Articles

[getsmarty]

NSW Origin star earns break from Dragons NRL duty

Mitch Jennings@@Mitch_Jenno

13 Jul 2017, 1 p.m.

FEELING THE PINCH: Tyson Frizell. Picture: Getty Images

ST GEORGE Illawarra coach Paul McGregor insists he won’t rush star forward Tyson Frizell back onto the paddock post-State of Origin though Paul Vaughan appears likely to make an early return from injury when the Dragons take on Canberra on Friday.

McGregor made a preemptive decision to rest Frizell from the clash with the Raiders, leaving him out of the side he named on Tuesday prior to Wednesday night’s Origin decider.

Frizell has been hampered by a rib cartilage tear since the Dragons round 13 victory over Wests Tigers and suffered a fresh tear to his ribs in his side’s last-start loss to the Titans – a match in which he was also nursing an ankle injury.

He required pain-killing injections to get on the park in games one and two of the Origin series and McGregor said the decision to rest him from Friday’s clash was a no-brainer.

“We’ve given him six days off so he’s just going to go away and let his body heal and clear his mind,” McGregor said.

“Tyson’s one tough kid and he’s been playing under an injury cloud for a number of weeks now and, when you do that, you put pressure on other parts of his body and other parts of his body have been breaking down.

“To put him out there 48 hours after one of the hardest games he’ll ever play… you just put him at risk and it’s not good for him personally.”

Frizell is no certainty to take on Manly in Wollongong next week either, with McGregor saying he will give the 25-year-old as long as he needs to get his battered body back at 100 per cent.

“He just needs too clear his head and certainly get his body right to finish off the season strong,” McGregor said.

“f he feels well enough next week, and his body’s healed, he’ll play, if not, he won’t play [next] week either. Our team needs him, he’s one of our experienced representative players, but we need him healthy. If he’s not healthy, we need to get him right that way.”

McGregor said Josh Dugan will back up despite nursing a slight groin injury from the Blues loss to Queensland on Wednesday.

“He’s got a tight groin but he’s fine,” McGregor said.

“Josh is a little bit of a different circumstance to Friz because he’s missed five games this year through Origin or injury so he’s body’s not bumped and bruised as much.”

With Frizell missing, the likely return of Vaughan in time to take on his former club is a huge boost for the Dragons as they look to reboot their charge at the finals.

“He’s good, he’s actually surprised me, and surprised everyone, with his quick healing,” McGregor said when asked about Vaughan’s availability.

“We were working towards this week but probably really looking at next week but he’s surprised everyone. He’s got through everything and if he gets through the captain’s run he’ll definitely play.”

Deemed surplus to requirements by the Raiders last season, Vaughan set the tone for the Dragons flying start to the season and McGregor is confident the 26-year-old can recapture to form.

“Of late he’s had the injury and little setbacks but he’s had an exceptional year.,” McGregor said.

“He was on the fringe of playing Origin six weeks ago so it’s good to have a player of his ability back in our footy team.”

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/4788481/no-rush-on-battered-frizell/?cs=3713

 

[Drag Queen]

NSW Origin star earns break from Dragons NRL duty

Mitch Jennings@@Mitch_Jenno

13 Jul 2017, 1 p.m.

FEELING THE PINCH: Tyson Frizell. Picture: Getty Images

ST GEORGE Illawarra coach Paul McGregor insists he won’t rush star forward Tyson Frizell back onto the paddock post-State of Origin though Paul Vaughan appears likely to make an early return from injury when the Dragons take on Canberra on Friday.

McGregor made a preemptive decision to rest Frizell from the clash with the Raiders, leaving him out of the side he named on Tuesday prior to Wednesday night’s Origin decider.

Frizell has been hampered by a rib cartilage tear since the Dragons round 13 victory over Wests Tigers and suffered a fresh tear to his ribs in his side’s last-start loss to the Titans – a match in which he was also nursing an ankle injury.

He required pain-killing injections to get on the park in games one and two of the Origin series and McGregor said the decision to rest him from Friday’s clash was a no-brainer.

“We’ve given him six days off so he’s just going to go away and let his body heal and clear his mind,” McGregor said.

