Finals Week 2 vs Souths

[getsmarty]

MATCH PREVIEW


Rabbitohs v Dragons: Old rivals will draw huge crowd
Author
NRL.com
Timestamp
Sun 9 Sep 2018, 06:35 PM

A mammoth crowd is expected at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night when South Sydney and St George Illawarra, who have two of the biggest supporter bases in the NRL, face off in the Telstra Premiership finals.

The Rabbitohs are bruised and battered after their narrow loss to Melbourne to kick off their playoff campaign while the Dragons are riding high after their surprise win over the Broncos in Brisbane on Sunday after being virtually written off leading into the game due to their lukewarm late-season form.

For the Bunnies, their forward pack will be amped up to cancel out the Dragons with the Burgess brothers - Sam, George and Tom - in red-hot form this season.

St George Illawarra got the better of the Bunnies in their first meeting this year, a 16-12 victory at Kogarah in round five.

The Rabbitohs got their revenge in round 10 with a 24-10 triumph at ANZ Stadium.


Venue: ANZ Stadium

Match broadcasters:

• Nine Network
• Fox League
• LIVE PASS

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Key match-up: Damien Cook v Cameron McInnes. The respective dummy-halves have a history and a rivalry - Damien Cook came through the juniors in the Illawarra before making a go of his NRL career at the Rabbitohs while Cameron McInnes is a Souths product who has hit his straps the past two years after switching to the Dragons. Cook is an attacking dynamo while McInnes gets through a mountain of defensive work and is always a key performer for the Dragons in getting playmakers Ben Hunt and Gareth Widdop opportunities to get their backs into space.

For the Rabbitohs to win: they need to shrug off the disappointment of last Friday's loss to Melbourne. Last year, Parramatta went close to knocking off the Storm and then bombed out of the finals the following week. If the Rabbitohs can't get themselves back up for this game, they could be stung by the Dragons just like Brisbane were in the first round of the playoffs.

For the Dragons to win: they can't listen to the outside noise - they were underdogs against Brisbane but played like raging hot favourites. They will be given little chance against Souths but coach Paul McGregor won't care about the bookmakers' odds - he will be focused on instilling belief in his players that they can continue to silence their critics.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v St George Illawarra Dragons, ANZ Stadium: 7.50pm on Saturday

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/09/09/rabbitohs-v-dragons-old-rivals-will-draw-huge-crowd/

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


De Belin confident he can shake off ankle injury again
Author
Michael Chammas Chief Reporter
Timestamp
Sun 9 Sep 2018, 08:24 PM

Injured Dragons forward Jack de Belin has rated himself more than a 50 per cent chance of playing in next Saturday’s semi final showdown against South Sydney.

De Belin, who came into the match under an injury cloud with an ankle problem, failed to finish the match after aggravating it in the second half of Sunday’s win against the Brisbane Broncos.

The Dragons will be sweating on his fitness given they’ve already lost skipper Gareth Widdop to a dislocated shoulder, while prop James Graham is expected to be given the green light to return from a concussion.

De Belin was in a moonboot and walking with the assistance of crutches as the Dragons made their way back to Sydney on Sunday night, but hasn’t given up hope of getting himself right for the clash against the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium.

"I’d rate it above 50 [per cent] for sure," De Belin said after the game.

"I feel it was a lot better than what it was this time last week. It’s just one of those things. If it was early in the year I’d definitely be off for a couple of weeks.

"But when it’s finals it’s do-or-die and you want to do everything you can to get it right. If I’m not training all week and just on ice I’m good with that."

Match Highlights: Broncos v Dragons - Week 1 Finals, 2018

De Belin didn’t train all week in a bid to get himself right for the match against the Broncos. He received treatment throughout the match to ensure he could continue through the pain.

"Even just from last week when I did it I didn’t know the extent of how bad it was, but it was pretty painful," he said.

"I knew last week when it went cold I was pretty much done. All week we knew the plan was to keep it in the boot, ice the s--- out of it and don’t do anything all week before the game and go for as long as I can.

"I wanted to play a full 80 and we were riding high. I felt fine to be honest. I was feeling really good, but it go to a point where I tweaked it again. To be honest I probably could have hobbled along again and got it warm again, but there was no point at that stage. Just get off and get it right for next week."

