NEWS


CEO Johnston to depart Dragons
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Tue 12 Nov 2019, 03:59 PM

St George Illawarra have today advised that Chief Executive Officer Brian Johnston will depart the Dragons in early 2020.

Johnston will step away from his second tenure as chief executive of St George Illawarra at the end of March.

Johnston informed Chairman Andrew Gordon and the board of his decision to depart the Dragons last month.

"The past 12 months as CEO of St George Illawarra has been a challenging yet enjoyable experience," Johnston said.

"I have made this decision to focus on my family and the farm back home in Dunedoo.

"I look forward to the next four months overseeing an exciting pre-season following the completion of the club's extremely important football department review."

Chairman Gordon paid tribute to Johnston for his contribution at the helm of the Dragons.

"Brian has overseen and played a vital role in what has been a significant period of change for the St George Illawarra club," Gordon said.

"Brian has faced numerous challenges both on and off the field in his time back in charge of the Dragons, and all the while navigated a new ownership model, as well as the handover from his long-term predecessor, competently.

"While his second tenure as chief executive officer was brief, Brian's successor will be better placed because of his contribution to the club; he will always be a part of the Dragons family."

St George Illawarra's board of directors will meet later this month to finalise the recruitment process of determining the club's new chief executive officer.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/11/12/ceo-johnston-to-depart-dragons/

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons CEO to stand down after challenging time at the helm

• Cameron Mee

Dragons Den

Stepping down: St George Illawarra CEO Brian Johnston will resign at the end of March.

Brian Johnston's second tenure as St George Illawarra chief executive will be short-lived, with the club announcing he will stand down at the end of March.

Johnston replaced long-time chief Peter Doust in August, and he has been forced to guide the club through a tricky period in his 15 months in charge.

From a disastrous on-field performance this season to the Jack de Belin sexual assault allegations off-the-field, it has not been a positive year for the Dragons.

Johnston will remain in charge until the de Belin court proceedings conclude, with the NSW forward set to face trial in early February.

One of Johnston's last acts as CEO has been the implementation of an end-of-season review by Phil Gould, which led to eight staff changes in the team's football department.

In announcing his departure, Johnston acknowledged the past year has been difficult and said he's looking forward to finishing his tenure on a positive note.

"The past 12 months as CEO of St George Illawarra has been a challenging yet enjoyable experience," Johnston said.

"I have made this decision to focus on my family and the farm back home in Dunedoo.

"I look forward to the next four months overseeing an exciting pre-season following the completion of the club's extremely important football department review."

Johnston shifted from the role of chairman to CEO after WIN bought into the joint venture. That saw Andrew Gordon become chairman.


Gordon praised Johnston for his management of the club during what has been an eventful period.

"Brian has overseen and played a vital role in what has been a vast period of change for the St George Illawarra club," Gordon said.

"Brian has faced significant challenges both on and off the field in his time back in charge of the Dragons, and all the while navigated a new ownership model and a long-term predecessor in a competent manner.

"While his second tenure as chief executive officer was brief, Brian's successor will be better placed because of his contribution to the club; he will always be a part of the Dragons family."


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...n-after-challenging-time-at-the-helm/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

Brian Johnston hailed for his support to the Illawarra

• Cameron Mee

Dragons Den

Standing down: Brian Johnston (left).
Retiring St George Illawarra chief executive Brian Johnston has been hailed as a dedicated club man after he announced his resignation on Tuesday afternoon.

Johnston confirmed he will stand down from the role at the end of March, with the CEO to guide the Dragons through the coming off-season and Jack de Belin's rape trial in February.

Johnston served as chairman of the club before moving into the CEO position last August and former Dragons board member Peter Newell said he was dedicated to ensuring St George Illawarra achieved success both on and off the field.

"He's a thoroughly decent man," Newell said. "I couldn't speak more highly of him. Through my time with him, when he was the first CEO when we did the joint venture, he stepped aside, but then he came back.

"There's not much more I can say, he's a thoroughly decent bloke, well grounded in the game, he played it at the top level. Administratively he's intelligent and an asset to the place."

The inaugural CEO of the joint venture before Peter Doust stepped into the role in 2000, Johnston also served as chairman during a tricky period for the Illawarra half of the joint venture.

The financial struggles came to an end last August, when WIN Corporation bought out the Steelers. That saw Doust stand down as CEO, Johnston shift from chairman to CEO and Andrew Gordon step in as the new chair.


Newell credited Johnston for helping the joint venture thrive despite the Steelers struggles and said he played a key role in ensuring the Illawarra remained well-represented at the club.

"In my view he certainly was supportive of the Illawarra. He was a faithful and ethical person in regards to the dual obligations of the joint venture.

"I've never forgot his support. During this period the Steelers had a lot of financial assistance from St George, we held our end up in other areas, but we received some financial assistance.

"The joint venture has gone on for more than 20 years now and Brian's certainly played his part in seeing its ideals be upheld."

While the prospect of a new CEO brings uncertainty, Newell expects the Gordons to ensure the Illawarra is not neglected in the future.

"I don't think the Illawarra should be worried. There's a strong Illawarra influence remaining at the Dragons via WIN Corporation and Mr Bruce Gordon.

"They'll do an excellent job in seeing the respective ends of the joint venture upheld. I've got no doubts about that."


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...led-for-his-support-to-the-illawarra/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons punished in brutal NRL pre-season

• NRL
  
  
  
  Tariq Sims says St George Illawarra will be learning to cope with adversity in the NRL pre-season
• 
  
• New-look coaching staff will put St George Illawarra through a military-style pre-season as the club aims to restore supporters' faith following a dismal 2019 NRL season.
  
