What's new
By:
Advanced search…
The Front Row Forums

Register a free account today to become a member of the world's largest Rugby League discussion forum! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Dragons chase Jarryd Hayne

G

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
33,979
Jarryd Hayne may be a great player, but one Dragons star not keen on wantaway Eel
Scott Bailey, AAP
October 20, 2018 6:43am


ST GEORGE Illawarra don’t need Jarryd Hayne to push for next year’s NRL title, according to former Dragons centre Matt Cooper.

The Dragons have been linked with making a play at Hayne this week, who remains unsigned by Parramatta as negotiations continue over his stay. The Dragons wouldn’t publicly comment on speculation when contacted earlier this week, but it remains questionable whether they would have the room within their salary cap to offer a sizeable deal for the two-time Dally M Medallist.



44bd334091b1bcc46257539d3dbdb721

Where would Jarryd Hayne fit in the St George backline in 2019? Picture: Getty Images
Cooper played with Hayne as a youngster at State of Origin level, and while he was unsure if the reports were accurate he didn’t believe there was a need for Hayne in the Dragons’ roster next year.

“If we were to sign him I don’t know where he would play,” Cooper told reporters at the Dragons’ announcement of an NRL game at Mudgee.

“We do have a great side at the moment. As much as he is a great player it would be hard to fit him into the side if we have a healthy side.

“If he signs here that would be great, he’s a great player and leader. But in saying that I think we’ve got the side that can win the comp next year.”

4a2bb3b2988c12ed3ada467f33968333

Former Origin teammates Matt Cooper (L) and Jarryd Hayne (R) with Willie Mason (C). Picture: Gregg Porteous
Hayne, a former fullback, played the majority of last season in the centres for Parramatta before finding form on the wing late in the year. Euan Aitken and Tim Lafai are well established as the Saints’ centres, while coach Paul McGregor must also find a spot for young star Zac Lomax after starring in the first week of this year’s finals.

There could however be room on the wing, following the departures of North Queensland-bound Nene Macdonald and the retiring Jason Nightingale. The Eels have long said they want to keep Hayne, who wanted to wait until the end of the season before making a decision on his future but last week hinted at frustration over the lack of an offer via social media.

Meanwhile the Dragons will play their round-10 match in Mudgee on May 19, with an opponent to be confirmed when the NRL’s draw is released next week.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...l/news-story/ebfd79cc7a4bfcc99c9bfc4367417a91
 
Gareth67

Gareth67

First Grade
Messages
8,746
No doubting Matt Cooper was a tremendous player for the Dragons - N.S.W. and Australia over the years , but geeze Matty , although we have a great forward pack , I really believe that our backs are weak compared to other sides .

There is a definite need of new blood required there , regardless if it is Haynes or whomever , but a player that can truly be relied upon in defense and also attack . It would be a shame to waste an exciting young player such as Lomax with our current backs as I can not see him gaining any knowledge from them .

But Hayne , with him Lomax would learn and become a top flight center , he has shown he is right on the threshold of being someone outstanding , let’s not throttle his chances by playing him with our current pairing of Atkins and Lafai as there is too much to lose .
 
N

nrlnrl

First Grade
Messages
6,879
No
Gareth67 said:
No doubting Matt Cooper was a tremendous player for the Dragons - N.S.W. and Australia over the years , but geeze Matty , although we have a great forward pack , I really believe that our backs are weak compared to other sides .

There is a definite need of new blood required there , regardless if it is Haynes or whomever , but a player that can truly be relied upon in defense and also attack . It would be a shame to waste an exciting young player such as Lomax with our current backs as I can not see him gaining any knowledge from them .

But Hayne , with him Lomax would learn and become a top flight center , he has shown he is right on the threshold of being someone outstanding , let’s not throttle his chances by playing him with our current pairing of Atkins and Lafai as there is too much to lose .
Click to expand...
No need to worry, Jarryd Hayne won't be signing with St George Illawarra.
 
Old Kogarah Boy 1

Old Kogarah Boy 1

First Grade
Messages
5,415
Crush said:
Lol @ matt cooper saying we wouldn't be able to fit Hayne in our backline.
I know where we could fit him!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Any of those positions.
Click to expand...

Coops was a great player for us and he means well but he’s not the sharpest tool in the shed. He’s probably just looking out for the current guys.

Can someone tell the air traffic controllers to bring the Hayne plane in at Kogarah airport.

Paging Hayne to gate 64 ..... last call for the Hayne plane!
 
possm

possm

Coach
Messages
15,873
Gareth67 said:
No doubting Matt Cooper was a tremendous player for the Dragons - N.S.W. and Australia over the years , but geeze Matty , although we have a great forward pack , I really believe that our backs are weak compared to other sides .

There is a definite need of new blood required there , regardless if it is Haynes or whomever , but a player that can truly be relied upon in defense and also attack . It would be a shame to waste an exciting young player such as Lomax with our current backs as I can not see him gaining any knowledge from them .

But Hayne , with him Lomax would learn and become a top flight center , he has shown he is right on the threshold of being someone outstanding , let’s not throttle his chances by playing him with our current pairing of Atkins and Lafai as there is too much to lose .
Click to expand...

In my opinion Dufty although being effective in attack was very poor in defence, had trouble receiving the high ball and was caught out of position many times in season 2018. He is just not ready for first grade at the Dragons. Back to ISP and if he wants, let him go.

