Cameron Mcinnes

[getsmarty]

McInnes can raise NRL bar for St George Illawarra Dragons

• Dragons Den
  
  
  
  Challenge: Coach Paul McGregor with Cameron McInnes during training at WIN Stadium last year. Picture: Adam McLean
• 
  
• As we edge towards the crossover of codes in the Illawarra, coaches of the Dragons and Hawks are reaching for the reset button.
  
  Paul McGregor obviously needs an impressive start to the Dragons' NRL campaign, to turn some of those critical brickbats into bouquets and save his career.
  
  Matt Flinn has had his own headaches at the Hawks, including the prolonged rehabilitation process and early exit by the No.1 NBA draft prospect LaMelo Ball, the focus firmly on maintaining the player's image.
  
  As they drift towards the wooden spoon, there's also ongoing uncertainty about what the Hawks ownership structure will look like next season, with Simon Stratford increasingly unlikely to maintain control next season.
  
  While the positive discussions at NBL headquarters and within the walls at the Snakepit suggest the Hawks will likely soldier on as the league's great survivors, there will inevitably come a point where the question is asked whether Flinn will remain in charge.
  
  The Hawks finish up their remarkably loveless season on Valentines Day.
  
  
  Ball may have offered Australian basketball some welcome exposure and impressive web traffic statictics.
  
  The NBL offered Ball the necessary highlight reel platform needed to show talent scouts he's worthy of being selected early in the NBA draft.
  
  But after single-handedly dragging the Hawks out of the mire a couple of times, his early exit, with the express approval of the NBL, even without telling his teammates, shows a lack of tact and professionalism.
  
  It's also a cautionary tale for the Hawks about how they use the Next Stars program as part of their recruiting in future.
  
  If Flinn has felt the pressure, he'd have been wise to have the ear of McGregor, who knows all too well how uncomfortable sitting in the hot seat can be.
  
  The Hawks were 5-19 before Friday night's game in Cairns, the Dragons limped to 8-16 to finish second last.
  
  The Dragons new campaign begins on March 15, and while it might seem obvious, the best decision they made was to appoint Cameron McInnes as captain.
  
  READ MORE: Dragons snare big name for NRL Nines tilt
  
  The rape allegations trial of Jack de Belin and co-accused Callan Sinclair start next week. De Belin's on-field absence due to the NRL's controversial 'no fault' stand down policy cast a long shadow over the Dragons last year.
  
  "I don't think it needs to be addressed, it's all out there, it's well documented what the process is going to be," McInnes said when appoin.
  
  "Jack's welfare is our concern and we'll deal with that but, when you walk through these gates, it's about doing what's important out on that field.
  
  "That's our job and that's what I expect from myself that, no matter what's happening, I get the job done out here. I expect that from everybody.
  
  "At the end of the day this is the job we do and we've got clock in, do it, and go home."
  
  McInnes can offer a level of certainty as they seek a fresh start this year, the kind of consistency fans of the Dragons - and the Hawks - are craving.
  
  Dragons players only need to watch the replay of his amazing charge down against Souths, or the remarkable one-on-one try-saver against Cronulla to see where the bar is set.

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...are-to-hit-reset-button-after-seasons-of-woe/

 

[getsmarty]

McInnes leads push back to NRL ref’s call

By AAP+ on 07/07/2020 at 2:18 pm
Filled in: NRL News

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St George Illawarra are one of the few teams any good at using the captain’s challenge this year, but skipper Cameron McInnes would still prefer it scrapped.

Stats revealed by Fox Sports show there have been only been 33 successful challenges made by NRL skippers this year out of 88 attempts.

Six of the 16 teams are successful in at least half of their bunker challenges so far this season, with Manly and Sydney Roosters the best at 60 per cent.

Cronulla is by far the worst with zero from six attempts.

While the numbers show teams have room to improve on making the call to question a decision, the bunker hasn’t escaped the criticism.

Confusion reigned late in Canberra last weekend when the video referee botched a challenge made by the Dragons captain in McInnes.

Raiders centre Michael Oldfield appeared to touch a Dragons pass, appearing to constitute a knock-on, however officials ruled the ball travelled backwards.

But that didn’t stop the bunker from saying that the challenge was successful, only for Canberra to be awarded possession.