  The brutal standards were revealed as players returned to training in scorching conditions in Wollongong this week, with punishments dished out for poor body language, including hands on hips or heads.
  
  Attention to detail is a big focus and players will be expected to overcome challenges, show no signs of pain, and look ready for the next one.
  
  It's the result of a football department review, conducted in consultation with Phil Gould, which found the club was lacking in culture and resilience.
  
  "They're going to make it more like a drill camp which is good because we're setting very high standards for ourselves," said prop Josh Kerr.
  
  "We've already picked up on a few things we were doing last year and we're changing how we do things.
  
  "I'm speaking a bit early here but it's going to be a complete new-look Dragons side next year.
  
  "It's a whole new side. I think we'll be a lot stronger mental side and physical side."
  
  The Dragons finished 15th last season, their lowest as a merged club, winning only eight games.
  
  While refusing to offer an excuse, State of Origin representative Tariq Sims said the players struggled to cope with a big injury toll and the long-running drama surrounding Jack de Belin being stood down by the NRL indefinitely.
  
  "We just need to be better with dealing with adversity," he said.
  
  "I think that's definitely a message that will be coming through.
  
  "The people that we have involved with the club now with the coaching staff, I think they're going to be involved and play a big role in us players dealing with adversity along the way."
  
  Dragons players were also reviewed at the end of the season, and Sims said no one was given a sugar-coated version of the truth.
  
  The 29-year-old said criticism of the club's culture hurt, but it has motivated the squad to take the heat off coach Paul McGregor.
  
  "Our coach comes under a lot of criticism there and he cops a lot of heat for performances that we dish up and to be honest a few of our performances last year were pretty embarrassing," Sims said.
  
  "That's the kind of bloke Mary (McGregor) is, he wears his heart on his sleeve and he'll step in and take the heat, take the big bullets for us so the confidence of the playing group doesn't get knocked."
  
  Players were put through their first conditioning session under the watchful eye of new strength and conditioning coach Adrian Jimenez on Tuesday.
  
  Former Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan is expected to join the club as an assistant in December as the Dragons finalise his contract.
  
  The club also announced on Tuesday chief executive Brian Johnston will depart the role in March.
  
  Johnston informed the board of his intention to step down last month to focus on his family and farm in Dunedoo.
  
  The Dragons board will meet later in November to discuss the process for finding a replacement to Johnston.
  
  Australian Associated Press

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...-pre-season-after-disappointing-year/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

St George Illawarra Dragons prepared for tough pre-season after disappointing year

• Cameron Mee

Dragons Den

Back in action: Tariq Sims and the Dragons returned to training this week. Picture: Sylvia Liber.

After the worst season in the joint-venture's history it's no surprise St George Illawarra players are preparing for a brutal pre-season.

On Tuesday they received a taste of what to expect, with the squad put through the first gruelling fitness session of the summer.

Veteran Tariq Sims was lucky enough to miss a portion of the session, the NSW star still on the comeback trail from double groin surgery, but he said the players recognise a tough pre-season is exactly what they need to ensure 2020 is a more successful year.

"There's going to be absolutely no shit this pre-season," Sims said. "There's going to be no short cuts. We're going to be pushing each other to be the best version of what the club wants to see us.

"We need to repay our fans and instill the trust back in them and make sure we're coming out doing what we need to do to get the job done."

Sims carried a pair of groin strains for the entirety of the 2019 season, with a heavy injury toll preventing the 29-year-old from taking the time off needed to recover.

Eventually the damage was too great and Sims underwent double groin surgery in August. Now, 13 weeks after the operation, the powerful forward is enjoying running pain free for the first time in months.


"I did it in the Rabbitohs Charity Shield match, both of them. It was a tough year, we managed the situation as best as we could to make sure that I was out on the field. It was one of those years, I needed a couple of weeks break but unfortunately we were dealing with some injuries so I just couldn't get the time off.

"I went for a trot yesterday and I was saying to the boys that were running, it feels so good to run without being in pain or having to warm up for 25 minutes just to run. Now I'm over that injury, I just need to make sure I'm focusing on rehabbing and getting back to where I need to be."

Sims was greeted by a number of new faces when he arrived at WIN Stadium on Monday, with assistant coach James Shepherd and new strength and conditioning coach Adrian Jimenez among a revamped coaching staff.

Not present was head coach Paul McGregor, who is currently in the United States on a professional development tour and Shane Flanagan, the currently banned coach who will likely sign on as an assistant coach in the coming weeks.

While he has never worked with Flanagan previously, Sims said it would be exciting to train under the premiership-winning coach.

"I just heard about it then, apparently Flanno's coming. A bloke of his calibre and coaching experience, he'll lead to bettering our leadership group as well.

"I don't know him from a bar of soap, what I've seen is he's very strict but a bloke that demands respect because he's earned it.

"If it is true, that's great for the club. I think it's going to be great for us as a playing group and also when Mary gets back from his overseas trip, most of the squad will be back together."


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...-pre-season-after-disappointing-year/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Pereira: 'There was a chance I could lose my arm'
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 13 Nov 2019, 11:30 AM

Dragons winger Jordan Pereira is thanking his lucky stars he's again able to play rugby league after a horrific injury which led to fears he could lose his arm.

Pereira was back in training in the 35 degrees heat at WIN Stadium on Tuesday following a lengthy recovery from the freak accident while crossing for a try in July's Canterbury Cup match against Newtown at Henson Park.

