Articles

[getsmarty]

Can Dragons hooker McInnes be a NSW State of Origin bolter?

Tim Barrow@@TheBarrow

2 May 2017, 10:13 a.m.

Sand and deliver: Cameron McInnes (middle). Picture: Adam McLean

Green and bold: Australian centre Josh Dugan will take on New Zealand on Friday. Picture: Jamila Toderas

IRRELEVANT? A waste of time? A sad end?

It’s anything but for St George Illawarra recruit Cameron McInnes.

While NSW coach Laurie Daley openly admits Sunday’s final City-Country game is not a genuine State of Origin trial, McInnes could yet be the game’s bolter.

The Blues hooker position is up for grabs, as Daley tries to break Queensland’s decade-long almost complete strangehold and Robbie Farah remains on the bench for new club South Sydney.

Daley could look to McInnes if he delivers a standout performance for City at Mudgee on Sunday, after a blistering start to the NRL season with the Dragons.

“You try and pick those young up and coming players, to give them an opportunity to play with a better class of player,” Daley said on Fox’s NRL360 show.

“And to also see how they interact with a group and see how they stick with the fundamental processes of a rep structure, as opposed to within a club structure, and see whether they fit in.

“Some players don’t, some players can. It’s always good to get feedback off the other coaches how they handle it.”

McInnes’s City selection comes after a number of clubs withdrew their players from the last ever game with Country, leaving coach Brad Fittler scrambling to fill the team.

Jake Marketo was called up to the City bench, having spent the entire season in the NSW Premiership competition with Illawarra.

Meanwhile, Daley could yet choose six club fullbacks in the NSW team, with top advisor Peter Sterling revealing Kiama juniors Brett and Josh Morris are in the selection mix.

Jarryd Hayne has been moved to left centre for the Gold Coast and Daley on Monday night declared he was “more than in the mix” for NSW.

Australian right centre Josh Dugan is likely to be picked for the Blues, with Sterling saying Manly fullback Tom Trebojevic would “seamlessly” play on the wing in Origin.

With James Tedesco expected to be the NSW No.1, Matt Moylan could make the move to five-eighth.

Even though Blake Ferguson is on the wing for Australia, Sterling said the Morris brothers showed their class in the Bulldogs win over Canberra.

“They have to be (considered for Origin),” Sterling said on Channel Nine on Sunday.

“They were really good, their combination was fantastic.”

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/...ons-hooker-mcinnes-be-a-blues-bolter/?cs=3713

 

[emu62]

19 Dragons picked for NRL Representative Round
Mon 1st May, 02:00PM
A A



A whopping 19 St George Illawarra Dragons players have been picked to represent their respective teams in the NRL Representative Round this weekend.

Dragons fullback Josh Dugan, back-rower Tyson Frizell (both Australia) will potentially line up against prop Russell Packer (New Zealand) – who has been named in the Kiwis' 20-man squad – in the annual Trans-Tasman Test in Canberra this Friday night.

Earlier that afternoon in the nation's capital, three young Dragons – Blake Lawrie, Reece Robson and Jai Field – will play for the Junior Kangaroos against Junior Kiwis duo Patrick Herbert and Steven Marsters.

Taane Milne (Fiji), Leeson Ah Mau, Tim Lafai (both Samoa) and Siliva Havili (Tonga) will all play at Campbelltown Sports Stadium in their respective Pacific Tests on Saturday.

Meanwhile a trio of Dragons will represent both the City Origin and Country Origin teams when they do battle in Mudgee this Sunday afternoon.

Tariq Sims, Paul Vaughan and Jack de Belin have been selected for Country, while Cameron McInnes, Jake Marketo and Hame Sele will play for City.

Jacob Host will also act as City Origin's 18th man.

Joel Thompson (Country Origin), Euan Aitken (Country Origin) and Nene Macdonald (PNG) have all unfortunately withdrawn from their respective teams but are in no doubt for the Round 10 clash against the Sharks.

Dragons skipper Gareth Widdop was also ruled out to represent England due to his knee injury suffered on Anzac Day against the Roosters.