The farcical scenes came with the Dragons pushing to close a 12-point game, only to eventually lose by six.

“Yeah, we heard challenge successful. We were challenging that their centre got a hand to the ball. And I thought that was what happened,” McInnes told AAP.

“But they ended up calling knock-on.

“I’m not too sure what happened. It can be good, the captain’s challenge. It’s something we’ve got to keep working on as a game.”

It was the second time in a week the Dragons were subjected to a confusing bunker call, having successfully challenged the previous week but losing the ball.

McInnes refused to use the decision as an excuse for the defeat, but admitted preferring teams not having the option to use technology.

“The more technology you bring in, it can cloud things. Sometimes I even think let’s just go back to letting the ref call how he sees it,” he said.

“Things will go both ways, but that’s what’s good about footy. Momentum swings and you get a bit and you give a bit.

“To be honest with you, if there was no technology, I’d be just as happy.

“I’ll work with them and keep using it, but I’m happy for the referee to call how he sees it. If he makes a mistake, I’ll live with that because I make mistakes too.”

NRL CAPTAIN’S CHALLENGES UP TO ROUND EIGHT (per cent, attempts)

60 – Manly (five), Sydney Roosters (five)

50 – Parramatta (four), St George Illawarra (four), Wests Tigers (six), Melbourne (two)

44 – Canterbury (nine)

40 – Penrith (five)

33 – Canberra (six)

28 – Warriors (seven), South Sydney (seven)

25 – Brisbane (four)

20 – Newcastle (five), North Queensland (five)

12 – Gold Coast (eight)

0 – Cronulla (six)


https://www.sportsnews.com.au/nrl/mcinnes-leads-push-back-to-nrl-refs-call/535070

 

[getsmarty]

'All Cam wants to do is win': Clune form to keep McInnes at lock
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Sat 18 Jul 2020, 07:33 PM

St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has declared that Ben Hunt will remain at hooker and Cameron McInnes at lock for the immediate future after rookie halfback Adam Clune steered the Dragons to a 28-22 comeback win against Canterbury on Saturday.

With Clune turning in his best 40 minutes at NRL level in the second half to lay on tries for Jason Saab and Matt Dufty that levelled the scores at 22-22 before Corey Norman snatched victory just before fulltime, McGregor said he had no reason to change a successful combination.

“That was the best 40 minutes he has had this year, without a doubt,” McGregor said of Clune. “His second 40 minutes was really pleasing for a guy that is still very young in his career as a first grader.

“We needed him to go to the game and he went to the game at the right times and controlled possession well and field position.”


Hunt has made no secret that he would prefer to return to his usual halfback role, while McInnes prefers hooker, but McGregor said the form of Clune made that unlikely at this stage of the season.

He also explained that he wanted Hunt and McInnes playing in the middle of the field as the Dragons were missing the experience of former NSW lock Jack de Belin, who has been stood down under the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy, and recently departed English prop James Graham.


“All Cam wants to do is win so Cam is comfortable playing a role for the team at No.13. It is the same with Benny,” McGregor said. “He wants to play No.7 but he is playing No.9 for the team.

“That’s what the team needs right now. We are missing some experienced players in the middle third of the field that aren’t with us at the moment.

"They are doing a very good job as a combination there and it is going to stay there because at the moment Jack is not available and we let James go so we need minutes people and they are both minutes people with experience.

“It is that simple. The other thing that forces change is how well people go in place of them and Adam is doing a good job at No.7.”

Clune, who made his NRL debut in round four against the Bulldogs, said he was feeling more comfortable in the role now and was improving with each game.

The 25-year-old playmaker put in a long kick that was fumbled by Canterbury fullback Nick Meaney for Saab’s 65th minute try and then sent Dufty racing away for his second try after breaking into the clear 30 metres out from his own line.

“I put a bit more onus on myself to get more involved in the game and being behind by that amount of points we had to stick to our game plan and luckily enough we came up with some good plays and won at the end,” Clune said.

“Ben has been really good to me and so has Cam, despite the fact that they may want to play in different positions. I haven’t asked them personally but I know Cam is happy playing No.13 at the moment and Ben is happy playing No.9 because they are both playing really good footy.