“Tyson’s one tough kid and he’s been playing under an injury cloud for a number of weeks now and, when you do that, you put pressure on other parts of his body and other parts of his body have been breaking down.

“To put him out there 48 hours after one of the hardest games he’ll ever play… you just put him at risk and it’s not good for him personally.”

Frizell is no certainty to take on Manly in Wollongong next week either, with McGregor saying he will give the 25-year-old as long as he needs to get his battered body back at 100 per cent.

“He just needs too clear his head and certainly get his body right to finish off the season strong,” McGregor said.

“f he feels well enough next week, and his body’s healed, he’ll play, if not, he won’t play [next] week either. Our team needs him, he’s one of our experienced representative players, but we need him healthy. If he’s not healthy, we need to get him right that way.”

McGregor said Josh Dugan will back up despite nursing a slight groin injury from the Blues loss to Queensland on Wednesday.

“He’s got a tight groin but he’s fine,” McGregor said.

“Josh is a little bit of a different circumstance to Friz because he’s missed five games this year through Origin or injury so he’s body’s not bumped and bruised as much.”

With Frizell missing, the likely return of Vaughan in time to take on his former club is a huge boost for the Dragons as they look to reboot their charge at the finals.

“He’s good, he’s actually surprised me, and surprised everyone, with his quick healing,” McGregor said when asked about Vaughan’s availability.

“We were working towards this week but probably really looking at next week but he’s surprised everyone. He’s got through everything and if he gets through the captain’s run he’ll definitely play.”

Deemed surplus to requirements by the Raiders last season, Vaughan set the tone for the Dragons flying start to the season and McGregor is confident the 26-year-old can recapture to form.

“Of late he’s had the injury and little setbacks but he’s had an exceptional year.,” McGregor said.

“He was on the fringe of playing Origin six weeks ago so it’s good to have a player of his ability back in our footy team.”

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/4788481/no-rush-on-battered-frizell/?cs=3713

I'm going to applaud Mary on this call. First time and probably the last.

 

[getsmarty]

Frizell, Dugan named in 2017 Kangaroos Origin Merit team
Sun 16th July, 08:00AM
A A

Australian selectors have confirmed a special Kangaroos Origin Merit Team based on performances through the State of Origin series, including St George Illawarra duo Tyson Frizell and Josh Dugan.

The selectors have named the inaugural Kangaroos Merit Team, which includes nine players from the series victors Queensland and eight from NSW.

The team is based on performances by all 43 players who took part in the 2017 Holden State of Origin series.

"This is a special squad – the inaugural Kangaroos Origin Merit Team – and clearly it is a very talented squad as well," said Kangaroos Coach Mal Meninga.

Meninga said he hoped the naming of a Kangaroos Origin Merit Team following the interstate series would become a tradition.

"This has never been done before but I think it is an important step for the national team to make, based on the pathway from state through to international level.

"Overall it will be an acknowledgement of both personal and team performances as well as individual behaviours."

Meninga said that ultimately form in the State of Origin series would be one of a number of criteria the selectors will take into account before settling on a 24-man World Cup squad – albeit an important one.

"The selectors will be looking at past recent performances for the Kangaroos, overall form, Club success, form specifically in the Finals Series, form in the State of Origin series as well as the values and bevaviour that we expect of Kangaroos players," Meninga said.

"If a squad was selected for the World Cup today it might contain other players based on our overall selection policy. But this is an important recognition of the Origin players and their form through the series.

"Ultimately, Origin is only one of the stepping stones for players to make ahead of Kangaroos selection, although it is clearly an important one."

The selectors decided on criteria whereby, to be eligible for selection in the squad, a player must have played two out of the three matches in the series. Players could be selected out of the positions they played in during the series.

"Put simply, the charter was to select the best team based on the State of Origin series and we believe we have done that," Meninga said.