Australia

Josh Dugan

Tyson Frizell

New Zealand

Russell Packer

Junior Kangaroos

Blake Lawrie

Jai Field

Reece Robson

Junior Kiwis

Patrick Herbert

Steven Marsters

Fiji

Taane Milne

Tonga

Siliva Havili

Samoa

Tim Lafai

Leeson Ah Mau

City Origin

Cameron McInnes

Hame Sele

Jake Marketo

Jacob Host (18th man)

Country Origin

Tariq Sims

Jack de Belin

Paul Vaughan

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/05/01/_19_dragons_picked_f.html

and here Iam thinking our players will get a good rest this weekend.Will be more concerned about injuries than results this weekend

 

[Gareth67]

and here Iam thinking our players will get a good rest this weekend.Will be more concerned about injuries than results this weekend

Don't get me wrong , as it is good to see so many Dragons receiving Rep. jumpers .

However I still can not get over the feeling that the Club itself is being used to fill the vacuum that has been created by the clubs whom have thumbed their noses at the City v Country match .

Any fair minded person would be pretty well ' pussed off ' with those clubs and perhaps more so the NRL for , yet again not showing the leadership expected . I M O those clubs should had received a fine of $ 200,000 each for their - ' fook you ' attitude , plus another $50,000 for their sheer bluudy arrogance !


In short , as you have said Emu 62 , there will be no respite for our players , so let's hope that there are no serious injuries from these matches .

 

[dragonssamy61]

And we have to back up on friday against the sharks.
Let hope they all get though ok

 

[getsmarty]

Sims's slice of Country Origin history
Wed 3rd May, 12:00PM
A A



St George Illawarra forward Tariq Sims will create his own slice of history this weekend when he becomes the second-most capped Country Origin player of all-time.

Sims will join the likes of Dragons legend Ben Creagh and Country Origin staff members Craig Fitzgibbon and Andrew Ryan to play a whopping six times for the boys from the bush.

Only current New South Wales coach Laurie Daley (seven games) has played more times for Country Origin than Sims.

The Gerrigong junior will also overtake Dragons coach Paul McGregor (five games) when he runs out at Mudgee against the City Origin side this Sunday afternoon.


http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/05/03/sims_s_slice_of_coun.html

 

[getsmarty]

McInnes ready for representative debut
Wed 3rd May, 02:00PM
A A




St George Illawarra hooker Cameron McInnes is ready for his representative debut for City Origin when they take the field in Mudgee for the final time against Country Origin this Sunday afternoon.

McInnes also discusses the trio of Dragons teammates he'll have to face from the Country Origin side and those who are joining him in Brad Fittler's side.


http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/05/03/mcinnes_ready_for_re.af_news.html

 

[getsmarty]

Lafai keen for Pacific Test step up
Wed 3rd May, 04:00PM
A A



It's very rare Samoa gets the chance to face one of rugby league's powerhouses but on Saturday night at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, St George Illawarra centre Tim Lafai will have that chance against England.

Lafai has never faced the best national team from the northern hemisphere previously but that won't stop him and Dragons teammate Leeson Ah Mau from putting their best foot forward.

The six-time Samoan international believes this weekend's Test against England is also an important stepping stone towards the Rugby League World Cup at the end of the year.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/05/03/lafai_keen_for_pacif.af_news.html

 

[getsmarty]

Rep Round importance not lost on Vaughan
Thu 4th May, 10:00AM
A A



The importance of the City v Country fixture is not lost on St George Illawarra prop Paul Vaughan, who is buoyed to have six other Dragons teammates alongside him in Mudgee on Sunday afternoon.

The Gungahlin Bulls junior is pumped to represent Country Origin for the fourth time and commented on the lack of former Canberra Raiders teammates there beside him among Craig Fitzgibbon's squad.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/05/04/importance_of_rep_ro.html

 

[getsmarty]

Havili not taking Bati lightly
Thu 4th May, 12:00PM
A A



St George Illawarra and Tongan hooker Siliva Havili isn't treating Saturday afternoon's Pacific Tests as its billed 'invitational' status suggests.

