Articles

[getsmarty]

Sporting legend Dick Caine to be honoured
Andrew Parkinson
4 Jul 2017, 6 a.m.

One of a kind: Dick Caine braves another chilly early morning start at Carss Park Memorial Pool last week. Picture: John Veage

He is one of the most iconic sports figures in St George and the Sutherland Shire and next month the community will come together to celebrate his legacy.

Dick Caine has turned countless local athletes into champions in his time as a coach. Caine, with his wife Jenny, have leased the Carss Park Memorial Pool for 50 years and it is there that he also taught so many to swim and improve their fitness in the gym as well as guiding a legion of athletes to higher achievements.

An appreciation dinner to honour Team Caine will be held at Club Central Hurstville on August 24, hosted by Wallabies legend Phil Kearns, with many of Caine’s former athletes from his half-century career expected to attend.

He has coached 17 world and Olympic champions as well St George Illawarra rugby league teams and his stable over the years has included swimming greats Michelle Ford, Susie Maroney, Janelle Elford and Stacey Gartrell as well as triathlon stars Michellie Jones, Greg Welch and Chris McCormack.

Two legends: Dick Caine (right) with Susie Maroney after her world record 24-hour swim at Carss Park Memorial Pool in 1995. Picture: John Veage

Former Australian rugby union captain Kearns, rugby league stars including Lance Thompson, Dutton brothers – Olympic cycling medallist Brett and Australian Open surf champion Stuart – and boxing world champions Jeff Fenech, Anthony Mundine and Kostya Tszyu have all also spent time under Caine’s watchful eye.

Caine’s legacy is not restricted to the pool or the gym. Away from sport he has raised millions of dollars for charities including St George Hospital, Cancer Care and the Bali Christmas Remembrance Day. He has also helped local lions and rotary clubs as well as many sporting clubs and schools.

Long standing St George Cycling Club president and cycling identity Phill Bates AM said the honour was well deserved.

After giving so much to the community, it is time for us to say thank you to Dick and Jenny. - Phill Bates AM

“After giving so much to the community it is time for us to say thank you to Dick and Jenny,” he said.

“Former Wallaby captain Phil Kearns will be master of ceremonies for the night and he will interview a number of our well-known champions.”

All are welcome at the event to be held in the Biddegal Rooms at Club Central Hurstville from 6pm to 11pm, with tickets available online at trybooking.com/book/QWGK.

Prices are $80 for single tickets or doubles for $150.

http://www.theleader.com.au/story/4767109/dick-caine-to-be-honoured/?cs=1633

 

[getsmarty]

Round 20 Red V Members Function
Fri 7th July, 05:00PM
A A

The St George Illawarra Dragons will be holding a Red V Members Function at the Sage Hotel, Wollongong, following the Dragons' Round 20 clash with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at WIN Stadium on Sunday, July 23.

Red V Members are encouraged to attend, where they will have the opportunity to win lucky door prizes, as well as meet and mingle with Dragons’ Ambassadors and current NRL and NYC players.

The Red V Member event will be held from 4:00pm-6:00pm at the Sage Hotel (opposite WIN Stadium) in the Grand Pacific Ballroom.

To access this event, all you need to do is show your Membership card upon arrival – no RSVP needed.

For tickets to our Round 20 clash with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at WIN Stadium, click here.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/07/07/round_20_post_match_.html

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons Scrapbook Collector
Sat 8th July, 12:00PM
A A



St George Illawarra Dragons tragic Richard Lloyd-Jones shares his collection of 96 scrapbooks, which he has been working on since 1983.

The scrapbooks feature newspaper and magazine clippings from every Dragons first grade game over the last 34 years, including a whole book dedicated to the 2010 Premiership.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/07/08/dragons_scrapbook_co.af_news.html

 

[getsmarty]

Euan Aitken Discusses 'Back 2 Juniors' Visits
Sun 9th July, 08:00AM
A A



St George Illawarra Dragons centre Euan Aitken discusses last month's ‘Back 2 Juniors’ visits in the Illawarra.

After successfully visiting eight St George District junior clubs in February, the Dragons' players visited a further 16 junior clubs in the Illawarra last month as part of our 'Back 2 Juniors' program.

It offered the oppurtunity for the likes of Tariq Sims (Gerringong Lions), Drew Hutchison (Albion-Park Oak Flats Eagles), Jai Field (Shellharbour Sharks) and Blake Lawrie (Dapto Canaries) to visit their very own junior clubs.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/07/09/euan_aitken_discusse.html

 

[Old Kogarah Boy 1]

Sporting legend Dick Caine to be honoured
Andrew Parkinson
4 Jul 2017, 6 a.m.

