Articles

[getsmarty]

St George Illawarra Dragons sign five-year deal with XBlades

• 
  New look: Kangaroos forward Tyson Frizell models St George Illawarra's new XBlades playing strip. Picture: Supplied
  
  XBlades will manufacture St George Illawarra’s playing strip for the next five years.
  
  The Dragons revealed their new home kit for the 2018 season on Tuesday after the club announced XBlades as its new apparel sponsor.
  
  St George Illawarra had been with ISC for the last four seasons.
  
  St George Illawarra also announced a three-year partnership with Westfund Health Insurance. Westfund will appear as a sternum sponsor on the club’s jerseys.
  
  Dragons CEO Peter Doust welcomed both companies to the club.
  
  “The Dragons are extremely excited by the possibilities of our five-year agreement with an internationally renowned brand such as XBlades,” he said.
  
  “The thorough process that XBlades underwent with key members of the Dragons, to help adhere to the players’ high performance apparel needs, is another step in the right direction for the club.
  
  “As far as innovation and forward-thinking goes, the Dragons are pleased to be aligning with XBlades and the values they hold dear, ahead of the 2018 NRL season.
  
  "Westfund has been a respected provider of health insurance for over 60 years and we are delighted to partner with them for the next three seasons.
  
  "We look forward to working with them in developing growth initiatives and to further enhance benefits for members of both the Dragons and Westfund.
  
  "Our recent commitment to the NSW town of Mudgee for the next two years will provide for direct strategic opportunities in Westfund's core Central Western region.”

http://www.theleader.com.au/story/5009975/dragons-sign-long-term-deal-with-xblades/?cs=1633

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons trio share Graham experiences
Wed 25th October, 01:00PM
A A



St George Illawarra trio Gareth Widdop, Tim Lafai and Paul Vaughan talk shop about 2018 recruit James Graham.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/25/dragons_trio_share_g.html

 

[getsmarty]

2018 recruit Hunt discusses RLWC
Thu 26th October, 01:00PM
A A


St George Illawarra 2018 recruit Ben Hunt recently chatted to Dragons TV about the upcoming 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Hunt - named as 19th man for the Kangaroos Test against England this Friday - discusses his selection in the squad and whether he thought his late-season shift to hooker for the Broncos helped his cause.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/26/hunt_discusses_upcom.html

 

[getsmarty]

2018 recruit Graham ready for Australia
Fri 27th October, 09:30AM
A A



By Alicia Newton - NRL.com National Correspondent

English skipper James Graham paused to remember the last time he featured in a side that beat Australia. He looked up to the sky, went back year-by-year and even included the days he represented Great Britain in 2006 before he finally conceded.

"I've never been in a team that has managed to get a victory over them," Graham said.

"A very long time."

Graham has featured in eight clashes against the Kangaroos since the 2008 World Cup tournament for not a single victory.

On Friday it will mark 3281 days since he first took on Australia in a heavy 52-4 defeat in Melbourne. That's almost nine years.

The former Bulldogs prop said moving to Australia had allowed him to study up on how to beat the best players in the NRL, rather than watching from afar in the English Super League.

Graham has featured in some big clashes against quality sides at their peak during his five-year career in Australia – most notably in the 2012 and 2014 NRL grand finals.

"I'd only ever played against Australia once or twice before [moving to the NRL]," Graham said.

"Being in Australia has changed me. I know what I'm in for now. No matter what you do, you probably change who you are every three months – you're never the same."

England coach Wayne Bennett has named a 21-man squad for Friday night's clash that boasts seven players with NRL experience.

However Graham dismissed any talk players from the NRL were under extra pressure to deliver on the big stage given their experience against players from the stronger nations at a club level.

"There's always responsibility whether I was playing for St Helens or [the Bulldogs] in the NRL, it doesn't matter who you play for week-to-week," he said.

"Experience knowing what you go up against – we certainly have that playing against that [Australian] spine a number of times and the forward park.

"[But] the make-up of the team is very different.

