Dragons statement: Player breach

[Gardenia]

So the punishments handed out and now time for evaluation.

Firstly, would have to say the Ryan Webb is proving to be an elite CEO (imo), not afraid to get in and get dirty when the need arises, acts swiftly and concisely and gives clear answers to questions at all levels. He has handled so many issues since his tenure started, inc: McGregor, fan base, the DeBelin incident, sponsorship, COVID mk1, Dufty/Norman, COVID mk2 and now this. All within his first, what, 18months on the job. We are lucky to have him, believe me!

Next, the environment within the Dragons has been toxic for a while now. It was started with the "mate" approach, that soon turned into the players believing they were above the Club, the team and the fans. Self-entitlement, laissez faire leadership lead to players doing basically what they wanted, playing the same way. The attitude became 'yeah, whatever!" and if you weren't on board with the coaching staff "mate" approach, you weren't on board at all. The Club, especially the CEO and new coaching team identified this very early and has been steering the ship on a new course since. The self-entitled, have already been identified and plans in place to remove them. Players brought in, whilst not your elite, and some definitely arguably past their "best", are direction changing players, attitude changing players.

Vaughan. Was already walking the tightrope. As eluded by a few there were rumours we were trying to offload him in a player swap. with now 3 high level indiscretions, attitude and general persona, this latest incident was the perfect catalyst to move on him. Good player (at times), but was a very poor example for younger players. For one, I'm glad he's gone.

Dufty and Norman, were identified early also (refer Vaughan comment above), hence they've already been told they won't be re-signed. Hook was tempted to hang on to Norman, only for the belief both Amone and Sullivan, who missed most of 2020, would need more time. That hand has now been dealt. Realising only 8 normal round games left, the hole to replace them now would have been too great a burden on the team.

Debelin, hard to believe he'd be out 'partying' so soon after his court case. Not surprised we didn't sack him though. However, his 'string' would have a few frays in it already, and he still has 3-4yrs to stop it fraying any further.

The others are just Lemmings, followers of the pack. I seriously doubt Alvaro, Ellis, Beale et al, are vocal leaders within the Club. Dumb as a box of rocks, for sure, being swayed by the "leaders" for sure. Obviously, can't say for sure but I can imagine the word 'bubble" was used to get them there.

Overall, the Club imposed fines and sanctions were just about as expected and appropriate. I hope, when the "community based service" is able to be done (post lockdown I imagine), they are forced to endure some hardship the 'normal' folk are having to during this time.

I hope we can all move on now, let this run its course over the next couple of days, and then get on with the plans for the Manly game. How they split the NRL based sanctions, will be a real task for Hook, as I believe, like him and a few others, our chances of playing finals is still alive. Hopefully, this incident will now bind the playing group closer together, with the guilty parties having to prove themselves even more.

Agree with most of this but the bit about the others being lemmings and followers swayed by the leaders . They are grown adults and old enough to know right from wrong and take responsibility for their actions.

 

[blacksafake]

Hope not I would rather go without

Oh I totally agree.
Just thought If the club is looking for a prop to replace him he’s probably the only experience one possibly available.

 

[redv13]

Ryan Webb . No bullshit CEO. Fantastic leadership in very ordinary circumstances.
Also credit to Hook, putting his balls on the line nice and quickly and dealing head on with this train wreck. Well done to both.

 

[Pezz70]

What a media blow up, these blokes did the wrong thing, and told fibs, but realistically these guys play and train together 4 or 5 days a week. They were together in a private home, not a public place, they were no more a threat of spreading or contracting covid , than they would be at training it’s a complete blow up in my eyes

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

Hadley is a flog

 

[BIG RIG]

Let’s just hope that everything is now over and that the reports of non bubble members being their are false

If that is true we have no choice but to forfeit

 

[BestHookerRein]

What a media blow up, these blokes did the wrong thing, and told fibs, but realistically these guys play and train together 4 or 5 days a week. They were together in a private home, not a public place, they were no more a threat of spreading or contracting covid , than they would be at training it’s a complete blow up in my eyes

Yeah, but it was his second indiscretion with a Covid incident. I reckon if I was found out by my boss to have broken State, as well as the rules put in place by my higher ups, like the NRL have, I’d be fired from my job too.

But you keep those Red and White Goggles on, champ.

 

[blacksafake]

NRL 360 panel giving it to us deluxe. Hadley fuming, others calling for JDB to be more harshly sanctioned. Reiterated the others at the party story with supposedly further police investigation underway.sounds like this horro show is a long way from over… bloody hell

Don’t tend to watch that crap & especially now the workplace bully is on there.
Those morons will milk this for as much as they can so that they can while they can.
Don’t be surprised if they drag an old school friend up in order to add fuel to the fire.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Now how is this for take on culture? And I do realise this is from a press release and clearly the best picture is always painted but have a look at the quotes of today attributed to James Fisher-Harris on his resigning for four years with The Panthers:

“This club feels like home. Panthers took me in and I’ve grown up here. I’m surrounded by familiar faces I’ve come through the grades with. My family loves it here. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.