"There was a chance I could lose my arm," Pereira said.

"The functionality of my right arm was severely weak. I couldn't pick up a cup of water to drink out of it was so weak, and there was no pain.

"It was super weak so obviously that would have been a career-ending injury."



Sims: The only way is up

Scans and X-rays cleared Pereira of a serious neck injury but he suffered damage to his brachial plexus – the nerve group which comes from the neck and gives the arm function and feeling.

Pereira then had to simply wait to discover if he would regain movement as specialists were unable to advise him about the recovery of nerve damage.

"I am obviously happy that my body is feeling good," he said. "I am not as strong in one particular area but on the field it doesn't seem like it's going to affect my football.

"The neurosurgeon told us that there was basically nothing could make it better but time."

It was also unlikely that Pereira could cause more damage so he worked on improving his speed before being cleared to play for Illawarra in the semi-final of the Canterbury Cup.

The 26-year-old said the match gave him confidence heading into this season and he was now focused on winning back his place in the Dragons starting line-up.

"After getting my first few carries out of the way I felt like I had the same strength I had prior to that [injury] so that was massive for my confidence moving forward," Pereira said.

He's not the only Dragon on the comeback trail with forward Tariq Sims sporting an "ugly" scar from a double groin reconstruction with hernia removal that cut short his 2019 season.

"It brings a tear to my eye," Sims said after describing the operation he finally underwent three months ago after playing through the pain of the injury since February's Charity Shield.

"It feels so good to run without being in pain or having to warm up for 25 minutes just to run."

Sims is also feeling positive about the season ahead after playing with the pain of a severe groin injury until St George Illawarra's finals hopes were gone in Round 22.

With the Dragons incurring a heavy injury toll that included Gareth Widdop (shoulder), James Graham (broken leg), Corey Norman (fractured cheekbone), Korbin Sims (broken arm), Tim Lafai (ankle), Tyson Frizell (ruptured testicle) and Zac Lomax (broken thumb), Sims continued playing.

"I actually did it in the Charity Shield – both of them," Sims said. "It was a tough year but with the coaching staff I felt we managed the situation with the groin as best we could to make sure I was out on the field. Unfortunately, we were dealt some injury blows so I just couldn't take that time off.

"To be where I am and in the position I am in I am really happy at this point of my recovery."



Dragons' top five tries of 2019

The Dragons returned to training this week under assistant coach Dean Young and a new look off-field staff and were put through an arduous session on Tuesday, which included a 1.2km run.

Head coach Paul McGregor is due to return next week from a study trip to the United States, while former Cronulla premiership winning mentor Shane Flanagan is expected to come on board as an assistant next month.

"A bloke of his calibre and coaching experience I think will better our leadership group," Sims said of Flanagan.

"I don't know him from a bar of soap but from what I have seen he is one of those blokes who commands respect because he has earned it. If it is true that is great for the club and I think it is going to be good for the playing squad."


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/11/13/pereira-there-was-a-chance-i-could-lose-my-arm/

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Sims, Pereira happy to be back in the grind after serious injuries
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 13 Nov 2019, 11:30 AM

Dragons winger Jordan Pereira is thanking his lucky stars he's again able to play rugby league after a horrific injury which led to fears he could lose his arm.

Pereira was back in training in the 35 degrees heat at WIN Stadium on Tuesday following a lengthy recovery from the freak accident while crossing for a try in July's Canterbury Cup match against Newtown at Henson Park.

"There was a chance I could lose my arm," Pereira said.

"The functionality of my right arm was severely weak. I couldn't pick up a cup of water to drink out of it was so weak, and there was no pain.

"It was super weak so obviously that would have been a career-ending injury."



Sims: The only way is up

Scans and X-rays cleared Pereira of a serious neck injury but he suffered damage to his brachial plexus – the nerve group which comes from the neck and gives the arm function and feeling.

Pereira then had to simply wait to discover if he would regain movement as specialists were unable to advise him about the recovery of nerve damage.

"I am obviously happy that my body is feeling good," he said. "I am not as strong in one particular area but on the field it doesn't seem like it's going to affect my football.

"The neurosurgeon told us that there was basically nothing could make it better but time."

It was also unlikely that Pereira could cause more damage so he worked on improving his speed before being cleared to play for Illawarra in the semi-final of the Canterbury Cup.

The 26-year-old said the match gave him confidence heading into this season and he was now focused on winning back his place in the Dragons starting line-up.

"After getting my first few carries out of the way I felt like I had the same strength I had prior to that [injury] so that was massive for my confidence moving forward," Pereira said.

He's not the only Dragon on the comeback trail with forward Tariq Sims sporting an "ugly" scar from a double groin reconstruction with hernia removal that cut short his 2019 season.

"It brings a tear to my eye," Sims said after describing the operation he finally underwent three months ago after playing through the pain of the injury since February's Charity Shield.

"It feels so good to run without being in pain or having to warm up for 25 minutes just to run."

Sims is also feeling positive about the season ahead after playing with the pain of a severe groin injury until St George Illawarra's finals hopes were gone in Round 22.

With the Dragons incurring a heavy injury toll that included Gareth Widdop (shoulder), James Graham (broken leg), Corey Norman (fractured cheekbone), Korbin Sims (broken arm), Tim Lafai (ankle), Tyson Frizell (ruptured testicle) and Zac Lomax (broken thumb), Sims continued playing.

"I actually did it in the Charity Shield – both of them," Sims said. "It was a tough year but with the coaching staff I felt we managed the situation with the groin as best we could to make sure I was out on the field. Unfortunately, we were dealt some injury blows so I just couldn't take that time off.