"In terms of experience from previous [tournaments] – the '08 campaign probably wasn't the best in terms of performance and results.

"But then you look back on 2013 and we spoke about being competitive and that's what we did."

The 31-year-old also baulked at suggestions an old-fashioned forwards battle was on the cards following Sam Burgess's punching tactics on Graham's former clubmate David Klemmer in last year's Four Nations.

"I know David Klemmer very well and it's been fantastic to see his journey," Graham said.

"I do take a lot of pride watching him play for his state and country. I know better than most what he can bring to a football game.

"People talk about packs going against each other but I think the game has moved on. The game has honestly gone past that for me… the '80s with scrums and all that.

"It's now about the back three contribution – the wingers probably make the most metres in that middle of the field.

"Our focus isn't on one person."

Graham believes there is enough form heading into the tournament to suggest England can win over their doubters.

"You look for evidence and I can see that with how camp has been in the last 10 days," he said.

"You look back to the Samoan game (in May) and we had five days of preparation against the best Samoan team probably ever on paper.

"You want to be competitive and give yourself the chance to win – it's just about finding that edge in the crunch moments."

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/27/_2018_recruit_graham.html

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons adopt Nuclear Model in 2018
Fri 27th October, 04:00PM
A A



The St George Illawarra Dragons will adopt a 'Nuclear Model' club structure in 2018 following the 'Whole of Game' policy changes set by the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC).

The Dragons, as with the likes of the Newcastle Knights, Penrith Panthers, New Zealand Warriors, Wests Tigers and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, is re-enginerring its pathway for the game's elite by adopting a 'Nuclear Model' club structure.

The NRL squads will be increasing from a Top 25 to a Top 30, one implication of the ARLC's 'Whole of Game' changes.

In the same light, the addition of six development players (min. three players) to any given NRL squad will encourage clubs to develop rather than recruit.

Dragons Under-20s duo Tristan Sailor and Steven Marsters are two examples of players who will train with the NRL squad in 2018 as development players.

There will also be changes regarding who can be contracted to an NRL club. It's a given now that no NRL club will be able to register a contract or pay any player before their 19th year.

In name of player welfare, this will mean players from regional areas and New Zealand won't be forced to leave home as teenagers to secure their future in the game.

As the Dragons have one of the largest rugby league catchment areas in Australia, this means a bigger opportunity is created for the club and players when it comes to integrating talent development programs and innovative competition structures.

Dragons CEO Peter Doust and Director of Rugby League Pathways Ian Millward believe this change is a positive for the Club.

"The St George Illawarra Dragons have been working on enhancing the 'Pathway' as part of their overall football strategy at the club," Dragons CEO Peter Doust said.

"Developing our own talent has always been a major priority and in this new era our pathways will be reinforced and protected.

"Development clubs such as the Dragons will continue to develop players for the game, as well."

Millward added: "As a club we believe that this is a great initiatve and this model further defines our pathway and enhances our focus to generate players from within our region."

The Under-20s (to be re-named Jersey Flegg) will shift from a national competition to a state-based competition and will run concurrently with the NSW Cup, which will become the predominant pathway to the NRL.

As a result, the NSW Cup team will become second to the NRL and (depending on scheduling) will take precedence as an NRL curtain-raiser.

That's not to say the Under-20s won't ever play at the same venue as first grade, but it will not be as common an occurrence as it has been over the past decade.

All three grades will participate under the St George Illawarra name – with the NSW Cup side set to be acknowledged under the Dragons brand for the first time since 2007.

With the NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg parallel, the NSWRL will be responsible for administrating both competitions.

In instances where the NRL maybe a standalone fixture, NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg will likely play together at the same venue on the same day and may align with the club's junior representative teams.

The Under-18s SG Ball and Under-16s Harold Matthews' competitions will remain in their current form – with the St George Dragons and Illawarra Steelers set to compete in both once again.

The St George Dragons will also enter the Under-18s Tarsha Gale Cup women's competition for the first time.