“They are both really supportive of me and that is beneficial for my game and gives me confidence. I am very grateful of the support of not only those two but the rest of the team and the coaching staff.

“My focus has just been on trying to do my job for the team and Ben is doing a great job for the team at No.9. I’d love to stay in the No.7 jersey but that’s up to me and my performances.”


While he had second-rower Tyrell Fuimaono on his inside when he busted the Canterbury defence, he knew that Dufty would be on his outside and was confident the fullback would finish the try.

“We played in the NSW touch team together when we were in Year 6 and we have been really close since then,” Clune said. “We have always stayed in contact and seen each other at touch tournaments over the years before being lucky enough to play under-20s together.

“It’s pretty cool that we are playing first grade together and it is something I am very grateful for and that is special to me. We have got a great relationship off the field and I think that definitely benefits us on the field.”

https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/07/18/all-cam-wants-to-do-is-win-clune-form-to-keep-mcinnes-at-lock/

 

[getsmarty]

The brutal falcon that concussed a Dragon but helped epic comeback
Dragons

• July 18, 2020 5:53pm
• Source: FOX SPORTS

Cameron McInnes cops a Lachlan Lewis kick to the face.Source: FOX SPORTS
Cameron McInnes will be feeling a little sore and sorry but he can rest easy in the knowledge his pain helped St George Illawarra win an epic comeback.

Canterbury had led for much of the game and was trying to stop a rampaging Dragons side as the Red V stormed home in Wollongong.

With the game in the balance young Bulldogs halfback Lachlan Lewis put a kick in looking for touch to force the opposition onto the back foot.

Instead the ball fired off his left boot and straight into the head of unsuspecting Dragons lock Cameron McInnes.

The contact floored the captain and he was later forced to leave the field for a head injury assessment.

But it worked in favour for his side, who regathered possession after the ball fired back towards the Dogs’ defensive line.

The Dragons didn’t score in that ensuing set but it got them in prime field position and set up the Corey Norman winning try a couple of minutes later.


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...k/news-story/4dbe58657137543b5fa675f206553e9e

 

[blacksafake]

'All Cam wants to do is win': Clune form to keep McInnes at lock
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Sat 18 Jul 2020, 07:33 PM

St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has declared that Ben Hunt will remain at hooker and Cameron McInnes at lock for the immediate future after rookie halfback Adam Clune steered the Dragons to a 28-22 comeback win against Canterbury on Saturday.

With Clune turning in his best 40 minutes at NRL level in the second half to lay on tries for Jason Saab and Matt Dufty that levelled the scores at 22-22 before Corey Norman snatched victory just before fulltime, McGregor said he had no reason to change a successful combination.

“That was the best 40 minutes he has had this year, without a doubt,” McGregor said of Clune. “His second 40 minutes was really pleasing for a guy that is still very young in his career as a first grader.

“We needed him to go to the game and he went to the game at the right times and controlled possession well and field position.”


Hunt has made no secret that he would prefer to return to his usual halfback role, while McInnes prefers hooker, but McGregor said the form of Clune made that unlikely at this stage of the season.

He also explained that he wanted Hunt and McInnes playing in the middle of the field as the Dragons were missing the experience of former NSW lock Jack de Belin, who has been stood down under the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy, and recently departed English prop James Graham.


“All Cam wants to do is win so Cam is comfortable playing a role for the team at No.13. It is the same with Benny,” McGregor said. “He wants to play No.7 but he is playing No.9 for the team.

“That’s what the team needs right now. We are missing some experienced players in the middle third of the field that aren’t with us at the moment.

"They are doing a very good job as a combination there and it is going to stay there because at the moment Jack is not available and we let James go so we need minutes people and they are both minutes people with experience.

“It is that simple. The other thing that forces change is how well people go in place of them and Adam is doing a good job at No.7.”

Clune, who made his NRL debut in round four against the Bulldogs, said he was feeling more comfortable in the role now and was improving with each game.

The 25-year-old playmaker put in a long kick that was fumbled by Canterbury fullback Nick Meaney for Saab’s 65th minute try and then sent Dufty racing away for his second try after breaking into the clear 30 metres out from his own line.

“I put a bit more onus on myself to get more involved in the game and being behind by that amount of points we had to stick to our game plan and luckily enough we came up with some good plays and won at the end,” Clune said.

