Dragons v Manly round 6

[Saints Forever]

Competition is very close amongst all the teams.

If we dont play with full concentration and intensity against Manly we will lose.

Only a matchstick between the sides

 

[hewi]

Marty Tapou and Fortuna Blake against Packer, Vaughan, Sims and Au Mau. The stands will rattle the ground shake will be bigger than Ben Hur!!!

 

[BennyV]

So does that mean undefeated until the end of the year and we win the premiership?

I find it hard to expect anything less!

 

[possm]

Without Dugan it will be a much closer game. With Milne at right centre and Mann at fullback, I'd say the Dragons win 20 - 12. If it's the 13 as listed, I'd think it Dragons 20 - 18.

Dragon's weakness will be our defence on the edges.
Manly's weakness will be their defnce up the middle.

Dragon's strength will be the roll-on our pack provides.
Manly's strength will be the speed and creativity of their backline.

 

[Belta]

I agree with Hewi's analogy of the forward battle when he says; "...the stands will rattle the ground will shake..." This is ever so evident in the recent displays Marty Tapau, who, IMO has been the most ferocious forward I've seen in along time. At the other end however are a robotic like Dragons forward pack that lose nothing when the bring on their replacements, their line speed and intensity in both attack and defence has nullified their oppositions and hopefully this weekend will be no different. A JDB front on tackle on a charging Tapau will certainly score highly on the Richter scale

 

[Forster Dragon]

Cracker of a matchup.Toss of the coin but I suspect Manly will burn us out wide and on the edges

 

[smi962]

I think it all depends upon our forwards dominating. Manly have stepped up in this area over the past few week after a poor start.

 

[ALSGI]

Agree that forwards will be the key again and really looking forward to this forward battle more so than any of our past 5 games. I think McInnes has made a massive difference to the way our forwards are going. Hope JDB doesn't think about his 75points too much and Sims fires up.
Hoping Thomo puts on another 3 tries although he has been quietly solid in his work last few weeks.
Also hoping to see more of what McDonald can do now he's had 5 games with us and has got the monkey of his back with his first try, although he's been pretty solid too.

 

[getsmarty]

NRL Preview: Round 6 v Sea Eagles
Thu 6th April, 12:00PM
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Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v St George Illawarra Dragons
Lottoland, Brookvale
Saturday, 3pm

Both teams will head into Round 6 with a three-game winning streak in toe and another huge battle in front of them.

The Sea Eagles left it late to beat the Roosters while the Dragons had no troubles against the Wests Tigers in Round 5 of the NRL Telstra Premiership.

The Dragons will celebrate Euan Aitken's 50th NRL game this weekend upon his return from a hamstring injury. He will replace Josh Dugan who is out for the next fortnight with a hamstring strain of his own.

Jason Nightingale will don the No. 1 jumper and Kurt Mann will shift to the wing as a result.

Hame Sele will make his NRL debut from the interchange, with Jacob Host returning to the Intrust Super Premiership in name of getting extra minutes.

The Sea Eagles will welcome Darcy Lussick (wrist) back into the fold with utility Jackson Hastings returning to coach Trent Barrett's reserves list.

Teams –

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jorge Taufua, 3. Dylan Walker, 4. Brian Kelly, 5. Akuila Uate, 6. Blake Green, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c), 8. Brenton Lawrence, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Frank Winterstein, 12. Curtis Sironen, 13. Jake Trbojevic. Interchange: 14. Lewis Brown, 15. Nate Myles, 16. Darcy Lussick, 17. Addin Fonua-Blake, 18. Jackson Hastings, 20. Matthew Wright, 21. Jarrad Kennedy, 22. Lloyd Perrett.

Dragons: 1. Jason Nightingale, 2. Nene Macdonald, 3. Euan Aitken, 4. Tim Lafai, 5. Kurt Mann, 6. Gareth Widdop (c), 7. Josh McCrone, 8. Russell Packer, 9. Cameron McInnes, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Joel Thompson, 13. Jack de Belin. Interchange: 14. Tariq Sims, 15. Leeson Ah Mau, 16. Hame Sele, 17. Taane Milne, 18. Blake Lawrie 19. Kalifa Faifai Loa, 20. Luciano Leilua, 21. Jacob Host.

Key Match-Up: Nate Myles and Darcy Lussick v Leeson Ah Mau and Tariq Sims –A huge forward battle is expected on Saturday afternoon and the importance of winning the middle extends to those on the interchange. The Sea Eagles have received a huge boost in Lussick's return, with him to complement incumbent Queensland Origin representative Nate Myles. They will contend with Dragons duo Tariq Sims and Leeson Ah Mau who have been holding the fort in the middle-third all year long.

The History: Played 24; Sea Eagles 9, Dragons 15. The Dragons have past four games at Lottoland as they look to make it four wins in a row. The Red V's trouble with Manly has seen them lose four of their past five against their upcoming opponents. The last time they played in Round 17, 2016, the Sea Eagles recorded a 36-6 victory.