The Illawarra Steelers will remain in the Tarsha Gale Cup after finishing the inaugural season last year in third place.

The two team presence in the Tarsha Gale Cup is another important step forward for the Dragons.

This is reflected in the NRL's recent participation results which showed female club participation has grown from 14,200 to 18,900 – a 33 per cent increase overall.

The Dragons – together with the NRL, state leagues and other NRL clubs – are involved in a wide ranging consultative process, aimed at growing participation in the game, in all forms and at all levels.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/27/dragons_adopt_nuclea.html

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons bring all senior grades into joint-venture fold

• Mitch Jennings

UNITED: The Dragons will bring all three senior grades under the St George Illawarra banner next season for the first time since 2007. Picture: AAP
THE Dragons will play under the St George Illawarra banner in all three senior grades next season as part of the NRL’s return to state-based competitions in the lower grades.

The club will compete as the joint-venture in the NSW Cup, which returns in 2018 as the NRL’s second-tier competition, for the first time since 2007.

It will replace Illawarra, which won the Intrust Super Premiership under the Cutters moniker in 2016, and played the most recent season as Illawarra RLFC.

The club will also compete as St George Illawarra in the re-instituted Jersey Flegg (under 20s) competition which made way for the NYC in 2008.

The approach brings the club in line with the NRL’s ‘whole of game’ strategy that will also see top-grade squads increased from 25 players to 30.

Clubs can also add up to six development players, with a minimum of three, with young-guns Tristan Sailor and Steven Marsters already signed on as 2018 as development players.

New rules also prevent clubs from registering an NRL contract for any player before the year they turn 19, a move designed to encourage clubs to develop rather than recruit young talent.

Club director of rugby league pathways Ian Millward said the new model will benefit the club, which draws its juniors from two genuine league heartlands.

“There’s obviously a lot of changes in rugby league at the moment, one of the changes we’ve made is that the reserve grade team is St George Illawarra,” Millward said.

“What it gives us is a clear pathway where younger players aspire to be Dragons right through to our first grade squad. There’s a clear acknowledgment for coaches, training staff and players that when they’re in our environment they are a part of the St George Illawarra Dragons.”

The club will continue to field both St George Dragons and Illawarra Steelers teams in the SG Ball (under 18s) and Harold Matthews (under 16s) competitions.

They will also field separate St George and Illawarra teams in the under 18s women’s Tarsha Gale Cup after the Steelers finished third in its inaugural season in 2017.

“We’re very lucky because of our catchment areas that we have two sets of 16s and 18s,” Millward said.

“It’s a positive step for our club because not every club has the ability to facilitate that flow through from their 16s through to their NRL squad.

“There’s a pure pathway where players are aligned through your club, you have a system that identifies them and brings them through and enhances them.”

Millward also confirmed that former Hull and Wakefield head coach Richard Agar will return to Australia to fill the role of junior recruitment manager.

He replaces Dave Wawrick who has departed the club after 12 months in the role to link with Wests Tigers from next season.

Agar will officially begin his role on November 1 when the club’s junior reps return for preseason training.

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/5016766/2018-dragons-united-as-st-george-illawarra/?cs=302

 

[Old Kogarah Boy 1]

St George Illawarra Dragons sign five-year deal with XBlades

• 
  New look: Kangaroos forward Tyson Frizell models St George Illawarra's new XBlades playing strip. Picture: Supplied
  
  XBlades will manufacture St George Illawarra’s playing strip for the next five years.
  
  The Dragons revealed their new home kit for the 2018 season on Tuesday after the club announced XBlades as its new apparel sponsor.
  
  St George Illawarra had been with ISC for the last four seasons.
  
  St George Illawarra also announced a three-year partnership with Westfund Health Insurance. Westfund will appear as a sternum sponsor on the club’s jerseys.
  
  Dragons CEO Peter Doust welcomed both companies to the club.
  
  “The Dragons are extremely excited by the possibilities of our five-year agreement with an internationally renowned brand such as XBlades,” he said.
  