“Ben has been really good to me and so has Cam, despite the fact that they may want to play in different positions. I haven’t asked them personally but I know Cam is happy playing No.13 at the moment and Ben is happy playing No.9 because they are both playing really good footy.

“They are both really supportive of me and that is beneficial for my game and gives me confidence. I am very grateful of the support of not only those two but the rest of the team and the coaching staff.

“My focus has just been on trying to do my job for the team and Ben is doing a great job for the team at No.9. I’d love to stay in the No.7 jersey but that’s up to me and my performances.”


While he had second-rower Tyrell Fuimaono on his inside when he busted the Canterbury defence, he knew that Dufty would be on his outside and was confident the fullback would finish the try.

“We played in the NSW touch team together when we were in Year 6 and we have been really close since then,” Clune said. “We have always stayed in contact and seen each other at touch tournaments over the years before being lucky enough to play under-20s together.

“It’s pretty cool that we are playing first grade together and it is something I am very grateful for and that is special to me. We have got a great relationship off the field and I think that definitely benefits us on the field.”

https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/07/18/all-cam-wants-to-do-is-win-clune-form-to-keep-mcinnes-at-lock/

Why does Norman escape the scrutiny.
L plate has put the onus on Clune to step up because he needs Hunt & McInnes in the middle. You could still do it by playing Hunt at 6 with Clune.
And of course it wouldn’t be the same without mentioning JDB in an interview.

 

[possm]

Why does Norman escape the scrutiny.
L plate has put the onus on Clune to step up because he needs Hunt & McInnes in the middle. You could still do it by playing Hunt at 6 with Clune.
And of course it wouldn’t be the same without mentioning JDB in an interview.

There is no going back, Hunt at hooker has proved to be a master-stroke which coincides with the rise of Clune at halfback. Hunt is the real deal at hooker providing a much better go forward and more diverse kicking game from the number nine position. McInnes now needs to cut out silly mistakes which lead to penalties and continue to sure-up our defence in the middle.

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


McInnes providing direction for Dragons at lock
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Tue 21 Jul 2020, 07:01 PM

Shifting Cameron McInnes from hooker to lock is providing St George Illawarra forwards with more direction during games, according to Dragons teammates.

McInnes has started at lock in the past two matches against Manly and Canterbury, with halfback Ben Hunt taking on the dummy half duties for the full 80 minutes after playing off the bench in the previous four games.

The Dragons have won both four of their last six games and both matches since McInnes moved to lock on a full-time basis.

"I am liking the forward pack we have got at the moment," Hunt said. "Moving Cam to lock is a massive bonus for us. He is obviously a good ball player and he can help organise the other big boys in the middle so it makes my job a bit easier. I am just enjoying playing with him there."

NSW Origin prop Paul Vaughan has been starting in the front row with Blake Lawrie and the pair then interchange with Trent Merrin and Josh Kerr.

Having Hunt and McInnes in the forward pack ensure St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has cover for an injury in the halves or to fullback Matt Dufty, with five-eighth Corey Norman able to play there if needed.

Dragons utility Ben Hunt. Grant Trouville/NRL Photos
As a result, McGregor has been able to carry four forwards on the bench and second-rowers Jacob Host and Jackson Ford will join Merrin and Kerr on the interchange for Saturday's match against Cronulla as Tyrell Faumoano was promoted to the second row in place of the suspended Tariq Sims.

"The inclusion of Hunty into No.9 has been quite different and a lot of things have changed," Kangaroos second-rower Tyson Frizell said. "Cam going to No.13 has been really good so there is a solid core of players who are playing week in and week out."

Vaughan ran 237 metres in the 34-4 defeat of Manly and he again ran further with the ball than any other player in last Saturday's 28-22 win over the Bulldogs, while McInnes has developed into a running back-rower.

He carried the ball 140 metres in 17 runs last week, while still making 44 tackles, and is able to direct teammates around on the field.

"It is just another middle who knows what the hooker wants," Ford said of McInnes. "Cam is very loud, Hunty is very loud too so we have just got those experienced players in the middle, pushing us and telling us where to go.

"Even in defence, they are very experienced so it is good having both of them in the middle.