One of a kind: Dick Caine braves another chilly early morning start at Carss Park Memorial Pool last week. Picture: John Veage

He is one of the most iconic sports figures in St George and the Sutherland Shire and next month the community will come together to celebrate his legacy.

Dick Caine has turned countless local athletes into champions in his time as a coach. Caine, with his wife Jenny, have leased the Carss Park Memorial Pool for 50 years and it is there that he also taught so many to swim and improve their fitness in the gym as well as guiding a legion of athletes to higher achievements.

An appreciation dinner to honour Team Caine will be held at Club Central Hurstville on August 24, hosted by Wallabies legend Phil Kearns, with many of Caine’s former athletes from his half-century career expected to attend.

He has coached 17 world and Olympic champions as well St George Illawarra rugby league teams and his stable over the years has included swimming greats Michelle Ford, Susie Maroney, Janelle Elford and Stacey Gartrell as well as triathlon stars Michellie Jones, Greg Welch and Chris McCormack.

Two legends: Dick Caine (right) with Susie Maroney after her world record 24-hour swim at Carss Park Memorial Pool in 1995. Picture: John Veage

Former Australian rugby union captain Kearns, rugby league stars including Lance Thompson, Dutton brothers – Olympic cycling medallist Brett and Australian Open surf champion Stuart – and boxing world champions Jeff Fenech, Anthony Mundine and Kostya Tszyu have all also spent time under Caine’s watchful eye.

Caine’s legacy is not restricted to the pool or the gym. Away from sport he has raised millions of dollars for charities including St George Hospital, Cancer Care and the Bali Christmas Remembrance Day. He has also helped local lions and rotary clubs as well as many sporting clubs and schools.

Long standing St George Cycling Club president and cycling identity Phill Bates AM said the honour was well deserved.

After giving so much to the community, it is time for us to say thank you to Dick and Jenny. - Phill Bates AM

“After giving so much to the community it is time for us to say thank you to Dick and Jenny,” he said.

“Former Wallaby captain Phil Kearns will be master of ceremonies for the night and he will interview a number of our well-known champions.”

All are welcome at the event to be held in the Biddegal Rooms at Club Central Hurstville from 6pm to 11pm, with tickets available online at trybooking.com/book/QWGK.

Prices are $80 for single tickets or doubles for $150.

http://www.theleader.com.au/story/4767109/dick-caine-to-be-honoured/?cs=1633

Spent many a time swimming there as a youngster. Great man Dick Caine.

 

[ALSGI]

Spent many a time swimming there as a youngster. Great man Dick Caine.

Same, we practically lived there on school hols (at the Carrs Park pool and beach) great man, always friendly.

 

[getsmarty]

Gallery: Burleigh Captain's Run Members Event
Sun 9th July, 11:00AM
A A

Photo 22 of 22

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/07/09/gallery_burleigh_cap.html

 

[getsmarty]

Frizell Origin Injury Update
Sun 9th July, 02:00PM
A A

New South Wales Blues Head Coach Laurie Daley has declared Tyson Frizell as a “definite” starter for Wednesday night’s Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.

Despite suffering a rib cartilage injury in the Dragons Round 17 clash with the Gold Coast Titans, Daley has declared the Blues lock will line up for the Blues in Game 3.

“Tyson is all good,” said Daley.

“He did some contact today and he was okay.

“He is better than what we though he would be at this stage.

“I think, just for his own mind, he wanted to do a lot of teamwork and a bit of contact, just so in his own mind, he is ready to go.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/07/09/frizell_origin_injur.html

 

[Drag Queen]

Frizell Origin Injury Update
Sun 9th July, 02:00PM
A A

New South Wales Blues Head Coach Laurie Daley has declared Tyson Frizell as a “definite” starter for Wednesday night’s Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.

Despite suffering a rib cartilage injury in the Dragons Round 17 clash with the Gold Coast Titans, Daley has declared the Blues lock will line up for the Blues in Game 3.

“Tyson is all good,” said Daley.

“He did some contact today and he was okay.

“He is better than what we though he would be at this stage.

“I think, just for his own mind, he wanted to do a lot of teamwork and a bit of contact, just so in his own mind, he is ready to go.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/07/09/frizell_origin_injur.html

I hope to god he is actually fit Get Smarty. I'm concerned for him with his ongoing injuries, especially his back.