Havili believes the Tongan's hit out against the Fiji Bati will prove a good litmus test ahead of the Rugby League World Cup at year's end.

Fiji – who have made the semi-finals in the previous two World Cups – present a huge challenge for the Tongans considering they're ranked 14th currently.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/05/04/havili_not_taking_ba.html

 

[getsmarty]

Marsters honoured by Junior Kiwis selection
Thu 4th May, 02:00PM
A A



Young St George Illawarra fullback Steven Marsters will earn another milestone towards his burgeoning rugby league career when he features for the Junior Kiwis on Friday afternoon.

Joined by fellow Dragon Patrick Herbert in the team, Marsters will have to contend with the likes of Kangaroos duo Blake Lawrie and Reece Robson in Canberra.

Marsters also spoke of how honoured he was to don the Kiwis jumper once again.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/05/04/marsters_honoured_by.html

 

[getsmarty]

Robson's choice words for Kiwi Dragons
Thu 4th May, 04:00PM
A A



St George Illawarra and Junior Kangaroos hooker Reece Robson has joked that opposing Kiwi Dragons Patrick Herbert and Steven Marsters will be "a walk in the park".

The softly spoken Robson was perhaps quietly confident knowing he'd have recently re-signed Dragon Blake Lawrie to protect him in the Kangaroos side.

The Junior Kangaroos Test against their Kiwi counterparts will take part as a curtain raiser for the Trans-Tasman NRL fixture in Canberra this Friday night.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/05/04/robson_s_choice_word.html

 

[This Year?]

I don't get that players get noticed for possible rep duties when they play for us. They took half our side in 2011 and f**ked up any slight chance we had of going back to back Let the kid have a full season or 2 of good form then pick him.

 

[getsmarty]

Marketo's City berth boosts NRL fortunes
Fri 5th May, 01:00PM
A A



St George Illawarra utility Jake Marketo plans on using his shock City Origin selection to show he is ready for a first grade return at the Dragons.

Marketo is yet to play in the NRL in 2017 but will get the chance to play alongside permanent Red V forward fixtures Jack de Belin, Tariq Sims and Paul Vaughan in Mudgee on Sunday afternoon.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/05/05/marketo_s_city_berth.html

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons legend joins Country camp
Fri 5th May, 04:00PM
A A



The three St George Illawarra players haven't been the only familiar faces in Country Origin camp this week, with Dragons legend Shaun Timmins joining the squad as team manager.

Timmins was excited to take part in the final City v Country fixture this weekend in Mudgee and spoke of his joy over how he'd be joined by his fellow Dragons.

Euan Aitken and Joel Thompson were initially named in the Country Origin side on Sunday, but now Timmins remains in coach Craig Fitzibbon's camp with Jack de Belin, Paul Vaughan and Tariq Sims.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/05/05/dragons_legend_joins.html

 

[getsmarty]

Monday Bunker: Dragons to miss top eight, Raiders to take the title
The Daily Telegraph
May 8, 2017 1:42pm
WITH the season just over a third of the way though, we take a pulse check of the ladder and what it might look like come September.

Very few predicted the Dragons’ rise but a rejuvenated Red V outfit has surprised everyone by winning six games to open their 2017 campaign and currently sit in second spot behind the Storm.

While firmly entrenched in the eight after nine rounds NRL journalist Dean Ritchie thinks crucial injuries to Gareth Widdop and now Josh Dugan will see the Dragons fade away from contention as the year progresses.

“I fear the Dragons might be one [to miss the eight] ... they could fall away and whether Manly (6th) have the depth to hang on and/or Parramatta (7th),” he said.

“I still think Canberra (10th) will win the comp.”

Monday Bunker host Paul Crawley predicts some testing times for the Cowboys (9th) who have also been cruelled by injury to key players.

“I worry about the Cowboys, they’ve lost Jake Granville, Matt Scott, [Johnathan] Thurston’s injured and even when he returns he’s got to get through Origin,” he said.