This coming Wednesday marks 100 days until the 2017 Rugby League World Cup opener between the Kangaroos and England at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

2017 Kangaroos Origin Merit Team

Fullback: Billy Slater (Queensland, Melbourne Storm)
Wing: Dane Gagai (Queensland, Newcastle Knights)
Centre: Will Chambers (Queensland, Melbourne Storm)
Centre: Josh Dugan (NSW, St George Illawarra Dragons)
Wing: James Tedesco (NSW, Wests Tigers)
Five-eighth: James Maloney (NSW, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Halfback: Cooper Cronk (Queensland, Melbourne Storm)
Prop: David Klemmer (NSW, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Hooker: Cameron Smith (Queensland, Melbourne Storm)
Prop: Dylan Napa (Queensland, Sydney Roosters)
Second row: Matt Gillett (Queensland, Brisbane Broncos)
Second row: Boyd Cordner (NSW, Sydney Roosters)
Lock: Josh McGuire (Queensland, Brisbane Broncos)

Interchange: Michael Morgan (Queensland, North Queensland Cowboys)
Interchange: Tyson Frizell (NSW, St George Illawarra Dragons)
Interchange: Jake Trbojevic (NSW, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Interchange: Josh Jackson (NSW, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/07/16/frizell_dugan_named_.html

 

[getsmarty]

Illawarra fall to Warriors in New Zealand
Blake Edwards

Sun 16th July, 02:00PM
A A

Illawarra have suffered a 28-14 loss to the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland on Saturday afternoon.

A new-look Illawarra side took to the pitch and were in the battle for much of the contest, however poor errors and the rub of the green didn’t favour the scarlet and whites.

The Warriors opened their account early with a try to Mitch Alwood, who dived on a grubber kick in the in-goal, giving his team the perfect start.

Illawarra hit back prior to the 20 minute mark through hooker Reece Robson, before the hosts raced in for two more tries courtesy of Fetalaiga Pauga and Sam Cook to give them a 16-4 lead at the intermission.

Will Matthews got Illawarra back into the contest early in the second half when he collected a neat kick off Clune’s boot.

Warriors hit back a short while later through Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Pauga, who bagged his double, to extend their lead heading into the final ten minutes.

Kalifa Faifai Loa scored a consolation try in the shadows of full time to round out the scoring, with his side suffering a hard-fought 28-14 loss.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/07/16/illawarra_fall_to_wa.html

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons to launch 'Off the Record' podcast
Mon 17th July, 03:00PM
A A

The St George Illawarra Dragons will launch their very own podcast called 'Off the Record' on Tuesday afternoon.

Co-hosted by St George Illawarra legend Shaun Timmins and club media manager Jack Brady, Off the Record will see all things Dragons-related discussed with a special guest every week.

Reigning Female Dally M Medallist and Dragons Ambassador Kezie Apps will join Timmins and Brady for the inaugural Dragons Podcast ahead of Sunday's Women's Interstate Challenge at WIN Stadium, Wollongong.

Tune in to dragons.com.au at 6pm on Tuesday to hear the first-ever Off the Record.


http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/07/17/dragons_to_launch_of.html

 

[thebigredv]

New South Wales players in booze bender revealed
JULY 17, 20179:19PM

Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson talk during a New South Wales training.

Adam SantarossaAAP

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NEW South Wales Rugby League boss Dave Trodden will investigate the circumstances around a pub visit by key players Blake Ferguson and Josh Dugan on the Friday before the State of Origin decider.

The former Canberra Raiders teammates reportedly spent their day off drinking at Lennox Point Hotel in northern NSW, five days before the Blues suffered a heavy defeat in Brisbane.

The Blues were based in Kingscliff, about an hour’s drive from the hotel, and were given the day to themselves ahead of the crucial clash.

Blake Ferguson and Josh Dugan speak during a New South Wales Blues captain's run.Source:Getty Images

Trodden confirmed he would question team officials in the review of the team’s 2-1 series loss to the Maroons.

“It hasn’t been raised with the team management,” Trodden told News Corp Australia.

“I’d heard the rumours. We do a review of all these things in the immediate wash-up of all Origin campaigns and I’ll be asking questions about it.”

Dugan confirmed to News Corp Australia that he was at the hotel visiting friends but said there was no misbehaviour.

“We were with two of our good mates having lunch and a few beers,” Dugan said. “We were home at a respectable hour and there’s nothing more to it — it was six days (sic) out from the game.”