“It’s every players dream to stay at one club for a long time. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to do it at a club like this.

“Now it’s my turn to do my job, put the team first and do everything I can to repay the faith the club has shown in me.”

“This contract extension is a significant part of what we aim to achieve at Panthers,” Panthers General Manager Rugby League Matt Cameron said.

“When a young player comes into our system, our aim is much more than simply turning him into a first grade footballer. Every day we strive to help him grow into a man that his family, our club and our community can all be proud of. James epitomises every aspect of that goal.

Oh to have some of that in our Club!

I’d like to have their scriptwriters at the tigers!

 

[Pezz70]

Yeah, but it was his second indiscretion with a Covid incident. I reckon if I was found out by my boss to have broken State, as well as the rules put in place by my higher ups, like the NRL have, I’d be fired from my job too.

But you keep those Red and White Goggles on, champ.

Don’t insult me bro, I’m not a Dragons fan. All true but let the police give them their fines and get on with the footy. Different story if they find that there were any outsiders there though.

 

[BestHookerRein]

Don’t insult me bro, I’m not a Dragons fan. All true but let the police give them their fines and get on with the footy.

My apologies…. I’m used to most people who are defending them being One Eyed supporters.

I still don’t agree with you though.

 

[BLM01]

No mate. He brought the game into disrepute. Anyone who is being charged for a crime where the maximum penalty is greater than 5 years, regardless if they are innocent or guilty are stood down. If that’s not bringing the game into disrepute, then what is. He was out for 2 years, the dragons were paying his contract and stood by him. Then he goes and does this. I wouldn’t have been surprised if he was sacked.

Yes and JDB has paid his penalty for that
Well the club or NRL did not deem it fit to sack him who would be privy of all or more info
Why do then people still think he should of been sacked. Is it tall poppy syndrome?
If this latest thing bought the game into disrepute then 13 or more were guilty of that

 

[carltonsouth79]

Don’t tend to watch that crap & especially now the workplace bully is on there.
Those morons will milk this for as much as they can so that they can while they can.
Don’t be surprised if they drag an old school friend up in order to add fuel to the fire.

I agree, much less likeable with the people’s champion on the panel. It’s definitely a feeding frenzy at the moment. Vaughan looked gutted and so he should.They certainly haven’t let go of JDB’s past. Interesting that Jammer, while not defending he players said these things can get out of control quickly and players often don’t understand consequences until it happens to them. Benji more of the view that senior players should have stood up to at least voice their disapproval if not prevent it. Whatever emerges this will be a significant Incident for a long while for us.

 

[Gareth67]

I know there all the players involved are idiots but if I could seriously head Hunt each one of these so called journos and give them a backhand I would gladly do so starting with that old flog Buzz

I will come with you B.R. the pack of screaming bitches need to be burned in oil for mine . Listening to them you would be excused for thinking that they have never committed a sin in their lives . Bastards probably all use 10 ply toilet paper as well .

 

[SaintPauli]

Sorry, but being embarrassed to be a Dragon's fan just doesnt sit well with me. Been a proud red v fan for nearly 60 years now, and always will be. I still wear my Dragons polos etc at least once every week. Disappointed in the current mob, and many times disappointed throughout those 60 years. If anyone has a dig at me when seeing me wearing my supporter gear, I have a laugh with them. If ever anyone feels embarrassed, imagine how much more embarrassing it would be to say you were a Sharks fan, or Tigers etc. If it hurts you so bad, why not jump on the Storm bandwagon, or Rabbitohs, or Panthers? Most clubs go through pitfalls, or golden eras. I will ride this one out like I have countless other times. But my polos are washed, ironed, and hanging in my wardrobe for me to wear out loud and proud again this weekend.

I will always support this team too, however I will be peeved over the next 4 games when I know we are under strength because of the players selfishness acts. My membership just is not as valuable this season as of this moment. I feel ripped off!

 

[carltonsouth79]

Vaughan is a great player had a blinder last game . So he is sacked now leaving a hole and it’s the fans that suffer thanks Vaughan!

Outside of the punishment Vaughan leaves a huge hole for us the rest of the year. Young blocker is gutsy but too often dominated by defences. Vaughan always a difficult player to tackle and a good meter eater. Mollo is 2022 and I notice he hasn’t been setting the world on fire and has been dropped from the Maroons side.
We really don’t have another big prop to call on I fear. I think we need to go all out for TPJ with an immediate release from the Donkeys if they will have it

 

[R&WTILLIDIE]

Yes and JDB has paid his penalty for that
Well the club or NRL did not deem it fit to sack him who would be privy of all or more info
Why do then people still think he should of been sacked. Is it tall poppy syndrome?
If this latest thing bought the game into disrepute then 13 or more were guilty of that

Maybe because it’s his second indiscretion compared to the other players first? I’m pretty sure the club paid more for his first indiscretion as they were forced to fork out cash for 2 years to a player who didn’t play a game, and they couldn’t go out and get anyone else because he was under their salary cap. Then he goes out and does this. If he was sacked, I wouldn’t have been shocked. Is that tall poppy syndrome mate?