The panel agreed the Penrith Panthers have been the biggest let-down of the season and the early premiership favourites won’t factor in the race to the finals.

“The Panthers are 15th ... a big disappointment, I don’t think they can make it from here. It’s too hard.”

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...e/news-story/c8ae48e6b161cbdd362e2e424e10d814

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons launch Indigenous jersey
Mon 8th May, 03:00PM
A A

2017 NRL - Grant Trouville NRL Photos

The St George Illawarra Dragons have unveiled their Indigenous jersey ahead of Friday night's clash against the Cronulla Sharks at UOW Jubilee Oval, Kogarah.

Designed by local artist Lani Balzan, the Dragons' Indigenous jersey is headlined by a hand print on the bottom-right which represents the significance of the artwork and the importance of reconciliation.

The sternum piece above the Red V represents Indigenous ancestors and the dreaming, while the feather represents wisdom and respect.

The Dragons' traditional Red V will remain, albeit with its own Indigenous spin on it, while other totems like the whale – representing strength and wisdom, and the serpent – representing the importance of life, round out the jersey.

For the first time ever, all 16 NRL teams will wear specially designed jerseys for this weekend's Indigenous Round.

Attached to Indigenous Round in 2017 are two significant milestones:

· The 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum which allowed Australian states and territories to make laws in support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to count them in the census, and;

· The 25th anniversary of the 1992 High Court Mabo decision that recognised native title for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

You can pre-order the St George Illawarra Dragons' 2017 Indigenous Jersey from the Dragons Team Store.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/05/08/dragons_launch_indig.html

 

[getsmarty]

ISP Team: Round 10 v Wentworthville
Tue 9th May, 04:00PM
A A

2017 NRL - Grant Trouville NRL Photos

Illawarra coach Mat Head has named his team to play in Round 10 of the Intrust Super Premiership against Wentworthville Magpies.

The game is set to commence at 3pm on Sunday, May 14 at Ringrose Park, Wentworthville.

ISP Squad for Round 10 v Wentworthville

1. Matthew Dufty
2. Kalifa Faifai Loa
3. Jesse Dee
4. Patrick Herbert
5. Izaac Thompson
6. Jai Field
7. Shaun Nona
8. Josh Kerr
9. Jake Marketo
10. Blake Lawrie
11. Jacob Host
12. Luciano Leilua
13. Tyrone McCarthy
Interchange:
15. Siliva Havili
16. Chris Lewis
17. Jacob Hind
19. Mose Masoe
22. Rhys Kennedy


http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/05/09/isp_team_round_10_v_.af_news.html

 

[getsmarty]

NYC Team: Round 10 v Cronulla Sharks
Tue 9th May, 04:00PM
A A

St George Illawarra Dragons Under-20s coach Wayne Collins has named his mandatory 23-man squad for the team's Round 10 clash against the Cronulla Sharks at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Friday, May 12.

The Under-20s will kick-off at 3:45pm and will be the curtain-raiser for the NRL fixture scheduled for 6pm.

The young Dragons continued their winning ways before the NRL Representative Round with a big 46-24 win over the Melbourne Storm.

NYC Squad for Round 10 v Cronulla Sharks:

1. Steven Marsters
2. Matheson Johns
3. Reuben Garrick
4. Zac Lomax
5. Jason Gillard
6. Tristan Sailor
7. Jackson Willis
8. Stuart Mason
9. Reece Robson
10. Matt Sheppard
11. Jackson Ford
12. Jayden Morgan
13. Joe Lovodua
Interchange:
14. TJ Uele
15. Tom Angel
16. Dylan Morris
17. Hayden Lomax
18. Trent Peoples
19. Cooper Purcell
20. Elijah Hunt
21. Max Bailey
22. Jack Cross
23. Brayden Gallagher

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/05/09/nyc_team_round_10_v_.af_news.html

 

[Drakon]

Dragons can cover Dugan in NRL: McInnes
By AAP
an hour ago

St George Illawarra hooker Cameron McInnes has admitted injured fullback Josh Dugan is irreplaceable, but believes NRL veteran Jason Nightingale can go some of the way to filling the void.