NSW Blues State of Origin players Blake Ferguson (left) and Josh Dugan talk at a breakfast.Source:AAP

NRL journalist Paul Kent said the incident shows a clear attitude problem in the Blues squad.


“For New South Wales to end the rot of ten losses in eleven years, they needed everything to go right,” Kent told NRL 360. “You can’t half do it.”

His NRL 360 co-host and former Queensland star Ben Ikin said the bender shows the two players were not willing to put the team before themselves in order to end the Maroons Origin dominance.

“It comes from discipline and sacrifice,” Ikin said. “It’s about giving up things to gain extra ground. They should have known, they didn’t have to be there in the context of where that team was at in the Origin series.”

The Blues’ culture was further called into question on NRL 360 on Friday night by Matthew Johns, the former New South Wales five-eighth labelling the Blues “classless”.

Johns was disappointed that the plan to start David Klemmer ahead of Andrew Fifita in the Origin decider was scrapped.

“It was a good tactical move (to start Klemmer) ... that was the right decision,” Johns said.

“If Fifita doesn’t want to swallow it, say ‘see you later’. It’s stunning and it’s symbolic of what’s wrong with New South Wales.”

“Compare that to Billy Slater, (being left out in) game one ... he handled that with class. Whereas our side of the fence is classless.”

Blues adviser Peter Sterling confirmed on Friday that the original plan was for Klemmer to start, but did not know why that changed.

 

[getsmarty]

NSWRL to investigate claim Dugan, Ferguson spent day at pub
CHRIS BARRETT
18 Jul 2017, 10:15 a.m.

Battered and Blue: Josh Dugan. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

The NSWRL will use its post-series review to investigate claims that Blues backs Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson left the team camp on the Friday before the deciding State of Origin clash and spent as many as eight hours at a pub an hour south of their Kingscliff base.

Laurie Daley's side were ambushed 22-6 by Queensland to concede yet another series to the Maroons in a result that has left scrutiny on the coach's future and on under-performing players.

Now, Dugan and Ferguson, who infamously took photos of themselves drinking on a roof of their house in Canberra when they were at the Raiders in 2013, have come under further scrutiny.

It was reported on Fox Sport's NRL 360 on Monday night that Dugan and Ferguson had used a day off five days before the match to go drinking at the Lennox Point Hotel.

There were no suggestions that the pair had misbehaved but there will inevitably be questions about the appropriateness of such activity given the result.

NSW chief executive David Trodden said on Monday night the claims about Dugan and Ferguson would be examined.

"We've been made aware of the reports at a hotel on the players' day off. We were previously unaware," Trodden said.

"But this will be one of the matters that will be looked at in the review of the 2017 series."

Meanwhile, NSWRL father figure John Chalk believes Daley will bid to continue as the Blues' State of Origin coach because of a "burning desire" to win another series.

Five days after a crushing defeat to Queensland at Suncorp Stadium that clinched an 11th series win in 12 years for the Maroons, uncertainty remained about whether Daley would seek a new contract with the NSWRL with his deal running out this year.

The board of the NSWRL is due to meet on Friday but it is highly unlikely any call will be made on the head coaching situation then. Daley is yet to publicly elucidate his intentions and a full review of the Blues' campaign is set to take place before a decision is made on who steers the state beyond this year.

Despite winning only one series during his five years as coach Daley has the support of chairman George Peponis and chief executive David Trodden.

And Chalk, the former NSWRL chair who now holds the honorary position as the organisation's president, suspects Daley will want to continue as Blues coach rather than walk away.

"I just think that somewhere amongst it all ... and I've known Loz since he was very young ... there is a burning desire in there, believe me," Chalk said.

"He wants to nail one to the wall before he moves on, in my opinion. I just think once you've been to the well and had a good drink out of it, you want to keep going back. If he feels like he hasn't got it in him, I'd respect that too. I just get the feeling he has something more to give."

Pressure: New South Wales Blues coach Laurie Daley. Picture: AAP Image/Regi Varghese)

Whether Daley would have the numbers at board level to win a new contract is another issue. But with NSW having established a policy of having a full-time coach rather than appointing one from the NRL ranks, Peponis's argument that Daley is still the best man for the job isn't an empty platitude.