"To be where I am and in the position I am in I am really happy at this point of my recovery."



Dragons' top five tries of 2019

The Dragons returned to training this week under assistant coach Dean Young and a new look off-field staff and were put through an arduous session on Tuesday, which included a 1.2km run.

Head coach Paul McGregor is due to return next week from a study trip to the United States, while former Cronulla premiership winning mentor Shane Flanagan is expected to come on board as an assistant next month.

"A bloke of his calibre and coaching experience I think will better our leadership group," Sims said of Flanagan.

"I don't know him from a bar of soap but from what I have seen he is one of those blokes who commands respect because he has earned it. If it is true that is great for the club and I think it is going to be good for the playing squad."


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/201...-be-back-in-the-grind-after-serious-injuries/

 

[getsmarty]

Promising forward Josh Kerr determined to build on solid rookie season

• Cameron Mee

Dragons Den

Emerging talent: Josh Kerr. Picture: Sylvia Liber.

Twenty-nineteen has been a year of mixed emotions for Josh Kerr.

He had the opportunity to play alongside his heroes in the Indigenous All-Stars match in February, he made his NRL debut for the Dragons in March and saw his form in both the NRL and Canterbury Cup improve considerably.

But the St George Illawarra Dragons were awful.

That makes it tough for Kerr to look back fondly on the season, with his individual achievements slightly overshadowed by the team's disappointing performance.

"There's two different sides to it," Kerr said. "For myself, I couldn't believe it. It was a dream come true. I sat in front of the TV as a kid watching NRL, so to be able to be on TV playing and for my family to hear Ray Warren say my name, that was a big thing for me and my family.

"On the field, as a team, it wasn't the greatest year. It would've been awesome to come into the side and debut for a side that was coming first, but we just needed to make changes at the end of the year and I was very lucky to be given an opportunity.

"Towards the back end when I was playing more I was getting more confident. That's when I started to come out of my shell in first grade a bit more. Last season was a very good foot forward to where I want to be."

After making his NRL debut in round two, Kerr played a further six first grade games throughout the season, including four of the last seven.

Read more: 'There's a cultural issue at the top of Group Seven': Longbottom

While he was happy to bide his time throughout 2019, the 23-year-old is determined to win a place in the 17 for the Dragons round one clash with the Tigers.

Once he achieves that goal, Kerr's aim is to ensure he stays in the team for the duration of the season.

"At the end of the season I sat down with Mary and we spoke about what we wanted as a goal, one of mine was I would love to play round one.

"Playing NRL is a privilege, with the squad we've got, it's still going to be very tough to get that spot, but I'd love to play round one and try to play every single game throughout the season.

"Mary even said, 'I'd love for you to be a starting front rower. If you keep progressing the way you are and improving and doing the little things right, you'll get there.'

"I was doing very well in NSW Cup and I want to play more first grade and get more confidence."

Kerr received a shock to the system when the pre-season kicked off this week, with the squad put through a gruelling fitness session on Tuesday.

Overseeing the workout were Nathan Pickworth and Adrian Jimenez, a man who spent 11 years ensuring the Melbourne Storm were among the fittest teams in the competition.

Kerr was in the Storm system prior to his move to Wollongong and while his time at the club did not overlap with Jimenez, the horror stories he heard from his teammates have him prepared for a very long summer.

"Luckily I came to the Storm the year after he was there and I heard some stories about it. I'll tell you right now, they're all true already.

"He is tough, but he's been in systems that are very successful systems and they (the Dragons) have obviously seen that and wanted to bring him in and you can tell why.

"It's hard, very hard, but you know it's the best thing for you. It's the old saying, the harder your pre-season, the better your season is."

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...ined-to-build-on-solid-rookie-season/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


'More like a drill camp': New training staff turn up heat on Dragons
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 13 Nov 2019, 06:44 PM

St George Illawarra players were exhausted after completing a beep test and 1.2km run in scorching temperatures on their second day of pre-season training but new trainer Adrian Jimenez ensured there was no respite.

"We get penalised for someone putting their hands on their hips," prop Josh Kerr said. "This is my fourth pre-season and it is very different from the last three, it’s a lot harder."

The Dragons announced eight changes to their coaching and performance staff after an end-of-season review, including the appointment of Jimenez as strength and conditioning coach.

He was at Parramatta last season and previously spent 11 seasons at Melbourne Storm, while he has also worked with Penrith and the Kiwis.

Although he is renowned for his brutal training sessions, players don’t complain because Jimenez’s track record suggests he gets results.

The Dragons have been pushed hard since their return. dragons.com.au
"It is a whole different look and whole different discipline," Kerr said. "It’s tough and you hate it but in the long run you know it is going to be the best thing for you.

"He is tough but he has been in very successful systems and they [Dragons management] have obviously seen that and wanted to bring him, and you can tell why."

Kerr was too fatigued to know the identity of the teammate who was guilty of putting his hands on his hips but he said it was a test of each player's mental strength not to repeat the offence.



Five key match-ups of the Dragons' 2020 draw

"I was looking at the ground and I was legit dizzy so I was just in the robot zone so as soon you hear penalty I was just like ‘let’s get it done’," he said.

"We had to do a commando roll, where you get three people, one stays in the middle and you have to roll. I wouldn’t say it was military-like but it feels that way. They’re going to make it more like a drill camp, which is good because we are setting very high standards for ourselves."

Kerr is already fitter than in previous pre-seasons and recorded a personal best in the beep test but by the end of the session he was looking for an ice bath.