Match Officials: Referee: Gavin Badger. Assistant Referee: Chris James. Sideline Officials: Rohan Best and Dave Ryan.

Televised: Fox League – Live coverage from 2:20pm

Radio: ABC and Triple M

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/04/06/nrl_preview_round_6_.html

 

[Life's Good]

Reading through the posts so far and it is great to see a genuinely positive vibe from most. I reckon it is because we are competing at a decent level that shows us the boys are having a dig. This is all we having been asking for and, for now, they have been delivering. Red V in a close one and if not just compete hard.

 

[Saint_JimmyG]

Undoubtedly this will be the Dragons' toughest game of the year so far, and the result will be a barometer of how the side is really going. Hopefully, history doesn't repeat itself and the Red V puts in a much improved performance than last time t Brookvale Oval. From memory, Saints made an 80 metre break from the initial kickoff, which turned out to be the only 'highlight'. It was also the game where Manly's backrower, Jamie Buhrer, outran the entire side over a long distance to score try.

That was annoying, and it illustrated the team's overall slowness.

Dugan's absence will make an impact, and it's disappointing that the 'coach' has adopted a 'safety first' measure by naming Nightingale at fullback. Given Mann played the final 20 minutes there last week, you would think he'd get another opportunity. Alas, that's only one of McGregor many faults as a mentor. I was also hoping the vacancy would see Milne brought into the side somewhere, even at Aitken's expense.

As for the outcome, I really believe it will come down to whether Saints can contain Manly's speedier backs from the opportunities DCE will provide. Shutting him down will be vital. Additionally, McCrone will have to improve dramatically with his tactical kicking if the Dragons are to prevail.

Now, I am a self confessed rugby league purist, and have literally hated the Sea Eagles for the past 40-years. As a result, these clashes mean everything to me.

(Thinks)....please win (by 2).

 

[BennyV]

Undoubtedly this will be the Dragons' toughest game of the year so far, and the result will be a barometer of how the side is really going. Hopefully, history doesn't repeat itself and the Red V puts in a much improved performance than last time t Brookvale Oval. From memory, Saints made an 80 metre break from the initial kickoff, which turned out to be the only 'highlight'. It was also the game where Manly's backrower, Darcy Lussick, outran the entire side over a long distance to score try.

That was annoying, and it illustrated the team's overall slowness.

Dugan's absence will make an impact, and it's disappointing that the 'coach' has adopted a 'safety first' measure by naming Nightingale at fullback. Given Mann played the final 20 minutes there last week, you would think he'd get another opportunity. Alas, that's only one of McGregor many faults as a mentor. I was also hoping the vacancy would see Milne brought into the side somewhere, even at Aitken's expense.

As for the outcome, I really believe it will come down to whether Saints can contain Manly's speedier backs from the opportunities DCE will provide. Shutting him down will be vital. Additionally, McCrone will have to improve dramatically with his tactical kicking if the Dragons are to prevail.

Now, I am a self confessed rugby league purist, and have literally hated the Sea Eagles for the past 40-years. As a result, these clashes mean everything to me.

(Thinks)....please win (by 2).

Was Jamie Buhrer.

 

[MilanDragon]

I'm really interested to see how our attacking game plan goes this week.

As everyone has mentioned it'll be a very tough game.

We've been fortunate last couple of weeks to play teams that have never been strong defensively, helping to build our confidence in attack. Regardless of the result (obviously want the win) we need to attack well, attack with purpose. That more than anything will set us up for the month ahead.

 

[possm]

I'm really interested to see how our attacking game plan goes this week.

As everyone has mentioned it'll be a very tough game.

We've been fortunate last couple of weeks to play teams that have never been strong defensively, helping to build our confidence in attack. Regardless of the result (obviously want the win) we need to attack well, attack with purpose. That more than anything will set us up for the month ahead.

Manly's forwards will be a very good test for ours. Manly's halves and outside backs will be very hard to contain if we are not on song defensively. I believe our best attacking weapon against Manly is not playing this week - Dugan - so we have to come up with something special to put them off their well disciplined game.

For me, the players who could put Manly off are Mann and Widdop. If they can weave some majic, we may be able to match them try for try on the scoreboard, but that is a big IF.

In this matchup we will again rely heavily on our forwards to do a good job. Thompson, Frizell and De Belin need to remain determined in defence and shine in attack for us to come away with a win. If Vaughan and McInnes can continue with the good form they've demonstrated over this season we are in with a good chance of coming away with a win.

Dragons 20, Manly 12

 

[MilanDragon]

Manly's forwards will be a very good test for ours. Manly's halves and outside backs will be very hard to contain if we are not on song defensively. I believe our best attacking weapon against Manly is not playing this week - Dugan - so we have to come up with something special to put them off their well disciplined game.

For me, the players who could put Manly off are Mann and Widdop. If they can weave some majic, we may be able to match them try for try on the scoreboard, but that is a big IF.