Andrew Johns has ruled himself out, and would consider only an assistant's role, and Brad Fittler's broadcasting commitments with Channel 9 are a potential hurdle for any candidacy of his. Other names mentioned include Sydney Roosters assistant Craig Fitzgibbon and Ricky Stuart's right-hand man at Canberra, Dean Pay.

Fittler has been careful not to put his hand up while Daley considers his future but others have endorsed the former NSW captain, whose 31 matches for the Blues is a state record.

Parramatta's Tim Mannah, who played under Fittler in the City Origin team, is convinced he would be a great fit to lead NSW. "I'm a big fan of Freddy, especially for that kind of arena," said Mannah. "He's the kind of coach you want when you go into a camp, like Mal Meninga did for Queensland. He knew they were talented enough to be there, it was just a matter of people management to get the best out of the group."

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/...laim-dugan-ferguson-spent-day-at-pub/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

Gallery: Training Round 20
Tue 18th July, 12:00PM
A A

Photo 14 of 14

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/07/18/gallery_training_rou.html

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons back Dugan amid NSWRL investigation over pub session

Tim Barrow@@TheBarrow

18 Jul 2017, 12:15 p.m.
DRAGONS teammates have rallied around under-fire representative star Josh Dugan, defending his professionalism, after it was revealed he spent an afternoon at the pub in the days before last week’s State of Origin decider.

NSW Rugby League boss Dave Trodden announced an investigation into the circumstances which led to Dugan and Blake Ferguson drinking at the Lennox Point Hotel on a day off from training, an hour from the Origin camp at Kingscliff.

Under fire: Josh Dugan. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

On radio, broadcaster Ray Hadley accused NSW officials of hiding the pair from the media attention because of their hungover state as part of an elaborate cover-up.

Dugan and Ferguson were involved in the infamous rooftop Bacardi Breezer drinking session while playing for the Raiders in 2013.

But since joining the Dragons, Dugan has become a leader at the club, playing for Australia and becoming a regular part of the NSW line-up.

In the wake of NSW’s 22-6 capitulation to Queensland, their 11th series loss to the Maroons in 12 years, NSW shadow player Jack de Belin defended the Blues culture.

“It was a great camp,” he said.

“When we stayed in Kingscliffe, it was an unreal spot.

“We had a team room and the boys came together.

“It is disappointing you see when (people say) there are culture issues with the Blues. When I was there it didn’t feel like that at all.”

Second-rower Tariq Sims, who has played six games for NSW Country and five times for Fiji, backed Dugan.

“I’m not going to say too much, whatever is going to come of this will come of it,” he said. “I understand NSW are going to investigate it.

“As a teammate of Joshua’s, I’m supporting him fully, if he ever needs me, I’m always there.”

When asked of the Dragons’ culture, as they cling to finals hopes after five losses in their past eight games, Sims said the philosophy was simple. “It’s pretty simple really, it’s pretty much a no dickheads policy,” he said.

On radio on Tuesday, former NSW captain Paul Gallen criticised their actions.

Dugan will join Gallen at the Sharks next year, after signing a four-year deal after a prolonged stand-off with St George Illawarra.

"After a game, after a hard week of training, you go out and have a win, you've got a long, seven-day turn-around, I'm happy to have a drink," Gallen told Sky Sports Radio.

"But when you're preparing for a game of footy ... I just don't do it.”

Blues and Roos brothers: Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson in Australian kit. Picture: Jamila Toderas

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/...nswrl-investigation-over-pub-session/?cs=3713

 

[thebigredv]

That's some pretty unconvincing backing by the sounds but anyway, he'll fit in well at Sharks.

 

[Drag Queen]

Dragons back Dugan amid NSWRL investigation over pub session

Tim Barrow@@TheBarrow

18 Jul 2017, 12:15 p.m.
DRAGONS teammates have rallied around under-fire representative star Josh Dugan, defending his professionalism, after it was revealed he spent an afternoon at the pub in the days before last week’s State of Origin decider.