Over the past few years, Aitken has been terrible in defence most times. We had a leaky right edge mainly due to his poor reads in defence. We just can't afford to have him at right centre if we plan to win a comp. Drop him to ISP and if he wants out, let him go.

If Mann wants to stay, offering him left centre or left wing. He did very well on the left wing in 2016 and is surely suited to play left centre. Let fitness and form dictate who will be on our wings in 2018 and if Lafai has a poor off-season select Mann in his place with Lafai back to ISP.

With the above changes in mind and if we sign Hayne, I would go for the following back five:

1. Hayne
2. Form left winger in the off-season
3. Lomax
4. Mann
5. Form right winger using the off-season

And for all on here who think Millward is doing well and the restructure of the pathways recruitment division is a good idea and a success, have a good look at the state of our backline and what needs to be done to have it compete with the leading clubs in 2019. Aitken, Lafai and Dufty all should go to ISP, Nightingale played one year too many and Macdonald wanted out. We could do better with the salary cap that Aitken, Lafai and Dufty are using up.

I say drop them to ISP and if they want out, let them go. Have the cleanout we so desperately need.
 
O

ozbuck

Juniors
Messages
464
coastiedragon said:
I couldnt give a shit what coops says has he been watching lafai and aiken over the years hayne lomax centre pairing sounds good to me we want another premiership who gives a shit about his ego pretty sure big james Graham will flog the bloke if steps out of line
Click to expand...

Haha everyone giving coops crap. Read the article again, and read the headline they have for the article. It is absolute BS clickbait.

Coops never once communicates what the heading suggests. All he says is that he thinks the current team can win the title and hayne would find it hard to find a position with our current squad. In fact he said if hayne does sign it would be a great thing!!!!!!!
 
Gareth67

Gareth67

First Grade
Messages
8,746
possm said:
In my opinion Dufty although being effective in attack was very poor in defence, had trouble receiving the high ball and was caught out of position many times in season 2018. He is just not ready for first grade at the Dragons. Back to ISP and if he wants, let him go.

Over the past few years, Aitken has been terrible in defence most times. We had a leaky right edge mainly due to his poor reads in defence. We just can't afford to have him at right centre if we plan to win a comp. Drop him to ISP and if he wants out, let him go.

If Mann wants to stay, offering him left centre or left wing. He did very well on the left wing in 2016 and is surely suited to play left centre. Let fitness and form dictate who will be on our wings in 2018 and if Lafai has a poor off-season select Mann in his place with Lafai back to ISP.

With the above changes in mind and if we sign Hayne, I would go for the following back five:

1. Hayne
2. Form left winger in the off-season
3. Lomax
4. Mann
5. Form right winger using the off-season

And for all on here who think Millward is doing well and the restructure of the pathways recruitment division is a good idea and a success, have a good look at the state of our backline and what needs to be done to have it compete with the leading clubs in 2019. Aitken, Lafai and Dufty all should go to ISP, Nightingale played one year too many and Macdonald wanted out. We could do better with the salary cap that Aitken, Lafai and Dufty are using up.

I say drop them to ISP and if they want out, let them go. Have the cleanout we so desperately need.
Click to expand...

Possum I agree with some points of your post , but not with others . Duffy is a player who imo shall improve extremely well in the next 2years , he needs to be given that time . As to Mann , he did prove to be a most capable winger and one who knew where the try line was when playing in that position .

However it would appear that he shall be heading to the North of the state . Pierera is very good and will take one spot with the other going to perhaps Pearson . I would be axing Atkins and move Lomax into the centers with Lafai and have Hayne at fullback. That puts Duffy on the bench to be brought on towards the end of each half so as to run at will and cause hell to a tiring defensive line .

That i believe would improve our attack enormously and with the addition of Lomax and Hayne ( should he decide to sign ) also the defense , then we would be in with a very good chance of going one step further than we did this year .
 
Last edited:
possm

possm

Coach
Messages
15,873
Gareth67 said:
Possum I agree with some points of your post , but not with others . Duffy is a player who imo shall improve extremely well in the next 2years , he needs to be given that time . As to Mann , he did prove to be a most capable winger and one who knew where the try line was when playing in that position .

However it would appear that he shall be heading to the North of the state . Pierera is very good and will take one spot with the other going to perhaps Pearson . I would be axing Atkins and move Lomax into the centers with Lafai and have Hayne at fullback. That puts Duffy on the bench to be brought on towards the end of each half so as to run at will and cause hell to a tiring defensive line .

That i believe would improve our attack enormously and with the addition of Lomax and Hayne ( should he decide to sign ) also the defense , then we would be in with a very good chance of going one step further than we did this year .
Click to expand...

I don't mind the idea of putting Dufty on the bench, it is certainly an option. However, if Mann does move on, there if still Field and Robson to consider. So:
  1. Are Field and Dufty equal in ability when it comes to attack?
  2. Who is the better defender out of Field and Dufty?
  3. If Mary goes with the power play plan again, should it be Robson who is 17 on the bench. He could relieve De Belin and then move to hooker when De Belin returns to the field giving McInnes a rest.

If we sign Hayne and an additional first grade prop, we would at least have the squad to win a comp. From there on it will be up to Mary's selection process. I think normally it should depend on the opposition we play against from week to week and the fitness of the forwards from round to round.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Top