Corey Norman??

[Drag Queen]

So what? Goalkickers are top pointscorers for every team.

Duh. And how many games did we win because of him? Don't bother replying.

 

[avocado]

Duh. And how many games did we win because of him? Don't bother replying.

Calm the aggression if you don’t mind. Thanks.

I said Widdop was ok but I blamed the coach for his shortcomings. Saying he won us games because of his goalkicking is nonsense. I’ve also seen us lose games when his kicking game was off but I’d never blame him for a loss because of that.

 

[Frank Facer]

I know, 2017, I was being facetious. Gutherson was the one creating most of the opportunities and the likes of Radradra and French were the ones capitalizing on that. When they lost Gutherson and French before the finals Norman was left to take charge and couldn't. They made the finals with 12 wins, 12 losses, not that impressive. Looked great at times but absolute rubbish in some games as well.
Norman had a pretty good year in 2017 but never went on with it. He has a record of not living up to expectations. The Broncos handed him Lockyer's jersey and he failed there ( I know - a hard act to follow but still, he couldn't keep the 6 jersey there and didn't really impress at fullback either ).
Last year he was pretty ordinary in the games I watched, touches of brilliance and some great kicks but I never saw anything to convince me he deserves our No. 6 jersey or even our No.1.

For all Dufty's faults, perceived or otherwise, you have to remember it was his first year in the top grade and he did an excellent job and you would think he learned a lot and will improve. Not only that he gave us a lot of excitement in a game that is as big on spectacle as it is anything else, skill, strength, athleticism etc. He's great to watch. He deserves to keep the No 1 jersey in 1st grade absolutely.

It would be great if Norman could step and fulfill his potential but I won't hold my breath. Stick him in the centres or on the bench, see how he goes.

Norman was playing halfback in 2016. He then got caught with some pills and missed the last several weeks of the comp. Parra then got Moses in 2017 and Norman went back to 5/8.

As for Dufty, I want to see him get first crack at the fullback spot too. I would actually play Widdop left centre in place of Lafai, if I was selecting the team.

 

[TruSaint]

Calm the aggression if you don’t mind. Thanks.

I said Widdop was ok but I blamed the coach for his shortcomings. Saying he won us games because of his goalkicking is nonsense. I’ve also seen us lose games when his kicking game was off but I’d never blame him for a loss because of that.

Over the course of the past few years, where we have chosen to take the 2 points on multiple occasions during a game, and ended winning by a margin of say 2-6 points, are there to see. Under pressure Widdop has been a great goal kicker. Its not something to be overlooked. Has he missed the occasional sitter, yes, but in general and in big games he has delivered.

 

[TruSaint]

Norman was playing halfback in 2016. He then got caught with some pills and missed the last several weeks of the comp. Parra then got Moses in 2017 and Norman went back to 5/8.

As for Dufty, I want to see him get first crack at the fullback spot too. I would actually play Widdop left centre in place of Lafai, if I was selecting the team.

Widdop at centre ?

 

[avocado]

Over the course of the past few years, where we have chosen to take the 2 points on multiple occasions during a game, and ended winning by a margin of say 2-6 points, are there to see. Under pressure Widdop has been a great goal kicker. Its not something to be overlooked. Has he missed the occasional sitter, yes, but in general and in big games he has delivered.

I’m not saying he’s good or bad as a goalkicker. A goalkicker has a role; to kick goals.
Daryl Halligan was the slowest most ineffective winger ever. But a sharpshooter.

Re electing to go for the 2 early?
I hate that mentality. With a passion.

 

[Drag Queen]

Calm the aggression if you don’t mind. Thanks.

I said Widdop was ok but I blamed the coach for his shortcomings. Saying he won us games because of his goalkicking is nonsense. I’ve also seen us lose games when his kicking game was off but I’d never blame him for a loss because of that.

Righto mate. Whatever blows your hair back.

 

[TruSaint]

I’m not saying he’s good or bad as a goalkicker. A goalkicker has a role; to kick goals.
Daryl Halligan was the slowest most ineffective winger ever. But a sharpshooter.

Re electing to go for the 2 early?
I hate that mentality. With a passion.