 

[Forster Dragon]

There is no way Frizell is fit and the Dragons will be ones suffering.

 

[getsmarty]

There is no way Frizell is fit and the Dragons will be ones suffering.

Yep...Will most likely be playing needled up...

 

[Bests Golden Boots]

Yep...Will most likely be playing needled up...

And if he gets busted again is out for the season? What do we get for that?
Hold on, I'll ring the Cowboys and ask them.

 

[getsmarty]

And if he gets busted again is out for the season? What do we get for that?
Hold on, I'll ring the Cowboys and ask them.

Yep..exactly what I was alluding to. He was already busted before this game...

 

[getsmarty]

Members Advisory Forum
Tue 11th July, 08:00AM
A A



The newly-appointed Members Advisory Forum had their first meeting with Dragons management on Monday, June 12 at ANZ Stadium, prior to Dragons' clash against the Bulldogs in Round 14.

Established in 2015, the Members Advisory Forum provides members an opportunity to provide direct feedback and input into the Red V Membership program.

That also includes other areas of the member and fan experiences including game days, merchandise and communications.

The forum members represent a range of different Red V Membership packages and categories with the aim of helping shape the Red V Membership program, including package flexibility, choice of member benefit items and recognition of loyalty and commitment.

At the initial meeting the group was provided with an introductory overview on the whole of game as well as the Dragons' business. An outline on how the Members Advisory Forum had worked in the past and its plans for the future.

The focus was then narrowed to focus on membership, in particular, a review of the 2017 program and benefits, and the timelines on the 2018 program.

Dragons Membership and Ticketing Manager, James Peters, said that he and Dragons management were pleased with the initial meeting and were excited for what can be potentially achieved with the group moving forward.

"The Members Advisory Forum is a fantastic opportunity for direct feedback to help improve our programs. The passion and commitment in the room for the Dragons was exceptional," Peters said.

"This was just an initial meeting and opportunity for Dragons management to provide some background information about the business and membership program in particular, as well as outline the future direction and plans."

"The members were very engaged and already provided beneficial and constructive feedback," Peters added.

"We are really looking forward to seeing what we can develop and achieve over the next 18 months with this passionate group of Red V Members."

The Dragons would like to thank our Members Advisory Forum participants for their contribution and ongoing commitment to the club.

The Dragons would also like to remind and encourage all Red V Members to provide feedback, suggestions and submit questions to/for management via email - redv@dragons.com.au - at any time.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/07/11/members_advisory_for.html

 

[getsmarty]

Two Dragons Selected In NSW Women's Origin Team
Tue 11th July, 09:00AM
A A

St George Illawarra Dragons Ambassadors Sam Bremner and Kezie Apps have both been selected in the NSW Women's Rugby League team ahead of the 2017 Harvey Norman Interstate Challenge this month (23 July).

Corban McGregor, Isabelle Kelly, Caitlin Moran, Maddie Studdon, Ruan Sims, Elianna Walton, Simaima Taufa and Rebecca Young will bolster the Harvey Norman NSW team's hopes of retaining the shield against Queensland after their historic win last year, breaking an 18-year drought.

The Harvey Norman Interstate Challenge will be broadcast live on Fox League on 23 July, the first of two games in a double-header before the Round 20 NRL clash between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at WIN Stadium in Wollongong.

Harvey Norman NSW Women’s team

1 Samantha Bremner (Helensburgh Tigers)

2 Jessica Sergis (Cronulla-Caringbah)

3 Corban McGregor (Cronulla-Caringbah)

4 Isabelle Kelly (North Newcastle)

5 Nakia Davis-Welsh (Redfern All Blacks)

6 Caitlin Moran (North Newcastle)

7 Maddie Studdon (Redfern All Blacks)

8 Ruan Sims (Cronulla-Caringbah)

9 Rebecca Riley (Redfern All Blacks)

10 Elianna Walton (Greenacre Tigers)

11 Kezie Apps (Helensburgh Tigers)

12 Talesha Quinn (Cronulla-Caringbah)

13 Simaima Taufa (Mounties)

14 Lavina Phillips (Redfern All Blacks)

15 Rebecca Young (North Newcastle)

16 Ruby Ewe (Cronulla-Caringbah)

17 Vanessa Foliaki (East Brisbane Tigers)

18 Jasmin Allende (Redfern All Blacks)

Head Coach. Ben Cross

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/07/11/two_dragons_selected.html

 

[Bests Golden Boots]

Members Advisory Forum
Tue 11th July, 08:00AM
A A



The newly-appointed Members Advisory Forum had their first meeting with Dragons management on Monday, June 12 at ANZ Stadium, prior to Dragons' clash against the Bulldogs in Round 14.