"Hunty has got good leg speed and he is very unpredictable so you don't know what he is going to do [in attack]. You have just always got to keep pushing up when he goes.

"Cam is the same and it is just good to have Cam in the middle with that ball playing role and creating that second phase."

After coming from 22-10 down to scoring three tries in the last 15 minutes and snatch a dramatic win against the last-placed Bulldogs, St George Illawarra players acknowledged they would need to improve to beat the Sharks for a second time this season.

On the previous occasion, Hunt started on the bench for the first time since joining the Dragons three years ago and made an impact when he came on in the dummy-half role to help the side to their first win since the resumption of the NRL on May 28.

Since then, St George Illawarra have beaten Gold Coast, Manly and Canterbury, while turning in arguably their best performance of the season in a 26-12 loss to Sydney Roosters and suffering a narrow 22-16 defeat against Canberra.

The Sharks have won four of their last five matches against the Bulldogs, Sea Eagles, Titans and Warriors to sit in ninth place on behind Wests Tigers and South Sydney on for-and-against and equal with 10th placed Manly.

The Dragons are two points behind in 11th position and a win against Cronulla could propel them into the top eight for the first time this season.

"That's where we want to be. We want to be somewhere in the eight," Frizell said. "We are looking to slowly build. We know where we need to be and know where we want to be."


https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/07/21/mcinnes-providing-direction-for-dragons-at-lock/

 

[possm]

Why does Norman escape the scrutiny.
L plate has put the onus on Clune to step up because he needs Hunt & McInnes in the middle. You could still do it by playing Hunt at 6 with Clune.
And of course it wouldn’t be the same without mentioning JDB in an interview.

I'd like to see Dufty at 6 and Ramsey at fullback in 2021. Then in 2022 Ramsey and Schiller can fight it out for the number 1 jumper.

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Why positional switch has McInnes in Origin frame
Author
Brad Walter Reporting from Dharawal nation
Timestamp
Tue 28 Jul 2020, 07:07 PM

Cameron McInnes no longer regards himself solely as a hooker and his willingness to embrace a new role could help his State of Origin ambitions.

The Dragons captain will return to the hooking role for Thursday's match against South Sydney, the club he appeared destined to captain before the emergence of Blues rake Damien Cook.

The move was forced by Ben Hunt reverting to halfback after Adam Clune was concussed last weekend.

McInnes and Cook are considered the top two hookers in NSW, with little separating them before Cook was given the nod over McInnes in 2018. The Rabbitohs No.9 has since played in back-to-back series wins.



However, the hooking duel is unlikely to help determine the Origin fate of Cook and McInnes, as it may have in recent seasons, because the Dragons star has demonstrated in the last seven weeks that he could also be an option for the NSW interchange in place of injured Roosters lock Victor Radley.

"I guess it's good that I can do both so if the team need me to play hooker I will do that but I think that before I viewed myself as a hooker who could play lock whereas now, to be honest, I don't really have a preference for either," McInnes said.

"I view myself as a footy player more than a positional player so hooker, lock or wherever, I don’t mind. As long as I am playing footy I am happy. I really enjoy both, which is pretty pleasing to come out of this season for me."

The move to lock has enabled McInnes to do slightly less tackling but more running with the ball, and his fellow forwards have spoken about how he has been able to direct them around easier.

Hunt has also revelled in the hooking role after being selected as the interchange utility for the round five win against Cronulla before taking on the dummy-half duties fulltime four weeks later.

"I think the way that Hunty plays hooker and I play hooker is probably very, very different," McInnes said.

"He is so creative, he has got a great kicking game out of there, whereas I suppose the way I play, I pride myself on defence, work-rate and things like that.

“At lock, I feel that I can do the same things in defence but I am able to run the ball a bit more, which I really enjoy doing.

"Sometimes at hooker, I probably get in the mode of where the ball needs to go so I very much enjoy that No.13 role and I feel it has been working very well for the team."


Since St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor handed Clune his debut and made the positional changes, the Dragons have won four of their seven matches and lost in controversial circumstances last weekend after the Bunker incorrectly awarded a try to Sharks forward Jack Williams.

With Clune and interchange forward Trent Merrin ruled out because of the five-day turn-around after failing HIA's last Saturday night, McInnes and Hunt will return to their more traditional positions against the Rabbitohs at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.