Dugan suffered a broken cheekbone in a head clash with club teammate Russell Packer while playing for Australia in Friday night's Anzac Test.

While the prognosis was better than expected, Dugan is likely to be sidelined for three weeks and will miss Friday night's derby with Cronulla at UOW Jubilee Oval.

With the Dragons having a bye in round 12, he may only miss two NRL matches, the number of games he spent out injured earlier in the year when Nightingale also switched to No.1.

"When Jason Nightingale played fullback for a couple of games against Manly and the Cowboys he played really well," McInnes said.

"He's got so much experience and he runs the ball strong so he'll do the job there.

"Obviously Duges is irreplaceable as a player but we're comfortable Gypsy (Nightingale) will do the job."

Taane Milne comes into the starting line-up to play on the wing while Jai Field moves into the 17 after scoring a try for the Junior Kangaroos in their commanding win over the Junior Kiwis.

Also missing from the Dragons' first-choice spine is five-eighth and captain Gareth Widdop who is hopeful of returning from a knee injury for his side's Queen's Birthday clash with Canterbury.

Kurt Mann, who wore No.6 in St George Illawarra's 34-22 loss to Melbourne, will again deputise for Widdop.

"I thought Kurt Mann was really good against Melbourne," McInnes said.

"He brought some spark and set up a couple of tries there."

While the Dragons took bragging rights in their 16-10 round three win over the Sharks, it shapes as a considerably tougher test without Dugan and Widdop.

"The local derby was a close game last time and we're looking forward to the same sort of game," McInnes said.

"It will be physical and a grinding match for the full 80 minutes. That's the way we like to play."

http://wwos.nine.com.au/2017/05/09/17/49/dragons-can-cover-dugan-in-nrl-mcinnes

 

[Drakon]

McInnes impresses in City Origin camp
By AAP
2 days ago

Cameron McInnes wanted to show City Origin officials he belonged in a representative camp last week.

And after six days with the team and one stellar performance for the victors, there's little doubt he did just that.

McInnes looked dangerous in everything he did for City out of dummy-half on Sunday afternoon in Mudgee - breaking the line once in his team's 20-10 win over Country.

And he did it from the start of the week, making an impression on City coach Brad Fittler.

When asked before the match who had impressed him most, Fittler singled out the St George Illawarra hooker.

It's something the 23-year-old said he had wanted to do from the moment he was selected.

"Obviously I was trying to make a good impression but I just wanted to do my job as well," McInnes said.

"In footy you're always looking to impress. Whether it's club land or when you come to rep sides."

"I pride myself on trying to do the right things on and off the field."

McInnes has been one of the Dragons' best since moving to St George Illawarra from South Sydney over the off-season.

He has already had his name thrown around as a potential Origin bolter, after setting up four tries and three line breaks this season for the 6-3 Dragons.

In comparison, he didn't have assists in either of those columns in the past two years.

And while he admits he still has things he needs to work on before he becomes an Origin player, he is closer to the mark after walking away from the City camp a better player than the one who entered it.

"It's a good eye-opener to see the level of footy you need to be playing at," he said.

"Obviously getting around different players from different clubs you learn a lot.

"You don't have that many sessions together, but when you do train there is an expectation that everything is sharp.

"I've learnt a lot this week I can take back to my club with certain guys' professionalism and footy stuff as well."

Meanwhile, a frank McInnes said he never doubted he could reach the levels he has so far in 2017, despite being dropped to reserve grade last season at the club he captained in under-20s, before Robbie Farah's arrival prompted his departure.

"I always believed that I could play better footy than I was playing at Souths," he said.

"That's on me having a more mature mindset and relaxing a bit more.

"I definitely think I've improved as a player but I'm not shocked by anything but I'm definitely happy with where I'm going."

http://wwos.nine.com.au/2017/05/08/03/34/mcinnes-impresses-in-city-origin-camp