Back-rower Jackson Ford was among those to impress in the 1.2km run but some players were clearly struggling.

Dragons forward Josh Kerr. dragons.com.au
"It is a shock to the system, you train for the off-season because you want to make sure you are in good nick when you come back but pre-season is designed to break you down physically and mentally," Kerr said.

After earning selection for the Indigenous All Stars and making his NRL debut last season, Kerr is aiming to become a regular member of St George Illawarra’s first-grade squad in 2020 and took encouragement from his performance review with coach Paul McGregor.



Sims: The only way is up

"He even said ‘I would love for you to be a starting front-rower, if you keep progressing the way that you are and improving and doing all of the little things right you will get there," Kerr said.

"A lot of times I sat in front of the TV as a kid watching NRL and to be on TV and playing was a dream come true. A big thing for me and my family was to hear Ray Warren say my name, that was crazy.

"I was very grateful I was playing. I’d love to play every single game during the season."


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/201...p-new-training-staff-turn-up-heat-on-dragons/

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Former Dragons dozen gear up for Legends of League
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Fri 15 Nov 2019, 03:50 PM

12 former St George Illawarra Dragons will line up in the Legends of League tournament at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday, November 16.

Partnering with the Mark Hughes Foundation, the third annual tournament takes on extra significance in 2019 with donations set to be shared with those affected by the recent bushfires across New South Wales and Queensland.

The tournament will commence at 1pm with a huge clash between former Dragons skipper Ben Creagh, Heath L'Estrange and Amos Roberts' Barbarians outfit and the Brisbane Broncos, who will be captained by Wendell Sailor and boosted by the recently retired Ashton Sims.

The Broncos will be coached by Gerringong local legend Wayne 'Pee Wee' Bennett, who has coached and volunteered at the Lions for decades.

The recently retired goat Jeremy Latimore will don the Penrith Panthers' colours once again, with their local derby clash against Michael Witt's Parramatta Eels sure to whet the punters' rugby league appetite.

Two-time defending Legends of League premiers, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have named Daniel Holdsworth and 1999 Dragons grand finalist fullback Luke Patten in their squad.

Chris Houston, Craig Smith and 2010 premiership-winning forward Jeremy Smith round out the Dragons' dozen for the Newcastle Knights.

Every game will be streamed on Kayo Sports and will conclude just prior to Papua New Guinea's historic Test against Great Britain at 6:30pm on Saturday evening.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/11/15/former-dragons-dozen-gear-up-for-legends-of-league/

 

[getsmarty]

Issac Luke confirms Dragons move as Paul McGregor’s No.9 plan revealed
Dragons

• November 17, 2019 12:30pm
• Simon Brunsdon@simonbrunsdon
• Source: FOX SPORTS

Issac Luke will join the Dragons for 2020.Source: Getty Images
Issac Luke has confirmed he will join St George Illawarra for next season.

The veteran hooker tweeted on Sunday, “St George Dragons. On way (sic)”.

Luke, 32, had not been offered a contract extension by the Warriors and was snapped up by the Dragons on what’s believed to be a bargain for the club.

He will remain behind Cameron McInnes in the No.9 pecking order. The pair previously played together at South Sydney.


NRL.com is reporting coach Paul McGregor plans to start McInnes at rake but then move him to the backrow, and Luke will potentially come off the bench to do the dummy half role.

Luke has played 271 NRL games with the Rabbitohs and Warriors.

He only missed out on the 2014 premiership because he was suspended for the grand final.

Stream the 2019 Oceania Cup Live & On-Demand on KAYO SPORTS. Get your 14 day free trial and start streaming instantly >

St George Dragons
On way

— issac luke (@issacluke_14) November 17, 2019


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...m/news-story/11cc6b70d404075af10e231b623a9f67

P.S Thanks Objective View

 

[getsmarty]

St George Illawarra Dragons to undergo military style pre-season flogging after dismal 2019
Dragons

• November 12, 2019 4:30pm
• by AAP
• Source: AAP

St George Illawarra Dragons training at WIN Stadium, Wollongong. Picture: Dylan RobinsonSource: News Corp Australia
New-look coaching staff will put St George Illawarra through a military-style pre-season as the club aims to restore supporters’ faith following a dismal 2019 NRL season.

The brutal standards were revealed as players returned to training in scorching conditions in Wollongong this week, with punishments dished out for poor body language, including hands on hips or heads.



Attention to detail is a big focus and players will be expected to overcome challenges, show no signs of pain, and look ready for the next one. It’s the result of a football department review, conducted in consultation with Phil Gould, which found the club was lacking in culture and resilience. “They’re going to make it more like a drill camp which is good because we’re setting very high standards for ourselves,” said prop Josh Kerr.


“We’ve already picked up on a few things we were doing last year and we’re changing how we do things.

“I’m speaking a bit early here but it’s going to be a complete new-look Dragons side next year.

“It’s a whole new side. I think we’ll be a lot stronger mental side and physical side.” The Dragons finished 15th last season, their lowest as a merged club, winning only eight games.

While refusing to offer an excuse, State of Origin representative Tariq Sims said the players struggled to cope with a big injury toll and the long-running drama surrounding Jack de Belin being stood down by the NRL indefinitely.


“We just need to be better with dealing with adversity,” he said. “I think that’s definitely a message that will be coming through. “The people that we have involved with the club now with the coaching staff, I think they’re going to be involved and play a big role in us players dealing with adversity along the way.” Dragons players were also reviewed at the end of the season, and Sims said no one was given a sugar-coated version of the truth.