NSW Rugby League boss Dave Trodden announced an investigation into the circumstances which led to Dugan and Blake Ferguson drinking at the Lennox Point Hotel on a day off from training, an hour from the Origin camp at Kingscliff.

Under fire: Josh Dugan. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

On radio, broadcaster Ray Hadley accused NSW officials of hiding the pair from the media attention because of their hungover state as part of an elaborate cover-up.

Dugan and Ferguson were involved in the infamous rooftop Bacardi Breezer drinking session while playing for the Raiders in 2013.

But since joining the Dragons, Dugan has become a leader at the club, playing for Australia and becoming a regular part of the NSW line-up.

In the wake of NSW’s 22-6 capitulation to Queensland, their 11th series loss to the Maroons in 12 years, NSW shadow player Jack de Belin defended the Blues culture.

“It was a great camp,” he said.

“When we stayed in Kingscliffe, it was an unreal spot.

“We had a team room and the boys came together.

“It is disappointing you see when (people say) there are culture issues with the Blues. When I was there it didn’t feel like that at all.”

Second-rower Tariq Sims, who has played six games for NSW Country and five times for Fiji, backed Dugan.

“I’m not going to say too much, whatever is going to come of this will come of it,” he said. “I understand NSW are going to investigate it.

“As a teammate of Joshua’s, I’m supporting him fully, if he ever needs me, I’m always there.”

When asked of the Dragons’ culture, as they cling to finals hopes after five losses in their past eight games, Sims said the philosophy was simple. “It’s pretty simple really, it’s pretty much a no dickheads policy,” he said.

On radio on Tuesday, former NSW captain Paul Gallen criticised their actions.

Dugan will join Gallen at the Sharks next year, after signing a four-year deal after a prolonged stand-off with St George Illawarra.

"After a game, after a hard week of training, you go out and have a win, you've got a long, seven-day turn-around, I'm happy to have a drink," Gallen told Sky Sports Radio.

"But when you're preparing for a game of footy ... I just don't do it.”

Blues and Roos brothers: Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson in Australian kit. Picture: Jamila Toderas

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/...nswrl-investigation-over-pub-session/?cs=3713

 

[Drag Queen]

Bloody idiot.

 

[getsmarty]

WHY THE DRAGONS HAVE LOST THEIR WAY

By Michael Carayannis

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...a/news-story/a0c6bcb76977536aaaedcde9386f2a6e

 

[grouch]

WHY THE DRAGONS HAVE LOST THEIR WAY

By Michael Carayannis

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...a/news-story/a0c6bcb76977536aaaedcde9386f2a6e

Can you post the whole story instead of just the link, please

 

[getsmarty]

Can you post the whole story instead of just the link, please

It's in JA Grouch. Cheers

 

[JohnnoMcJohnno]

Can you post the whole story instead of just the link, please

Here it is:

WHY THE DRAGONS HAVE LOST THEIR WAY

By Michael Carayannis

JACK de Belin says St George Illawarra’s form slump has coincided with his side playing as individuals and it’s time to put the team first again.

After a strong start to the season, the Dragons have won just once in their past five games. A loss against Manly on Sunday could send them out of the top eight for the first time this season.

De Belin said the Dragons had moved away from what had worked so well in the first half of the year.

“It’s about getting back to basics and the key principles and fundamentals that work for us,” he said. “We went away from that a little bit and got away from our team first actions and playing a bit too individualised at the moment. It’s pretty simple to get back to.

“For example, kick chase, kick pressure, working hard on your insides and supporting your mate. When we’re playing well we are doing those little things. Not just worrying about our carries.”

A small taste of Origin football has de Belin eyeing a Kangaroos jersey at the end of the year but he knows he needs to improve if he is to have a shot at a World Cup spot.

He said being 18th man for the Blues had been a draining experience.

“I took a lot out of it in terms of confidence, knowing you’re very close to playing Origin,” de Belin said. “It was hard. I probably did think I was going to be playing but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. Seeing Boyd (Cordner) early in the week I didn’t think he was going to be good.

“Even Tyson (Frizell) has been battling injuries. I thought my opportunity would come.