Dragons utility Ben Hunt. Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos
There had been speculation that rival clubs may make a move for McInnes if he was unhappy not playing hooker but the 26-year-old said he hoped to stay at St George Illawarra beyond next season.

"I'm not looking to go elsewhere. I am only under contract for next year but hopefully, good things happen and we work it out," he said.

While McGregor loses two players, he also welcomes back second-rower Tariq Sims and winger Jordan Pereira from suspension.

Jackson Ford will start at lock, with Tyrell Fuimaono moving to the interchange after deputising for Sims last week, along with prop Josh Kerr, second-rower Jacob Host and back Tristan Sailor.


https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/07/28/why-positional-switch-has-mcinnes-in-origin-frame/

 

[getsmarty]

McInnes wants Young's fight in Dragons

• NRL
  
  
  
  Skipper Cameron McInnes will miss interim coach Dean Young's first day in charge of the Dragons.
  Cameron McInnes won't be there for Dean Young's first day in charge but the St George Illawarra skipper is certain the coach's steely resolve makes him the right man to lead the Dragons.
  
  The heart and soul of the Saints on the field, McInnes gave departing mentor Paul McGregor the jersey off his back as his parting gift on Friday night.
  
  It began a big week for the Dragons hooker.
  
  McInnes' fiancee Rachel is due to give birth to the pair's second child on Monday, the same day Young will lead his first session in Wollongong.
  
  "Deano's a tough man but I think he will give me that one," McInnes said.
  
  "It will be an exciting day for me and my partner, I'm looking forward to it."
  
  McInnes was as rattled as any player by McGregor's exit and for a long time has been one of his closest allies.
  
  He credits him with turning his career around, bringing him from South Sydney where he was struggling for game time at the end of 2016.
  
  "He gave me my first jersey at the club and the last time I played under him I wanted him to have my last jersey with him as my coach," McInnes said.
  
  "I owe him everything.
  
  "Mary always had faith and belief in me. Even when others didn't as much he still wanted to bring me to the club.
  
  "And the way my life has turned out since I came to the Dragons.
  
  "My partner and I are engaged, we've bought a house, we have a baby.
  
  "I'm a big believer that everything happens for a reason and since him bringing me to the club I feel very blessed."
  
  But McInnes is as aware as anyone time won't stand still for the Dragons after McGregor.
  
  On the field, the captain won't ask Young to move him back to hooker - insistent he is happy playing at lock or dummy-half.
  
  The club is already beginning their search for a new coach, while Young can prove his case with three big weeks against the struggling Queensland clubs.
  
  But in Young the Dragons have a man players already know well, having been on McGregor's coaching staff since his first full pre-season in charge in 2015 after being a part of the club's 2010 title success.
  
  "The way he played as a footballer, he brings that work ethic and that toughness as a coach as well," McInnes said.
  
  "As a player he would be the first to admit that his game wasn't built on talent, it was built on hard work and he drives that message into us players every day.
  
  "It's a very good message because even (against Parramatta), there was nothing special about that game tonight.
  
  "It was just about hard work, it was just about getting the win. That's the biggest thing, his toughness. He obviously got that from his old man (Craig)."
  
  Australian Associated Press

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6880188/mcinnes-wants-youngs-fight-in-dragons/?cs=14326

 

[getsmarty]

Do everything to keep him': McGregor weighs in on Dragons roster
Christian Nicolussi
September 11, 2020 — 7.30pm
Leave a comment

Re-signing skipper Cameron McInnes should be St George Illawarra's top priority, says former coach Paul McGregor

McGregor will be one of the first people with whom McInnes enjoys a beer once the biosecurity bubble bursts.

Cam McInnes and Paul McGregor after McGregor's final game as Dragons coach.Credit:Getty

The captain is off contract at the end of next year and fair game for rivals in a couple of months.

McGregor is no longer involved with the club and has made a point of not commenting on their affairs or the appointment of new coach Anthony Griffin. But he knows there is no way the Dragons can underestimate McInnes' importance to the Red V.

"Cam McInnes might not make the highlights reel every week, but he typifies someone who gives the jumper everything it deserves, and fans should hold the banners up high for him," McGregor told the Herald.