Established in 2015, the Members Advisory Forum provides members an opportunity to provide direct feedback and input into the Red V Membership program.

That also includes other areas of the member and fan experiences including game days, merchandise and communications.

The forum members represent a range of different Red V Membership packages and categories with the aim of helping shape the Red V Membership program, including package flexibility, choice of member benefit items and recognition of loyalty and commitment.

At the initial meeting the group was provided with an introductory overview on the whole of game as well as the Dragons' business. An outline on how the Members Advisory Forum had worked in the past and its plans for the future.

The focus was then narrowed to focus on membership, in particular, a review of the 2017 program and benefits, and the timelines on the 2018 program.

Dragons Membership and Ticketing Manager, James Peters, said that he and Dragons management were pleased with the initial meeting and were excited for what can be potentially achieved with the group moving forward.

"The Members Advisory Forum is a fantastic opportunity for direct feedback to help improve our programs. The passion and commitment in the room for the Dragons was exceptional," Peters said.

"This was just an initial meeting and opportunity for Dragons management to provide some background information about the business and membership program in particular, as well as outline the future direction and plans."

"The members were very engaged and already provided beneficial and constructive feedback," Peters added.

"We are really looking forward to seeing what we can develop and achieve over the next 18 months with this passionate group of Red V Members."

The Dragons would like to thank our Members Advisory Forum participants for their contribution and ongoing commitment to the club.

The Dragons would also like to remind and encourage all Red V Members to provide feedback, suggestions and submit questions to/for management via email - redv@dragons.com.au - at any time.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/07/11/members_advisory_for.html

They can get all the feedback they want from here.
Unfortunately most of it involves inserting things in their prison pocket.

 

[Gareth67]

Members Advisory Forum
Tue 11th July, 08:00AM
A A



The newly-appointed Members Advisory Forum had their first meeting with Dragons management on Monday, June 12 at ANZ Stadium, prior to Dragons' clash against the Bulldogs in Round 14.

Established in 2015, the Members Advisory Forum provides members an opportunity to provide direct feedback and input into the Red V Membership program.

That also includes other areas of the member and fan experiences including game days, merchandise and communications.

The forum members represent a range of different Red V Membership packages and categories with the aim of helping shape the Red V Membership program, including package flexibility, choice of member benefit items and recognition of loyalty and commitment.

At the initial meeting the group was provided with an introductory overview on the whole of game as well as the Dragons' business. An outline on how the Members Advisory Forum had worked in the past and its plans for the future.

The focus was then narrowed to focus on membership, in particular, a review of the 2017 program and benefits, and the timelines on the 2018 program.

Dragons Membership and Ticketing Manager, James Peters, said that he and Dragons management were pleased with the initial meeting and were excited for what can be potentially achieved with the group moving forward.

"The Members Advisory Forum is a fantastic opportunity for direct feedback to help improve our programs. The passion and commitment in the room for the Dragons was exceptional," Peters said.

"This was just an initial meeting and opportunity for Dragons management to provide some background information about the business and membership program in particular, as well as outline the future direction and plans."

"The members were very engaged and already provided beneficial and constructive feedback," Peters added.

"We are really looking forward to seeing what we can develop and achieve over the next 18 months with this passionate group of Red V Members."

The Dragons would like to thank our Members Advisory Forum participants for their contribution and ongoing commitment to the club.

The Dragons would also like to remind and encourage all Red V Members to provide feedback, suggestions and submit questions to/for management via email - redv@dragons.com.au - at any time.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/07/11/members_advisory_for.html

It is a start , a small one , however we need to begin somewhere . Hopefully this shall bear fruit for both the fans and the Joint Ventures future success .

 

[getsmarty]

Frizell playing through the pain to end NSW misery

Tim Barrow@@TheBarrow

11 Jul 2017, 11:17 a.m.
TYSON Frizell has laughed it off.

He probably would chuckle harder, with his beaming smile, if his ribs weren’t as sore as they are.

And for a bloke who was considered not ready for the State of Origin arena, he’s now a beacon of the toughness it will take to finally bring down this Queensland empire. So concerned were Dragons staff about Frizell’s injuries, they asked the NSW camp to consider his long-term welfare.