De Belin was originally diagnosed with grade-two syndesmosis, an injury that usually keeps players out for up to six weeks, but returned in just eight days.

"The physios were very positive," he said. "I had an original scan and I had heaps of screws and plates in my ankle which distorted the scans. They only thought it was a grade one and I had to get follow-ups and it was worse than expected, a grade two.

"That’s when I was like, ‘oh s---’. As soon as I did it I heard a massive snap. I didn’t know which way it wasn’t going to go, but the physios were pretty positive."

Sims gets a first half hat-trick!


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/09/09/de-belin-confident-he-can-shake-off-ankle-injury-again/

 

[getsmarty]

NRL finals casualty ward: Widdop no chance for Rabbitohs clash; Sharks’ Wade Graham suffers ACL tear
League

• September 9, 2018 7:15pm
• by AAP with staff writers
• Source: AAP

Gareth Widdop is no chance to play the Rabbitohs.Source: Getty Images
THE Dragons will be without Gareth Widdop for their crucial clash with the Rabbitohs next week, according to Paul McGregor.

Widdop suffered a repeat of his dislocated shoulder against the Broncos and his coach gave him no chance of playing against the Rabbitohs.

“Gareth, definitely not. His shoulder went in after the siren,” McGregor said.

“After I went downstairs after the bell had gone, he’d been off the field for a very long time, and his shoulder was still out. He’s no chance next week.”

It was better news for Jack De Belin and James Graham, after they went off with ankle and concussion issues respectively.

“Jack looks like he’ll be okay,” McGregor said.

“He’s in a better position this time than he was last week.

“James Graham is alright. He knows who is, that’s the main thing … he’ll be fine next week.”


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/cr...m/news-story/9b89d56a31a380aa0f10ec5fe8dc08fb

 

[getsmarty]

‘He’s a phenomenal player’: Tariq Sims in awe of Gareth Widdop’s tough as nails replacement Kurt Mann
Dragons

• September 9, 2018 8:56pm
• by Pam Whaley
• Source: FOX SPORTS

Kurt Mann will be the man to replace Gareth Widdop. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
DRAGONS enforcer Tariq Sims is in awe of unassuming utility Kurt Mann.

Mann has been the Mr Fix It at the Dragons for a few years now, playing everything from fullback to centre and switching into the halves.

After missing out on a starting spot in the centres through injury at the beginning of the season, the 25-year-old has found himself a spot on the bench, switching into lock for Jack de Belin despite his smaller frame.



Finals Week 1

Dragons press conference

7:11
But now he’s staring down the barrel of replacing injured Dragons five-eighth Gareth Widdop in the biggest game of the season against South Sydney on Saturday.

Sims says Mann has a special x-factor, not unlike his Blues team-mate and fellow semi-finalist, Tyrone Peachey.

“He’s tackling blokes who are 60kgs heavier than him so you have to try and put yourself in his shoes and think about someone charging towards you at full speed who is 50 plus kilos heavier than you, that’s daunting,” Sims says.


“He doesn’t bat an eyelid. As a teammate, that stiffens the spine for the rest of us players.

“He’s a phenomenal player. He reminds me of [Tyrone] Peachey.

If you wanted him to play prop he’d roll his sleeves up and have a crack. He’s just one of those players we’re very lucky to have. He’s been so consistent for us this year.”

Dragons finish in style

0:33
Even if his positions have not been.

For the past three weeks Mann has filled in for Widdop, who has been nursing a dislocated shoulder and was unlucky enough to re-injure it in the Dragons’ 48-18 win over the Broncos on Sunday. It’s unlikely he’ll play again this year.

Those three games are all that Mann has up his sleeve as he’ll prepare to face the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, but he’s confident he can get the job done if selected.

It’s what he does.

“I knew straight away as soon as ‘Gaz’ went down. I was playing lock at the time and as soon as he went down I knew what my job was,” Mann says.

“I’ve played front row and a few other positions too. I tend to get chucked around a bit because I can play a few roles.

“I’ve played five-eighth the past few weeks, so nothing has really changed. I’ve played there the past three games there so I’m comfortable with it.”

“[coach Paul McGregor] has showed a lot of faith in me over the past few weeks and times before that so if he’s confident to play me in the front row sometimes, my body shape definitely doesn’t suit a front rower.