Didnt we employ that tactic under Bennett on our way to win a title ?

In fact, I remember the some of the repetitive commentary... " Dragons will take 2 here and just stangle the opposition ". Boring maybe. But effective.

 

[dragonssamy61]

I’ve heard Ravawala has speed and size . Hopefully he’s a dark horse wing option .

Not sure they will drop Dufty and move Widdop. They might even put Norman on wing initially . Will be interesting

Gardenia
He has in the top 2 or 3 in the club for pace.
Expecially over 20 meters.

 

[avocado]

Didnt we employ that tactic under Bennett on our way to win a title ?

In fact, I remember the some of the repetitive commentary... " Dragons will take 2 here and just stangle the opposition ". Boring maybe. But effective.

Yes. It worked under Bennett. It was magical.
But Price and McGregor are not Bennett and our defence hasn’t been the same since 2011

 

[Drag Queen]

Over the course of the past few years, where we have chosen to take the 2 points on multiple occasions during a game, and ended winning by a margin of say 2-6 points, are there to see. Under pressure Widdop has been a great goal kicker. Its not something to be overlooked. Has he missed the occasional sitter, yes, but in general and in big games he has delivered.

You're way more polite than me TS. Widdop has won us many games. He will be missed if he goes to ESL.

 

[avocado]

Righto mate. Whatever blows your hair back.

Seriously man I’m starting to see why people find you irritating.
I expressed an opinion. Accept it or ignore it.

 

[TruSaint]

Yes. It worked under Bennett. It was magical.
But Price and McGregor are not Bennett and our defence hasn’t been the same since 2011

Dont dispute your last sentence, but the strategy does work.

 

[TruSaint]

You're way more polite than me TS. Widdop has won us many games. He will be missed if he goes to ESL.

I rate Widdop highly and agree should he decide to leave in 2020, we will miss him. Played for his country, won a title with Storm, 5/8th of the year if I recall, ... the gap between his good and bad games is very small. Quality player.

 

[Drag Queen]

Seriously man I’m starting to see why people find you irritating.
I expressed an opinion. Accept it or ignore it.

So sorry for voicing my opinion. Accept it or ignore it. I'm not bothered either way. Cheers Xx

 

[Drag Queen]

Calm the aggression if you don’t mind. Thanks.

I said Widdop was ok but I blamed the coach for his shortcomings. Saying he won us games because of his goalkicking is nonsense. I’ve also seen us lose games when his kicking game was off but I’d never blame him for a loss because of that.

???? right mate. Who else is going to kick goals for us? A simple answer will suffice.

 

[Frank Facer]

Widdop at centre ?

That is where I think he would fit into our strongest starting 13. It probably won't happen anyway. I think Widdop will be playing fullback this year.

 

[kit66]

I think he got injured pre origin selection but was definitely in the mix, I just hope you come on board when he helps us towel other sides up this year.

I'll be on board, love my Dragons whoever they be, just think getting Norman was a panic buy when we thought we might lose Widdop for 2019. We needed a top notch winger ( now 2 ) and a solid prop ( now even more so with JDB likely gone ) but we got a guy we'll have trouble fitting into the team, a guy who will likely force someone else out of position or out completely.
He has loads of potential and I wish him all the best, he'll certainly have some quality players around him this year.

 

[TruSaint]

That is where I think he would fit into our strongest starting 13. It probably won't happen anyway. I think Widdop will be playing fullback this year.

Fullback sounds right to me Frank.

 

[kit66]

Hi Kit,

Time will tell re Norman, I agree on that. I think most of us are hopeful that a new club, new environment may bring the best out of him, but where I disagree is your last paragraph.

My opinion on Dufty aside, there is no way Saints bought Corey as a centre, and certainly not a bench player.

He will either be 1 or 6.

Do you really think recruitment said to his manger, " look, we are not really sure where he fits in our squad, he may have to come off the interchange bench, play centre, or if Dufty fails play at fullback ... we will just see how it all pans out... ".

Ditto on my last post - I honestly think he was bought to replace Widdop for 2019 but Widdop then decided to stick around for this year. Now we have to make him fit. I also believe that he is not an upgrade on our current 6 or 1.