The 29-year-old said criticism of the club’s culture hurt, but it has motivated the squad to take the heat off coach Paul McGregor.

“Our coach comes under a lot of criticism there and he cops a lot of heat for performances that we dish up and to be honest a few of our performances last year were pretty embarrassing,” Sims said.


“That’s the kind of bloke Mary (McGregor) is, he wears his heart on his sleeve and he’ll step in and take the heat, take the big bullets for us so the confidence of the playing group doesn’t get knocked.” Players were put through their first conditioning session under the watchful eye of new strength and conditioning coach Adrian Jimenez on Tuesday. Former Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan is expected to join the club as an assistant in December as the Dragons finalise his contract.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...9/news-story/4e17bcc9d9c1042c85bfa145089ce3c0

 

[getsmarty]

REPRESENTATIVE


Sergis, Tuivasa-Sheck named 2019 Golden Boot winners
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Sun 17 Nov 2019, 07:01 PM

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Jessica Sergis have won the prestigious men’s and women’s Golden Boot awards as the best international players of 2019.

Tuivasa-Sheck, the Kiwis and Warriors fullback, edged out Tonga prop Siosiua Taukeiaho and New Zealand teammate Jared Waeraa-Hargreaves, who are the Sydney Roosters front-row pairing.

Sergis beat Jillaroos team-mate Ali Brigginshaw, England captain Emily Rudge and Papua New Guinea Orchids skipper Elsie Albert for the international honour.

After a 12-month absence from the international scene, Tuivasa-Sheck returned in style to help the Kiwis to a 34-14 defeat of Tonga in the mid-season Oceania Cup Test and a 2-0 series triumph against Great Britain.

The 2018 Dally M Medalist also performed strongly in New Zealand’s 26-4 loss to Australia, running 167 metres with the ball and setting up his side’s only try scored by centre Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

Tuivasa-Sheck ran a game-high 234 metres in New Zealand’s 12-8 first Test defeat of the touring Lions at Eden Park and his 201 metres was also the most by any player in last week’s 23-8 second Test win in Christchurch.

The 26-year-old is just the fifth Kiwi to win the Golden Boot since the inception of the award in 1984 by Britain’s Open Rugby magazine, joining Hugh McGahan (1987), Stacey Jones (2002), Benji Marshall (2010) and Shaun Johnson (2014).

Jillaroos centre Jess Sergis. Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos
Sonny Bill Williams also won the 2013 International Player of the Year award, which has been replaced by the Golden Boot after the IRL took control of the award from Rugby League World magazine.

The criteria for selection was as follows:

• The Golden Boot is awarded to the best international player of the year;
• Players were considered for their performances in any and all sanctioned international matches, not including the World Cup 9s, and;
• The period under consideration included last year’s final Test between England and New Zealand, which was played after the 2018 Golden Boot awarded, through to the 2021 World Cup qualifier between USA v Cook Islands.

Tuivasa-Sheck also becomes the fifth fullback to win the Golden Boot and the first since Billy Slater in 2008. Garry Jack (1986), Darren Lockyer (2003) and Anthony Minichiello (2005) are the other fullbacks to have received the award.

"Putting on the Black and White jersey and representing my country is always a privilege and winning this Golden Boot award is a huge honour," Tuivasa-Sheck said.

"Thank you to the IRL, NZRL and of course my family as without their love and support none of this would be possible. This year’s campaign has been one to remember, and although being away from my family was difficult, this makes it all worth it, this award is for them.”

The decision of the international judging panel to award the Golden Boot to Tuivasa-Sheck means a front-rower is still yet to receive the honour but Taukeiaho only missed out by the narrowest of margins.

Taukeiaho carried the ball a phenomenal 254 metres in Tonga’s historic 14-6 defeat of Great Britain in Hamilton and also made 43 tackles, while he ran for 183 metres in the stunning 16-12 win against the Kangaroos at Eden Park.



RTS in focus

Waerea-Hargreaves has consistently been New Zealand’s best forward in the past two seasons under the coaching of Michael Maguire and his performances were acknowledged with selection on the final short-list of three.

Other players under consideration included Kangaroos hooker Damien Cook and prop Payne Haas, Tonga five-eighth Tui Lolohea, Great Britain forward John Bateman and Fiji second-rower Viliame Kikau.

Meanwhile, the awarding of the Golden Boot to Sergis reinforces her standing as the best female player in the game after winning the Dally M Medal and the RLPA’s Players’ Champion awards as the NRLW player of the year for her performances with St George Illawarra.

The 22-year-old centre starred in Australia’s 28-8 defeat of the Kiwi Ferns at WIN Stadium, scoring a try and making three line breaks as the New Zealand defence struggled to contain her.

Fellow Jillaroos centre Isabelle Kelly was last year’s inaugural female Golden Boot winner.