"The Dragons are lucky to have him, and my only hope is they do everything to keep him. If he comes off contract there will be plenty of clubs after him.

Cameron McInnes can negotiate with rival clubs from November. Credit:Getty

"I will continue to follow his career closely. He's a footballer more than a positional player, and he's a leader more than a follower.

"Cam has great integrity, knows his identity, he's very disciplined and inspiring to others the way he plays. There's no quit in him. He's a fearless player. They don't come along in the game often."

The skipper has aimed up all year.Credit:Matt King/Getty Images

"People sometimes think it's a job and play the game because they get paid well. Cam plays the sport he loves and it's a way of life for him."

McInnes will be the one trying his heart out in the middle of WIN Stadium against Canberra just after 3pm on Saturday.

No player was more moved by McGregor's mid-season departure than McInnes. While he had hoped Dean Young would be given the nod to succeed McGregor - but also heard good things about the incoming Griffin - McInnes said McGregor would remain a loyal mate and mentor.

One of the great images of the season will be McInnes embracing McGregor at full-time after the farewell win over Parramatta, which also included the captain handing his playing jersey to the man called 'Mary'.

"I've spoken to him a few times since he's finished up, and he said to me if I ever needed any tips or perspective from the outside looking in, he'd give me that," McInnes said.

"It felt different around the club not having him there. There are times I think it's sad he's not around.

"With the bubble and everything it's been easier to stay focused. Once the season is over I'll have a beer with him.


"Obviously Mary is not my first coach but he brought me to this club, he had faith in me and always had my back, so I'll never forget that. He'll always be someone I trust. Mary challenged me more than anyone else would, and that's why I respect him so much. We'll be life-long mates.

"He's sounded happy on the phone. He's a tough man. I'm sure he'd be hurting about not being the coach any more, but he won't dwell or feel sorry for himself. I admire that."

McInnes said he would be giving his all for Young the final three weeks, starting with the Raiders.

"'Deano' was part of bringing me to the club, and he's done nothing but try and support me and get the best out of me," McInnes said. "He's a St George Illawarra legend and the passion he shows every day, it makes me want to bleed for the jersey like he did."

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/do...ghs-in-on-dragons-roster-20200911-p55uqj.html

 

[Banjo2014]

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

View attachment 41943

Spot on mate.

 

[Mjab]

View attachment 41943

I do like Cam And I don’t want to bag him too much but in my opinion
All 3 of the guys below Him do a similar job in defence but offer far more in attack than Cam
This is something he needs to work on Big time

He is a bit of a one dimensional tackling machine

 

[SAP58]

I do like Cam And I don’t want to bag him too much but in my opinion
All 3 of the guys below Him do a similar job in defence but offer far more in attack than Cam
This is something he needs to work on Big time

He is a bit of a one dimensional tackling machine

Whilst he showed a lot of loyalty to the former head coach he may be one player that will benefit greatly from the appointment of Hook.

 

[Inisai Toga]

I do like Cam And I don’t want to bag him too much but in my opinion
All 3 of the guys below Him do a similar job in defence but offer far more in attack than Cam
This is something he needs to work on Big time

He is a bit of a one dimensional tackling machine

Tough as a leather boot, but don’t want him to take the ball up from his goal line into the teeth of the Raiders forwards and get smashed; also, prefer if he didn’t do a hundred tackles a game. It’s bravado stuff but not necessary effective given his body size. Hope Hook can change his game to be more economical and more effective to align with his skill set.

 

[ChocOConnor]

We need a hooker in the mould of Koroisau. As stated he does the tacking well but he has that attack to him.

I love what Cam does on the field but he throws his arms wide open at dummy half like who wants it or what are we doing. That may also fall blame at the feet of the previous bloke who was a fraud as a coach at best

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


McInnes wins second consecutive Dragons Medal
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Sun 27 Sep 2020, 08:28 PM

Moments after finding out he was named in the 2020 New South Wales State of Origin squad, St George Illawarra hooker Cameron McInnes has been named as the Dragons' Player of the Year medallist for the second straight season.

The first-year captain McInnes was duly rewarded for his outstanding performances in a season where he shared his time on field between hooker and lock.