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

Outside of the punishment Vaughan leaves a huge hole for us the rest of the year. Young blocker is gutsy but too often dominated by defences. Vaughan always a difficult player to tackle and a good meter eater. Mollo is 2022 and I notice he hasn’t been setting the world on fire and has been dropped from the Maroons side.
We really don’t have another big prop to call on I fear. I think we need to go all out for TPJ with an immediate release from the Donkeys if they will have it

We won’t be signing TPJ https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.abc.net.au/article/12551056

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

T

Maybe because it’s his second indiscretion compared to the other players first? I’m pretty sure the club paid more for his first indiscretion as they were forced to fork out cash for 2 years to a player who didn’t play a game, and they couldn’t go out and get anyone else because he was under their salary cap. Then he goes out and does this. If he was sacked, I wouldn’t have been shocked. Is that tall poppy syndrome mate?

Third indiscretion by all accounts.

 

[Dragon David]

So the punishments handed out and now time for evaluation.

Firstly, would have to say the Ryan Webb is proving to be an elite CEO (imo), not afraid to get in and get dirty when the need arises, acts swiftly and concisely and gives clear answers to questions at all levels. He has handled so many issues since his tenure started, inc: McGregor, fan base, the DeBelin incident, sponsorship, COVID mk1, Dufty/Norman, COVID mk2 and now this. All within his first, what, 18months on the job. We are lucky to have him, believe me!

Next, the environment within the Dragons has been toxic for a while now. It was started with the "mate" approach, that soon turned into the players believing they were above the Club, the team and the fans. Self-entitlement, laissez faire leadership lead to players doing basically what they wanted, playing the same way. The attitude became 'yeah, whatever!" and if you weren't on board with the coaching staff "mate" approach, you weren't on board at all. The Club, especially the CEO and new coaching team identified this very early and has been steering the ship on a new course since. The self-entitled, have already been identified and plans in place to remove them. Players brought in, whilst not your elite, and some definitely arguably past their "best", are direction changing players, attitude changing players.

Vaughan. Was already walking the tightrope. As eluded by a few there were rumours we were trying to offload him in a player swap. with now 3 high level indiscretions, attitude and general persona, this latest incident was the perfect catalyst to move on him. Good player (at times), but was a very poor example for younger players. For one, I'm glad he's gone.

Dufty and Norman, were identified early also (refer Vaughan comment above), hence they've already been told they won't be re-signed. Hook was tempted to hang on to Norman, only for the belief both Amone and Sullivan, who missed most of 2020, would need more time. That hand has now been dealt. Realising only 8 normal round games left, the hole to replace them now would have been too great a burden on the team.

Debelin, hard to believe he'd be out 'partying' so soon after his court case. Not surprised we didn't sack him though. However, his 'string' would have a few frays in it already, and he still has 3-4yrs to stop it fraying any further.

The others are just Lemmings, followers of the pack. I seriously doubt Alvaro, Ellis, Beale et al, are vocal leaders within the Club. Dumb as a box of rocks, for sure, being swayed by the "leaders" for sure. Obviously, can't say for sure but I can imagine the word 'bubble" was used to get them there.

Overall, the Club imposed fines and sanctions were just about as expected and appropriate. I hope, when the "community based service" is able to be done (post lockdown I imagine), they are forced to endure some hardship the 'normal' folk are having to during this time.

I hope we can all move on now, let this run its course over the next couple of days, and then get on with the plans for the Manly game. How they split the NRL based sanctions, will be a real task for Hook, as I believe, like him and a few others, our chances of playing finals is still alive. Hopefully, this incident will now bind the playing group closer together, with the guilty parties having to prove themselves even more.

Nicely put Dragonslayer. Thanks.

Yes, the "deliberate" organising of this get together in Vaughan's house has been right through the mill via media, NRL and Club Officials with a contract terminated, suspensions instituted and fines imposed and we should now allow the matter to run its course just a tad longer and then we move on.

Hook and his able assistants as well as Haran will need to work out an agenda as to who will be suspended and who will play against the Sea Eagles and so on until the sanctions imposed have been cleared in the next few weeks.

Whomever they select, we will have to accept and wish them all the luck and try and get us back on track for the remaining games.

We as a club will be under a very high powered microscope from all and sundry from now on so we need to be squeaky clean. Unfortunately, we will certainly be remembered for a long while for what these players have done.

Keep the faith all.