The Golden Boot honour roll
Men's winners
2019 – Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (New Zealand)
2018 – Tommy Makinson (England)
2017 – Cameron Smith (Australia)
2016 – Cooper Cronk (Australia)
2015 – Johnathan Thurston (Australia)
2014 – Shaun Johnson (New Zealand)
2013 – Johnathan Thurston (Australia)
2012 – Kevin Sinfield (England)
2011 – Johnathan Thurston (Australia)
2010 – Benji Marshall (New Zealand)
2009 – Greg Inglis (Australia)
2008 – Billy Slater (Australia)
2007 – Cameron Smith (Australia)
2006 – Darren Lockyer (Australia)
2005 – Anthony Minichiello (Australia)
2004 – Andy Farrell (England)
2003 – Darren Lockyer (Australia)
2002 – Stacey Jones (New Zealand)
2001 – Andrew Johns (Australia)
2000 – Brad Fittler (Australia)
1999 – Andrew Johns (Australia)
1991-98 – No award given
1990 – Garry Schofield (England)
1989 – Mal Meninga (Australia)
1988 – Ellery Hanley (England)
1987 – Hugh McGahan (New Zealand)/Peter Sterling (Australia)
1986 – Garry Jack (Australia)
1985 – Brett Kenny (Australia)
1984 – Wally Lewis (Australia)

Women's winners
2019 – Jessica Sergis (Australia)
2018 – Isabelle Kelly (Australia)



Brad Walter was part of the judging panel for the 2019 Golden Boot awards


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/11/17/sergis-tuivasa-sheck-named-2019-golden-boot-winners/

 

[getsmarty]

Best Dragons photos of 2019
Mon 18 Nov 2019, 09:01 AM
A season that started with high hopes finished in disappointment for St George Illawarra. A raft of injuries and a series of inconsistent performances left the Dragons well adrift of the finals.


NRL Photos
Corey Norman gets a pass away.







https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/11/18/best-dragons-photos-of-2019/

 

[getsmarty]

CLUB NEWS


Dragons finalise NRL development player squad
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Wed 20 Nov 2019, 07:58 AM

St George Illawarra have confirmed that local junior quartet Adam Clune, Shaun Sauni-Esau and Max and Mat Feagai will join the Dragons' NRL development player squad ahead of the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership season.

The Dragons have fulfilled the maximum six-player quota as far as the development player squad is concerned, with five-eighth Jayden Sullivan and utility Hayden Lomax already confirmed for 2020.

NRL development players train full-time with the Top 30 squad, but aren't available for first grade selection before June 30. Jason Saab and Jackson Ford were examples of NRL development players who debuted in 2019.

"We use all six of our development player squad positions as it is part of our pathways' philosophy when it comes to our local juniors and our systems," Director of Rugby League Pathways and List Management Ian Millward said.

"With the advancement now of Jason Saab, Eddie Blacker and Joe Lovodua into our Top 30, we had positions within the squad to fill. All six of our development players have excitedly come through our pathways system and high performance unit.

"Jayden is a special player who recently led his team to a Koori Knockout win and someone we have a high opinion of. We have pencilled him into our future moving forward, he's someone all Dragons fans should be excited about," Millward added.

"Hayden had a really disrupted 2019 with injuries but last year's experiences will be invaluable for him as he knows the environment, how hard the training is and also how tough physically and mentally it is dealing with injuries."

The Feagai twins have signed two-year development player deals following seasons that saw them both win the SG Ball premiership with Illawarra and represent New South Wales Under-18s and the Australia Schoolboys.

Both outside backs, the Feagais also made their Jersey Flegg Under-20s debuts for St George Illawarra in 2019.

"[Max and Mat] have had an unbelievable 2019. They're originally from Leeton but have been in our pathways since Harold Matthews and have advanced from there," Millward said.

"Sometimes you want to take your time with these young players because you put a lot of effort into them, but every NRL club was all over them so we decided to advance them to our development player squad.

"They're big, strong, powerful boys who could springboard straight away to the NRL, like Jason Saab was able to do last season."



Clune and Sauni-Esau join Dragons development squad.

Long-term Dragons lower grade playmaker Clune – who spent the off-season abroad volunteering in Kenya – has been rewarded with a one-year development deal following an outstanding season for the minor-premiership-winning Dragons Canterbury Cup NSW team.

"Adam came through our junior representative teams and Under-20s a number of years ago and has featured in Canterbury Cup since, where he's been one of the competition's prominent players," Millward said.

"In 2019, he had the most try assists and was named in the competition's Team of the Year. At 24 years old, we wanted to reward Adam, who has been patient and resilient for many seasons now. There's no reason why he can't play first grade.

Sauni-Esau has been another long-standing fixture of the Dragons' junior pathways following his promotion from the St George junior representative teams into the Under-20s and Canterbury Cup in recent years. He has signed a three-year deal and is set for a Top 30 promotion ahead of the 2022 season.

"2019 saw him kick it to another level and play a number of reserve grade games. Shaun is a genuine left centre – which is rare as most centres these days prefer playing on the right – so we're particularly excited about that," Millward said.

"In a full-time environment, he'll really blossom as he gets more experience playing against men."

The Dragons have also confirmed that Jersey Flegg captain Luke Gale, Paul McGregor Under-20s Player of the Year recipient Cody Ramsey and talented playmaker Tyran Wishart will participate in their first NRL pre-seasons ahead of the 2020 season.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/11/20/dragons-finalise-nrl-development-player-squad/

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Why McInnes wanted to recruit 'friendly rival' Luke
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Thu 21 Nov 2019, 05:05 PM

Cameron McInnes has revealed his involvement in St George Illawarra’s recruitment of Issac Luke and wants the former Kiwis hooker to challenge him for the dummy-half role.

With Reece Robson moving to North Queensland in search of regular NRL game time, Dragons coach Paul McGregor felt the club needed an experienced back-up to McInnes and asked his opinion of Luke.

Having played with the New Zealand veteran at South Sydney, he had no hesitation in suggesting the Dragons sign Luke and he then spoke to the 32-year-old about the virtues of playing for the famous club and living in Wollongong.

"Mary came to me and said he wanted ask me out of respect, which he didn’t have to do … he said ‘what do you think about Issac," McInnes said.

"I said he is obviously a great player, he is looking for an opportunity and he is a real good person to have around. He is very experienced and I think he will suit us very well so I endorsed him 100 per cent.