“It’s disappointing. Lozza (coach Laurie Daley) said to me prepare as if you’re going to play but as of right now we don’t know yet.

“(My form) has been steady. If anything I’m a little bit disappointed that I haven’t built on it. I’ve plateaued a little bit but I’m looking for a strong back end of the year. I haven’t played finals for a couple of years now. I want to be back there and I’m probably a big part of that. And hopefully some World Cup aspirations at the end as well.”

 

[getsmarty]

Stars align for Blues veteran Bremner
Thu 20th July, 09:00AM
A A



New South Wales and Jillaroos fullback Sam Bremner has never been more nervous for an Interstate Challenge ahead of the 2017 edition at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Sunday.

Gearing up for her seventh game for New South Wales, Bremner said a host of firsts for the Dragons Ambassador is the reason as to why she's so on edge – not to mention that the Blues are defending the Interstate Challenge title for the first time in 19 years.

"I was only saying the other night to my husband that I'm extremely nervous. I couldn't stop thinking about football and I try not to do that all week because I don't want to burn out," Bremner said.

"I was trying to pinpoint why my emotions were different this year because I've been doing it for a long time.

”I came to the conclusion that it was on home soil for me which it's never been. It's live on Fox which it's never been and we're coming off the back of winning the title which it's never been.

"It's a first for many and it's adding to my nerves and excitement to play on Sunday."

Exactly eight years ago was the first time Bremner played at WIN Stadium and has been blown away by the development of the women's game ever since.

"I played for Helensburgh Tigers at half-time of an NRL game [eight years ago] and now I'm about to play for New South Wales on the same stage," Bremner said.

"Up until three years ago [the interstate challenge] was on at half-time of an NRL game or on an oval out back of whoop-whoop.

"Now we're a curtain raiser, which helps us get supporters and fans."

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/07/20/stars_align_for_blue.html

 

[getsmarty]

St George Illawarra Dragons grant releases to Tyrone McCarthy, Mose Masoe and Kalifa Faifai Loa
Andrew Parkinson
20 Jul 2017, 9 a.m.

Kalifa Faifai Loa. Picture: Chris Lane

St George Illawarra have granted releases to forwards Tyrone McCarthy and Mose Masoe as the pair look to take up opportunities in England.

The Dragons have also given winger Kalifa Faifai Loa permission to speak to other clubs.

McCarthy played two NRL games during his two seasons at the Dragons and captained the Illawarra side to Intrust Super Premiership and NRL State Championship success last season. The 29-year-old was also a member of the club's leadership group.

Masoe will also take up an opportunity overseas if he receives the necessary clearance and registration to make the move to the United Kingdom.

While a season-ending ACL injury ruined Masoe's first season at the club last year, the 28-year-old Samoan international has featured prominently for Illawarra in 2017.

“Tyrone's been a very good club player for us and he was offered a contract to head back to the UK. We agreed that it was in his best interests to take up the longer-term deal,” Dragons director of rugby league pathways Ian Millward said.

“So that means Tyrone will leave us and he'll go back to the Super League for the remainder of the year and beyond.

“Mose needs to get a visa but there's also a certain amount of games he must play and different criteria's related to playing football in England.

“Mose's injury last year meant he hasn't been in a position to accumulate the games required meaning if he doesn't leave now then he won't be able to qualify to play in the UK in 2018.

“He came and asked for an immediate release on compassionate grounds due to the offer in England, which would present him the opportunity to secure a contract for his family long-term.”

Faifai Loa has requested a release from the remainder of his contract and has also been given permission to negotiate a move overseas.

But the 26-year-old is yet to sign a contract with another club and will remain at the Dragons until he signs elsewhere.

“Kalifa's situation is very similar to Mose. He hasn't quite played the amount of games to play in the UK in 2018. However he's played an adequate enough games to secure a contract and a visa for the remainder of the season in the UK,” Millward said.

“He's come to us seeking a release but at the moment he hasn't agreed to a deal with anyone. He has a couple of clubs interested and we've given him permission to go and negotiate with other clubs.

“If he finds another club then he will leave in the coming weeks.”