McInnes also topped the competition's tackle count despite missing the opening two matches of the Dragons' campaign due to a leg injury suffered at February's Perth Nines.

Newcastle Knights-bound back-rower Tyson Frizell finished his Dragons career on a high after winning the Immortals Trophy for the first time.

Frizell was selected by the coaching staff in consideration of the Immortals criteria: demonstrating outstanding commitment and dedication in all aspects of rugby league.

Frizell departs the Red V having won every available performance-based award throughout his eight-year tenure.

Playmaker Adam Clune was named the Geoff Selby Memorial Trophy winner for the selflessness and commitment demonstrated throughout his debut season, such characteristics former Dragons prop Selby showcased prior to his tragic death in 1989.

Departing Dragons utility Tristan Sailor was the recipient of the Mark Coyne Trophy for career development. Sailor recently completed a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in public relations) at the University of Wollongong and has since commenced a Bachelor of Architectural Studies at University of New South Wales.

The Community Involvement Award was not awarded in 2020 due to the Covid-19 enforced protocols preventing any players from participating in any Dragons Community activities, beyond their commitment to the club's local junior blitz and the Dragons' bushfire relief tour of the south coast earlier in the year.

The Red V Members' Player of the Year as well as the awards pertinent to the Dragons' upcoming NRL Telstra Women's Premiership campaign will be named at a later date.

Dragons Player of the Year Medal recipients:
2020: Cameron McInnes
2019: Cameron McInnes
2018: Tariq Sims
2017: Gareth Widdop
2016: Tyson Frizell
2015: Leeson Ah Mau
2014: Ben Creagh
2013: Trent Merrin
2012: Brett Morris
2011: Jason Nightingale
2010: Ben Creagh
2009: Ben Creagh
2008: Jason Ryles
2007: Ben Creagh
2006: Mark Gasnier and Jason Ryles
2005: Luke Bailey
2004: Mathew Head
2003: Ben Hornby
2002: Shaun Timmins
2001: Jason Ryles
2000: Trent Barrett
1999: Jamie Ainscough

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2020/09/27/mcinnes-wins-second-consecutive-dragons-medal/

 

[thebigredv]

Congrats to Cameron. The medal would mean a lot to him as he is one who obviously has pride in wearing the red v.

 

[getsmarty]

Dragon McInnes closes in on NSW Origin debut



AAP
3 hours ago


Cameron McInnes is one step closer to his State of Origin debut after being one of five players from outside the finals named in NSW’s squad.

McInnes had a dream Sunday, leading St George Illawarra to a 30-22 win over Melbourne and then being named the Dragons’ player of the year for a second straight season just hours after getting the news on Origin.

Incumbents Payne Haas, Tyson Frizell and Jake and Tom Trbojevic were the other players named to be included in Brad Fittler’s 27-man squad for the series on Sunday.


The Blues will continue to name players as their NRL seasons end, giving them notice to remain fit even while outside of the bubble before camp begins on October 19.

It means at this stage Zac Lomax and David Nofoaluma have been denied shots at a debut, while Dragons Paul Vaughan and Tariq Sims have been dropped.

It’s believed the Blues will however tap some players on the shoulder to say they could be brought in to the group if injuries hit during the finals series.

“This season has been extremely challenging for the game,” Fittler said.

“I believe they all will play a role in helping NSW defend the State of Origin Shield and I’m looking forward to working with them when we go into camp.”

Queensland will follow a similar method, and are expected to name their initial players after a series of medical assessments this week.


McInnes’ versatility gives him every chance to make an Origin debut.

While Damien Cook will likely be the first-choice hooker and Api Koroisau an alternative option, McInnes gives utility value if used off the bench.

He has impressed this year while playing mostly at lock for St George Illawarra, leading the club’s tackle count while still offering plenty of play-making opportunities.
Meanwhile the decision not to pick Lomax suggests Fittler will include either Stephen Crichton or Campbell Graham in his squad.

Both remain in the finals at Penrith and South Sydney, and would likely be needed for back-up if Tom Trbojevic is not fit for the series opener.

Jack Wighton would then be expected to hold his position on the other side at right centre.

https://www.theroar.com.au/2020/09/28/dragon-mcinnes-closes-in-on-nsw-origin-debut/