"I talked to Issac and he was keen to come over, move to Wollongong and play with the Dragons so I was behind it 100 per cent."



McInnes welcomes Luke reunion

The recommendation was repayment for the way Luke supported a nervous McInnes when he came into first grade at Souths as an 18-year-old in 2014.

Luke was arguably one of the top two hookers in the game, along with Cameron Smith, and he took it upon himself to mentor McInnes for the next two seasons.

The pair have remained in regular contact during the four years Luke played for the Warriors.

"I had been watching him for years but he didn’t see me as a threat," McInnes recalled.

"That is a big thing because when young guys come in, particularly in your position, you can either look at it like ‘this young guy wants my spot, I am not going to give him anything’ or you can help them out because you were there once and make them feel comfortable.

"He took me under his wing but he also pushed me as well to become a better player because I was always snapping at his ankles and we are going to do that here."

McInnes, who suffered a broken leg late last season, is back running and he expects to be cleared for full contact training with three weeks to prepare for St George Illawarra’s pre-season matches.

The Dragons also have Fiji hooker Joe Lovodua in their NRL squad but he is yet to play first grade and Luke was willing to come for little more than minimum wage and an opportunity to continue playing.

"I think Joey is a very good player but he hasn’t played first grade yet and I got injured last year so if I get injured again we will need someone who is going to step in and who better than someone who has played for New Zealand," McInnes said.

"I don’t know if we are both going to be playing or if one of us will change spots at certain times.



Five key match-ups of the Dragons' 2020 draw

"If I have to go to lock or there is some other role I can do for the team to get him out there if he is going to help us I will do that. I don’t care, we came 15th last year so I just want to win."

The departure of Gareth Widdop to Warrington has left McGregor with the task of appointing a new captain for next season and after taking on the role this year when the England playmaker was injured, McInnes heads his shortlist of options.

Veteran prop James Graham and second-rower Tyson Frizell are the other two candidates but don't play 80 minutes as regularly as McInnes, who was St George Illawarra's 2019 player-of-the-year.

"If I get the opportunity I'd love it," McInnes said.

"Captain is an honour and you get the privilege of leading the side out, but it's everybody doing their bit as well. But it would be a great honour, that's for sure."


https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/11/21/why-mcinnes-wanted-to-recruit-friendly-rival-luke/

 

[getsmarty]

The Dragons need a new captain. Cameron McInnes would be ‘honoured’ to take over
Dragons

• November 21, 2019 4:40pm
• Pamela Whaley@pamelawhaley
• Source: AAP

Cameron McInnes would be “honoured” to take over as Dragons captain.Source: Getty Images
St George Illawarra hooker Cameron McInnes is a diehard club man and would be “honoured” to take over as skipper of the NRL club in 2020.

The reigning player of the year is still burning from the Dragons’ lowly finish in 2019 and has thrown his hat into the ring to replace Gareth Widdop as captain for next season’s NRL recovery mission.


McInnes, who is already a part of the club’s leadership group, said he is ready for the challenge if he’s selected for the job.

“If I get the opportunity I’d love it,” he said.

“It is a big job, but it’s not just me if I was in that role. “There are many high-profile players here who play rep footy and have been around a long time, a lot of our coaches have played so it’s never just the one man.

“Captain is an honour and you get the privilege of leading the side out, but it’s everybody doing their bit as well. But it would be a great honour, that’s for sure.”

Cameron McInnes was the Dragons’ best player in 2019.Source: AAP
The 25-year-old is one of the hardest-working players in the NRL and his leadership qualities have long been heralded by the Dragons.

He was tipped to be a future captain at South Sydney and led the Junior Kangaroos in 2014.

In his three years at the Dragons, McInnes has earned such esteem that coach Paul McGregor spoke to him out of courtesy before signing his former teammate and fellow hooker Issac Luke for one season.

It’s was a show of respect that McInnes said he didn’t need, but appreciated from the coach as the pair look to work in tandem in 2020.

However, McInnes is blunt when asked if he would be happy to move to lock to accommodate Luke at hooker throughout games.

Issac Luke has joined the Dragons.Source: Getty Images
“I don’t care, hey. We came 15th last year,” he said.

“Obviously I want to play 80 minutes, every player wants to, but I’d rather win before my personal agendas.

“He’s one of the most skilful hookers out there, more skilful than me that’s for sure.

“His craft and how deceptive he is, that’s something that I learned from him at Souths and I’ll continue to learn.

“He’s obviously a great runner of the footy and he’s just a footy player.

“If I have to go to lock, or if there’s some other role I can do for the team to get him out there, if he’s going to help us, I’ll do that.

“There’s no point coming 15th again and getting to play 80 minutes every week. If it’s going to be him helping us to be better than I’ll do it.”


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...e/news-story/ce30fdeea7abcf7afac3959f649e50ad

 

[getsmarty]

McGregor reports for pre-season training
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Thu 21 Nov 2019, 10:23 PM

St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has returned to Australia and to the Dragons' pre-season in preparation for the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership.

McGregor spent the first week of the club's pre-season in the United States with football manager Ben Haran as part of the AFL Coaches Association annual leadership tour.

McGregor details the key learnings to come from the leadership tour, in a week where he completed a dozen seminars with a variety of organisations including the New York Jets, Philadelphia 76ers, Oakley and the United Nations.

As well as address the findings of the recent football department review, McGregor discusses the recent signing of veteran New Zealand international Issac Luke.








https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/11/21/mcgregor-reports-for-pre-season-training2/