  “The thorough process that XBlades underwent with key members of the Dragons, to help adhere to the players’ high performance apparel needs, is another step in the right direction for the club.
  
  “As far as innovation and forward-thinking goes, the Dragons are pleased to be aligning with XBlades and the values they hold dear, ahead of the 2018 NRL season.
  
  "Westfund has been a respected provider of health insurance for over 60 years and we are delighted to partner with them for the next three seasons.
  
  "We look forward to working with them in developing growth initiatives and to further enhance benefits for members of both the Dragons and Westfund.
  
  "Our recent commitment to the NSW town of Mudgee for the next two years will provide for direct strategic opportunities in Westfund's core Central Western region.”

http://www.theleader.com.au/story/5009975/dragons-sign-long-term-deal-with-xblades/?cs=1633

Great looking new strip.
Especially happy to see a proper V, including the bottom triangle.

Looks nice in the unmolested / no sponsers in it. Pity it can’t stay like that.

 

[FlameThrower]

Great looking new strip.
Especially happy to see a proper V, including the bottom triangle.

Looks nice in the unmolested / no sponsers in it. Pity it can’t stay like that.

My understanding is that the manufacturer has a lot of say in what is produced. As they are wanting big returns on their investments.
Red V should be the prime home and away jersey. I have never liked the all red jersey and could live with the striped red and white version to play out of the Gong..

 

[getsmarty]

Player Season Review: Matt Dufty
Sat 28th October, 11:00AM
A A



St George Illawarra livewire Matt Dufty was one of four local juniors to make his NRL debuts for the Dragons in 2017.

Coming into the first grade fold in Round 20 against the Sea Eagles, Dufty held on to the No. 1 jumper for the remainder of the season ahead of Josh Dugan who was shifted to the centres.

• http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/28/player_season_review.html

 

[Old Kogarah Boy 1]

My understanding is that the manufacturer has a lot of say in what is produced. As they are wanting big returns on their investments.
Red V should be the prime home and away jersey. I have never liked the all red jersey and could live with the striped red and white version to play out of the Gong..

Definitely should the original Steelers style jersey for games at the gong.

I think it’s only fair that the Illawarra fans component get to see the Steelers strip.
If it was the other way around, l’d be filthy if l didn’t get the see the mighty red V.

I quite like the strip and think it gives us the best of both worlds.

 

[Old Kogarah Boy 1]

Player Season Review: Matt Dufty
Sat 28th October, 11:00AM
A A



St George Illawarra livewire Matt Dufty was one of four local juniors to make his NRL debuts for the Dragons in 2017.

Coming into the first grade fold in Round 20 against the Sea Eagles, Dufty held on to the No. 1 jumper for the remainder of the season ahead of Josh Dugan who was shifted to the centres.

• http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/28/player_season_review.html

Now this red V looks shat.

 

[getsmarty]

Player Season Review: Jai Field
Sun 29th October, 11:00AM
A A



St George Illawarra young gun Jai Field was the only Dragons player to feature in all three senior grades in season 2017.

A shock selection in the Dragons' 17 for the Round 1 clash against the Penrith Panthers, Field added another two games to his first grade career while featuring predominately for Illawarra in the Intrust Super Premiership.

Field also played for the New South Wales and Australia Under-20s sides in an overall successful year for the Shellharbour junior.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/28/player_season_review_811379320.html

 

[getsmarty]

Anzac Day as part of your 2018 Red V Membership
Mon 30th October, 04:00PM
A A

A certain highlight of St George Illawarra's 2018 season will be the traditional Anzac Day match against the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium – the biggest match on the regular season rugby league calendar.

In 2018, Anzac Day will be a Dragons' home game. Secure your seat today in your Red V Membership package. The Anzac Day clash will be included for all of the following memberships, at an extremely affordable price:

· Platinum

· Full season

· Kogarah upgrade, and;

· Wollongong upgrade members

The inclusion of Anzac Day at a small premium in four of our membership packages is just one example of where we have worked closely with our Members Advisory Forum, to ensure feedback relating to increased flexibility and value has been considered.