Battered and blue: David Klemmer, Jarryd Hayne and Tyson Frizell. Picture: AAP Image/Paul Miller

The Corrimal Cougars junior had been wincing against the Titans, sustaining rib cartilage damage to add to the pain he’s already been carrying for weeks.

And then there’s the ankle issue, all alleviated by a couple of well-placed injections.

As much as Frizell plays it all down, he’s been left out of St George Illawarra’s trip to Canberra on Friday, even as their NRL stumbles, but he’ll play through the pain when NSW need it most.

“He is better than what we though he would be at this stage,” coach Laurie Daley said on Monday.

“I think, just for his own mind, he wanted to do a lot of teamwork and a bit of contact, just so in his own mind, he is ready to go.”

If NSW had held their composure in game two, a decade of almost unbroken Origin disappointment could have already been replaced by renewed hope for the future.

It was a failed opportunity to finally bring the Maroons empire to its knees, with Johnathan Thurston struggling with what became a season-ending shoulder injury.

Queensland are already missing Darius Boyd and without the services of Greg Inglis, Matt Scott and Corey Parker this campaign.

Instead, the Blues will need another 80 minutes to prove they’re ready to take the crown. The ultimate stage is set, a sliding doors moment in rugby league.

Laurie Daley

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/...g-through-the-pain-to-end-nsw-misery/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

Game III Origin Preview
Wed 12th July, 11:00AM
A A



Schick Hydro Preview: Queensland Maroons v NSW Blues
Suncorp Stadium
Wednesday, 8pm

When you play State or Origin, you win or lose. There is no middle ground.

After the action-packed opening two games, there's been about as much intrigue for the July 12 decider as there has been for the Game of Thrones season seven premiere.

The Blues blew Queensland off the park in Game One with their up-tempo style of play proving too much to handle for the Maroons' ageing stars. The 28-4 scoreline was meant to herald a changing of the guard, the end of a dynasty, the arrival of a new world order.

Few could argue with that prediction when NSW skipped out to a 16-6 half-time lead against Kevin Walters's new-look side at ANZ Stadium. But just like the Mayans found out in 2012, not all prophecies come true.

Queensland produced the sort of second-half comeback that has defined them over the years, with Dane Gagai's late try and Johnathan Thurston's sideline conversion getting them home by two points in a game for the ages.

It was the sort of drama that creative types in Hollywood yearn to work into their scripts, but the real stuff was just getting started.

Thurston's clutch conversion would prove to be his final act on the Origin stage with the champion playmaker ruled out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. He was joined in the casualty ward by Bronco Darius Boyd, with scans revealing he had broken his thumb in the Game Two win.

As a result, the Maroons were forced to make several changes for the decider with rookie Cameron Munster thrust unto the halves alongside Storm teammate Cooper Cronk, while Michael Morgan was picked out of position at left centre. Uncapped Bronco Ben Hunt was picked on the bench ahead of Sea Eagles star Daly Cherry-Evans, and there is every chance Walters will spring some late changes before kick-off.

Things have been just as hectic south of the border with Blues skipper Boyd Cordner battling a calf injury he picked up in Origin II. His preparation has been disrupted but it looks as though he'll play on Wednesday. Dragons duo Tyson Frizell (ribs) and Josh Dugan (knee) also picked up knocks playing for the Red V but are both on track to play.

Despite all the injury concerns, the Blues are set to go with the same 17 for all three games for the first time since 1996.

‌Why the Maroons can win: They're at home, they're set to farewell Thurston and possibly Cronk and they have won 10 of the past 11 series. There are 438 reasons why the Maroons can win on Wednesday, but their trump card is the Storm connection. The ladder leaders have six players in the Queensland squad (Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith, Will Chambers, Tim Glasby and Cameron Munster) and it's that familiarity that gives them the edge. The last time the Maroons had six Storm players in their squad was in the 2008 decider, when Israel Folau bagged a double and Slater scored the winner as Queensland claimed the series with a 16-10 win in Sydney. If the game is in the balance, expect the Storm sextet to come up with a trick shot that they've been practising for years.