The departures follow the early releases of Chris Lewis and Shaun Nona last month.

http://www.theleader.com.au/story/4801316/dragons-release-trio/?cs=3833

 

[getsmarty]

Dugan controversy no distraction for Dragons: McGregor

Mitch Jennings@@Mitch_Jenno

20 Jul 2017, 1 p.m.

NO DRAMA: Paul McGregor insists the controversy surrounding Josh Dugan's conduct in NSW camp won't distract the Dragons. Picture: Getty Images

ST GEORGE Illawarra coach Paul McGregor says the Dragons won’t be drawn into the furore surrounding star fullback Josh Dugan in the wash up to NSW’s State of Origin series loss.

Dugan and Blues teammate Blake Ferguson have come in for heavy criticism following revelations they spent their day off in camp drinking at the Lennox Point Hotel six days out from the decider.

They did not break any team rules, nor were there any suggestions of misbehaviour from the pair, but the decision to consume alcohol in lead up to such an important match has led many question the culture within the Blues set up.

The saga also revived memories of the pair’s infamous Canberra rooftop drinking session in 2013 that ultimately saw them leave the Raiders.

NSW coach Laurie Daley is yet to publicly address the controversy but Dugan took to Instagram to defend himself on Wednesday admitting to an “error of judgement” but hitting out at sections of the media for inflaming the controversy.

McGregor was tight-lipped on the matter on Thursday.

Josh Dugan took to Instagram to defend himself on Wednesday

“Which one, because they’re bringing stuff up from four years ago now?” McGregor said when asked about the incident.

“I’ve always said if something’s out of my control I don’t give it too much energy and that’s the truth of it. That was a different environment and what happened there was Josh’s choice.

“I had a good conversation with Josh [Thursday] morning because it’s the first time Josh has been back to training and he knows how I feel on the matter. Certainly our focus is about what we need to do now and not what’s happened there.

“Getting us back together is very important. We’ve had a lot of distractions of late around what’s happening with rep footy and players missing in games.

“Today’s the first day we’re all back together as a squad and there’s no distractions outside what we need to do on the training park to perform well. We haven’t had that since round 10.”

The Dugan drama comes as the Dragons look to breathe new life into their finals charge after dropping seven of their past 10 games.

It’s seen them drop to eighth spot on the ladder heading into Sunday’s clash with Manly where they’ll be boosted by the return of star forward Tyson Frizell, who was rested from his side’s golden-point loss to Canberra last week.

“It’s good to have Tyson back, we gave him five days off post-Origin to get over his bumps and bruises,” McGregor said.

“It was evident he’d been injured for some time and that was a tough contest [in game three]. He’s back training and looking forward to playing this weekend.

“He’ll be back in his edge back row position and we’re really expecting him to improve going into the back end because he’s really important to what we do.”

Russell Packer hobbled from the field with hip injury six minutes into the loss to Canberra but ran on Thursday and is a strong chance to play on Sunday.

“Rusell’s a very strong character so he’ll give himself every chance to play and my feeling is he’s more likely to play than not to play,” McGregor said.

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/4802127/dugans-nsw-drama-wont-affect-dragons/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons young guns look to full void up front

Mitch Jennings@@Mitch_Jenno

20 Jul 2017, 2:10 p.m.

FUTURE: Paul McGregor expects Blake Lawrie to step up at NRL level.

THERE’S some hefty cattle departing the Dragons this season but coach Paul McGregor is confident the club already has the stocks to fill a sizeable void on the roster.

It comes as the club confirmed early releases for Tyrone McCarthy and Mose Masoe, the latter of whom never made it onto the paddock at NRL level due to injury.

Russell Packer will also depart for the Tigers at season’s end, freeing up some cap space but McGregor is willing to put his faith in the likes of Hame Sele and Blake Lawrie to step up.

“We’ve got a couple of guys in Blake Lawrie and Hame Sele who’ve made their debuts this year,” McGregor said.

“Hame’s played in the last 12 games and Blake made his debut against the Titans so it’s giving those guys an opportunity.

“They’re young, they’re only 20 years old, but you’ve got to give them a taste of first grade because they are the future and guys that are here at the club long-term.”

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/4803094/dragons-look-in-house-for-props/?cs=3713