Anzac Day is a very special day in not only rugby league, but for Australia and New Zealand as a whole. Red V Members will be able to pay their respects before enjoying the match.

The emotion and atmosphere is second to none as the crowd reflects on all those who have served in the past and present, it makes for an emotion-fueled clash once that first whistle is heard.

"This is my favourite game of the year," Dragons back-rower Tyson Frizell said earlier this year.

"It is such a special occasion. Form doesn't really come into this kind of game because both teams get up for the occasion no matter what.

"It was one of the most incredible feelings I've ever had, just looking up and seeing that full crowd of people all silent. It's something I'll never forget."

ANZAC DAY UPGRADES

ADULTS

Heartland upgrade to full season: from only $15, save up to 41 per cent*

Kogarah pass upgrade to Kogarah upgrade: from only $15, save up to 43 per cent*

Wollongong pass upgrade to Wollongong upgrade: from only $15, save up to 43 per cent*

FAMILIES

Heartland upgrade to full season: from only $30, save up to 40 per cent*

Kogarah pass upgrade to Kogarah upgrade: from only $40, save up to 32 per cent*

Wollongong pass upgrade to Wollongong upgrade: from only $40, save up to 32 per cent*

Our new premium upgrade option is a great way to experience additional benefits and is available in most packages.

If you need help deciding which membership is best for you in 2018 go to: www.marchwithus.com.au

Please contact our team on 1300 DRAGON or via email: redv@dragons.com.au

Belong, connect and commit by becoming a Red V Member in 2018.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/30/anzac_day_as_part_of.html

 

[Old Kogarah Boy 1]

So the clubs' motto for Red V members is .......
Belong, connect and commit by becoming a Red V Member in 2018

What a pity Doust and the board, don't live by the same motto.
He couldn't tick a single box to be honest.

We fans are still waiting for the season review!

 

[dragonssamy61]

There want be one

 

[getsmarty]

Player Season Review: Most Improved
Tue 31st October, 12:00PM
A A



St George Illawarra players have their say on the Dragon who improved the most throughout the 2017 Telstra Premiership season.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/10/31/player_season_review.html

 

[getsmarty]

Meet James Graham
Wed 1st November, 12:00PM
A A



St George Illawarra are pleased to officially name James Graham as a Dragons player for at least the next three seasons.

November 1 of every year brings in a new beginning for each of the 16 NRL clubs, and 2018 will prove no different with Graham just one of the Dragons' several recruits for the upcoming season.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/11/01/meet_james_graham.html

 

[Coffs dragon]

So the clubs' motto for Red V members is .......
Belong, connect and commit by becoming a Red V Member in 2018

What a pity Doust and the board, don't live by the same motto.
He couldn't tick a single box to be honest.

We fans are still waiting for the season review!

OKB with the clubs famous RedV catch cry the new motto should be: Belong, connect then Vomit

 

[getsmarty]

100 days to Wollongong Super League clash
Thu 2nd November, 10:00AM
A A



We're 100 days away from the historic Wigan Warriors v Hull FC Super League match at WIN Stadium, Wollongong.

Wigan skipper Sean O'Loughlin and Hull FC prop Scott Taylor took time out from their 2017 Rugby League World Cup commitments for England were given a sneak peak of WIN Stadium earlier this week by Dragons legends Shaun Timmins and Mathew Head – the latter of which played for Hull FC.

The first Super League competition game to be held outside Europe is scheduled for February 10, 2018 in Wollongong.

Wigan will be based in Wollongong for the week leading in to the match and Hull FC in Kiama, the stage is set for a local showdown. The English players were joined by Wollongong Lord Mayor Cr Gordon Bradbery OAM and Kiama Mayor Mark Honey at WIN Stadium.

Destination Wollongong General Manager Mark Sleigh said excitement about the game was building steadily and being able to showcase the stadium to both sides would only increase anticipation.

"WIN Stadium is an iconic stadium, well known for its incredible location by the beach," Sleigh said.