In this matchup we will again rely heavily on our forwards to do a good job. Thompson, Frizell and De Belin need to remain determined in defence and shine in attack for us to come away with a win. If Vaughan and McInnes can continue with the good form they've demonstrated over this season we are in with a good chance of coming away with a win.

Dragons 20, Manly 12

Agree with that. Our forwards need to lay a strong platform. Very few halves in the comp are good enough to get the result for their team if the forwards aren't on top. I'm saying that if it's even up front that's where the backs need to come into their own.

We talk about McGregor and if he has improved, this game will give us insight to his mentality and game preparation.

 

[ALSGI]

21 down to 19 named Friday afternoon, no surprises here:

NRL Squad for Round 6 v Manly- Warringah Sea Eagles:

1. Jason Nightingale
2. Nene Macdonald
3. Euan Aitken
4. Tim Lafai
5. Kurt Mann
6. Gareth Widdop (c)
7. Josh McCrone
8. Russell Packer
9. Cameron McInnes
10. Paul Vaughan
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Joel Thompson
13. Jack de Belin
Interchange:
14. Tariq Sims
15. Leeson Ah Mau
16. Hame Sele
17. Taane Milne
19. Kalifa Faifai Loa
21. Jacob Host

Dragons forwards Blake Lawrie and Luciano Leilua will play for Illawarra in the curtain-raiser as a result against Blacktown Workers.

 

[getsmarty]

NRL, NYC Team Updates: Round 6 v Sea Eagles
Fri 7th April, 03:00PM
A A

St George Illawarra Dragons coach Paul McGregor has cut his squad to 19 ahead of Saturday's Round 6 clash against the Sea Eagles at Lottoland.

Dragons forwards Blake Lawrie and Luciano Leilua will play for Illawarra in the curtain-raiser as a result against Blacktown Workers.

Please also note that the Dragons' Holden Cup side will now play at New Era Stadium, Cabramatta on Sunday at 11am.

As a result, the NYC omissions will be listed here from Saturday morning.

NRL Squad for Round 6 v Manly- Warringah Sea Eagles:

1. Jason Nightingale
2. Nene Macdonald
3. Euan Aitken
4. Tim Lafai
5. Kurt Mann
6. Gareth Widdop (c)
7. Josh McCrone
8. Russell Packer
9. Cameron McInnes
10. Paul Vaughan
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Joel Thompson
13. Jack de Belin
Interchange:
14. Tariq Sims
15. Leeson Ah Mau
16. Hame Sele
17. Taane Milne
19. Kalifa Faifai Loa
21. Jacob Host

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/04/07/nrl_nyc_team_updates.html

 

[getsmarty]

Coach's Preview: Round 6 v Sea Eagles
Fri 7th April, 12:00PM
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St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor discusses the Dragons' upcoming Round 6 clash at Lottoland against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles set for Saturday, April 8 at 3pm.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/04/07/coach_s_preview_roun.html

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons hoping for change of luck at Lottoland
Fri 7th April, 01:00PM
A A



Martin Gabor, NRL.com - National Correspondent

Whether you still call it Brookvale or refer to it by its official name, Lottoland is not a happy hunting ground for the St George Illawarra Dragons who will be hoping to end nine years of heartache at the venue on Saturday.

‌The Dragons haven't won at Lottoland since a 20-18 victory in 2008, with the Red V outscored 118-26 in their past four matches at the venue.

Not even the premiership-winning Dragons of 2010 were able to leave the northern beaches with the competition points, humbled 24-6 by a Sea Eagles side that has only allowed one try per game in their near decade of dominance over the Red V.

"It's one of those suburban grounds like a Shark Park or Leichhardt Oval that has a totally different atmosphere compared to the bigger stadiums," Dragons back-rower Tyson Frizell told NRL.com.

"They always play well there and the crowd always lifts them so it's not an easy place for a visiting team to go to."

From dewy surfaces to underwhelming changing rooms, Frizell said the conditions at Lottoland did visiting teams no favours.

"They're not the best but they're a lot better than what they used to be," Frizell said of the sheds.

"They used to be terrible so thankfully they've upgraded them a little bit. They were tiny and there were no lockers in the sheds so we would pretty much sit around in a room and try to do our best.

"Every time I've played there it's been really soft underfoot. But that's the way it is, I guess. You're not going to have your perfect conditions every time so you've got to adapt.

"They've knocked over a few of the top teams fairly convincingly so they're playing really well at the moment. We know we've got our hands full this week."

Frizell said there was no reason to focus on the past as the Dragons aim for their fourth-straight win on the weekend against a Manly side that is riding an identical streak.

"We've simplified our game and we're playing through the middle. We're just trying to do the simple things right like completing sets, running hard, making our tackles and defending well," he said.

"We're doing OK at the moment but there's a long way to go in the year. We want to be consistent throughout 2017, so this weekend will be another good challenge for us to show that."


http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/04/07/dragons_hoping_for_c.html

 

[ALSGI]

Ok, Mary said at his press gig today that we might see Mann at FB from time to time. Good sign imo.

Just need to make sure no one leaks this secret strategy to the enemy camp.