Why the Blues can win: Similar to their northern rivals, there are a number of reasons why Laurie Daley's men can win. But here's the most telling. If they can get their interchanges right, the Blues boast a considerable advantage on the bench. Take nothing away from the Maroons, but it's clear NSW have more game-breakers at their disposal riding the pine. Wade Graham is the man most likely to turn the game on its head and we've already seen what he's capable of in Game One with a try assist and several classy touches in attack. Jake Trbojevic was just about best on ground in Sydney with 114 metres, 26 tackles and a line break assist that led to a try. David Klemmer has been a battering ram this series, averaging 173 metres per game off the bench, while utility Jack Bird is the ace in the deck waiting to break a game open with his speed and flair. If Daley can inject his guys at the right time then the Blues will be well placed to get the win.
‌
The history: Played 110; Queensland 59; NSW 49; Drawn 2. Suncorp Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for the Maroons with the men north of the Tweed claiming eight wins from the past 10 matches at the venue. Should the Blues win, it'd be the first time since the 1998 series that all three matches were won by the travelling team.

What are the odds: The money is running 60-40 in favour of NSW in Sportsbet’s head-to-head market and the Blues 13-plus is actually the best backed winning margin. Despite the love for the visitors, Dane Gagai is the most popular in the first try-scorer market after getting the final two tries of Game Two. 70 per cent of the money is on the over 30.5 points so punters are expecting a high-scoring affair. Latest odds at Sportsbet.com.au.

Match officials: Referee: Matt Cecchin. Assist referee: Gerard Sutton. Sideline officials: Chris Butler and Brett Suttor.

Televised: Channel Nine – Live coverage from 7pm.

NRL.com predicts: There is no tougher assignment than heading up to Suncorp Stadium to take on a champion with it all on the line. That's what they told Jeff Horn. He's now a world champion. The Maroons have the 'Hornet' in their camp, but we're predicting the Blues to land the knockout blow and claim a famous series win in enemy territory just like their 2005 predecessors. The dry track will suit their style so expect Mitchell Pearce and Josh Dugan to star on the ride edge as the Blues break their drought by 10 points.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/07/12/game_iii_origin_prev.html

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons clinging to hope of NRL top four finish

Tim Barrow@@TheBarrow

12 Jul 2017, 9:34 a.m.

Hanging on: Dragons prop Russell Packer believes in their finals cause. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

IT MAY no longer be St George Illawarra’s icy graveyard, where their NRL hopes and dreams went to wither and die.

But Friday’s trip to Canberra is venturing into must-win territory if the Dragons want to keep their premiership hope alive.

The Dragons have won their past two games in the national capital, after a long-running hoodoo which frustrated and confounded a generation of NRL playing talent.

Brett Morris, in action for NSW on Wednesday night, scored three tries in round 23, 2014, as St George Illawarra beat the Raiders 34-16, finally ending a streak of 11 straight losses in Canberra.

In 2009, the ladder-leading Dragons had won eight games in a row when the Raiders halted their momentum in round 23, starting the late-season rot.

An analysis of the run to the finals shows the Dragons will almost certainly need to win six of their last eight games to make the top four.

And since the top eight format, no NRL team has won the title from outside the top four, under either the McIntyre or current finals formats.

“I just look at it as an opportunity to be involved in finals football again,” prop Russell Packer, who will join Wests next season, said.

“It’s a great opportunity and we’ve got to take advantage of it, it’s up to the playing group to do that. Eight tough games left, if we’re good enough, we’ll be there.”

In the weeks between their State of Origin period byes, the Dragons have dropped three of their five games and only just edged out Wests Tigers and Newcastle along the way.

It’s seen them slip from third – when the Origin I teams were named – to seventh.

Their top eight spot remains relatively safe, for the time being at least, as they still hold a handy buffer of two games, plus a points differential edge, over those outside the finals places.

But they’ve also watched the competition pacesetters Melbourne, the Sharks and Roosters slip away.

In the seven seasons so far this decade, the benchmark for the top four has been set at 34 points four times, meaning the Dragons will have to win six of their remaining eight games.

In 2012, the Sea Eagles finished fourth on 36 points, then again in the top four on 35 points in 2013.

Melbourne finished fourth on 32 points in 2015, but it was in a year where the Roosters (40 points), Broncos (38) and eventual premiers North Queensland (38) dominated the season.

• RUN HOME

Dragons draw in the remaining eight rounds

R19: Friday v Raiders at GIO Stadium

R20: Sunday, July 23 v Sea Eagles at WIN Stadium

R21: Saturday, July 29 v Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium

R22: Friday, August 4 v Rabbitohs at SCG

R23: Saturday, August 12 v Titans at UOW Jubilee Oval

R24: Saturday, August 12 v Broncos at Suncorp Stadium

R25: Sunday, August 27 v Panthers at Pepper Stadium

R26: Sunday, September 3 v Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/...hope-to-avoid-being-left-out-in-cold/?cs=3713