"When they are here in February the teams will be highly visible and engaged with the community and we want to show them that we are behind them every step of the way."

Wigan Warriors captain O'Loughlin welcomed the opportunity to visit Wollongong, saying the opportunity to be a part of a sanctioned Super League match in the region was exciting.

"I've heard a lot of great things about WIN Stadium and Wollongong from the guys who had already visited," O'Loughlin said.

"To play a game right next to the beach isn't something we're used to back home in the UK so that will be different. Our fans will also get to sit on a grass bank and watch a Super League game in the sunshine so that will be great as well.

"The tour in February looks fantastic and is shaping up to be a really special couple of weeks for both fans and players."

Wollongong Lord Mayor Bradbery said the match is already proving a winner on multiple fronts including both community engagement and economic opportunities.

"Our relationship with Wigan Warriors extends far beyond the scope of the game itself and is growing into a long-term mutually beneficial partnership between two emerging international cities," Bradbery said.

"Local businesses are already making connections overseas and companies are determining opportunities that have arisen post-Brexit and England's exit from the EU. This match has the potential to not only bring other large-scale sporting events to the region but to build relationships that will have positive impacts for many years to come."

Players from Wigan and Hull FC will also join with players from the St George Illawarra Dragons in the community leading up to the match as part of an ongoing relationship to celebrate rugby league in the region.

Tickets for the Wigan Warriors and Hull FC Super League clash are already available through WIN Stadium and Ticketmaster.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/11/02/_100_days_to_wollong.html

 

[getsmarty]

Departing Dragons halfback Hutchison to rebuild career at Leigh

• Tim Barrow

Dragons Den
Departing Dragons playmaker Drew Hutchison admits he “wants something more” than the prospect of another season without NRL action.


Moving on: Departing Dragons halfback Drew Hutchison with Benji Marshall in 2015. Picture: Sylvia Liber

Just 12 months ago, Hutchison was to be handed first shot at the Dragons No.7 jersey after Benji Marshall’s exit, only to suffer an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury at pre-season training.

During his road to recovery, the Dragons signed Broncos, Queensland and Australian representative playmaker Ben Hunt, a further hurdle to Hutchison establishing his career in the NRL.

And so, the Albion Park junior will fly to England on Monday to play with recently Super League-relegated club Leigh.

“I was coming off contract this year, so that was sort of another disappointing factor to my injury,” Hutchison told Fairfax Media.

“But I’d sort of spent a lot of years in reserve grade and I sorted of wanted more.

“And I sort of wanted to go to England, I want to base a team around be the main man in charge.

“It’s a really good opportunity to go over there and play over there and play against other opposition.”

However, Hutchison is adamant he wants another shot at the NRL, after playing just four games in the past three years with the Dragons.

“Yeah for sure, I’d like to,” he said.

“But for now I’m going to concentrate on playing for Leigh.”

Hutchison kicked the field goal which sealed the Illawarra Cutters’ 2016 NSW Premiership grand final.

They then thrashed Queensland champions Burleigh 54-12 to win the interstate challenge, played on NRL grand final day.

The now 22-year-old made his NRL debut in 2015 against the Sharks, only receiving the call up the day before the game when Marshall suffered a hamstring injury.

Hutchison said he vividly remembers the knee injury which cost him a chance at launching his NRL career.

“I can remember the exact blade of grass it happened on as well,” he said.

“It was probably the worst news, being told you’re going to be out for the season pretty much.

‘’…To be honest I carried on a bit I think , I thought I might have broken my leg, to be honest.”

Leigh coach Neil Jukes expects Hutchison can help lift the club back into the Super League comeptition, playing alongside other NRL players Peter Mata’utia and Bodene Thompson.


Ben Hunt

"Drew is an outstanding signing for Leigh Centurions," said head coach Neil Jukes. "He is a very highly rated and exceedingly talented half-back.”

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/5029817/hutchison-ready-to-rebuild-career-in-uk/?cs=3713