“For him to be confident enough for me to do that definitely shows me that he has a lot of faith in me. If he gives me the five-eighth job I’ll take it with both hands.”


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...n/news-story/5f1efdcbda8b14b37bac07929c402fc6

 

[muzby]

I hope we smash souffs..

Would love nothing more than to finish their season.

Of course, if they beat us it just gives me more reason to hate them..

 

[giboz71]

The big crowd will help us. Seems a few of the lads play their best footy on the big stage. I hope they get over 50,000 there.

Our last 2 wins were against packed hostile home crowds (Newy and Brisbane). We smashed the Roosters on Anzac Day and the Storm at a packed Kogarah, all huge occasions.

JDB, Friz, Tariq and Hunt will call on their Origin experience.

We’re underdogs again but we’re a big chance.

 

[Mickthedragon]

I hope the media writes them off again all week. That seemed to lift the boys big time yesterday.

 

[Mickthedragon]

Has anyone been sent the members email for ticket pre sale yet?
It was meant to be sent at 0930 and i havn't got it.

 

[Ace-STi]

Yep got my email

 

[This Year?]

If you are a Saints fan and can get to this game it would be outstanding. I will be going with a Warriors supporter and 2 Tiger supporting mates. I still can't believe what happened yesterday and this upcoming game is going to be huge!

Go you dragons!

 

[Slippery Morris]

Mann is a must for 5/8 with Widdop gone. With Hunt getting his mojo back it will be a different halves partnership now and Mann will be greater for it.

 

[jargan83]

If you are a Saints fan and can get to this game it would be outstanding. I will be going with a Warriors supporter and 2 Tiger supporting mates. I still can't believe what happened yesterday and this upcoming game is going to be huge!

Go you dragons!

Contemplating flying across from Perth for the upcoming weekend.

Will cost me an arm and a leg but I think I lost my common sense after belting the Broncos yesterday.

 

[Mickthedragon]

All good now. Got the email with password and tix purchased.
Can't wait for this one.

 

[Old Kogarah Boy 1]

NRL finals casualty ward: Widdop no chance for Rabbitohs clash; Sharks’ Wade Graham suffers ACL tear
League

• September 9, 2018 7:15pm
• by AAP with staff writers
• Source: AAP

Gareth Widdop is no chance to play the Rabbitohs.Source: Getty Images
THE Dragons will be without Gareth Widdop for their crucial clash with the Rabbitohs next week, according to Paul McGregor.

Widdop suffered a repeat of his dislocated shoulder against the Broncos and his coach gave him no chance of playing against the Rabbitohs.

“Gareth, definitely not. His shoulder went in after the siren,” McGregor said.

“After I went downstairs after the bell had gone, he’d been off the field for a very long time, and his shoulder was still out. He’s no chance next week.”

It was better news for Jack De Belin and James Graham, after they went off with ankle and concussion issues respectively.

“Jack looks like he’ll be okay,” McGregor said.

“He’s in a better position this time than he was last week.

“James Graham is alright. He knows who is, that’s the main thing … he’ll be fine next week.”


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/cr...m/news-story/9b89d56a31a380aa0f10ec5fe8dc08fb

Rubbish!

A bit of No More Gaps and some Gaffer tape and he should be apples!

 

[This Year?]

Contemplating flying across from Perth for the upcoming weekend.

Will cost me an arm and a leg but I think I lost my common sense after belting the Broncos yesterday.

It will be worth every cent. Don't even think about it.

 

[ozbuck]

Euan to be available. Pick him or not?

 

[BLM01]

Euan to be available. Pick him or not?

No. Mann for Widdop thats all. I'm OK with Mann I know he is not as a silky touch as Widdop but takes the line on. Lomax can be a good goal kicker

 

[giboz71]

Euan to be available. Pick him or not?

Can’t drop Lomax now. The kid is the real deal.

Mann will replace Widdop so it will likely be a toss up between Aitken and Field for the 17 jumper.

I’d be picking Aitken against the Souths pack as he can play a running forward role and fill in the backs if required.

Bench: Latimore, Lawrie, Leilua, Aitken

 

[ozbuck]

Can’t drop Lomax now. The kid is the real deal.

Mann will replace Widdop so it will likely be a toss up between Aitken and Field for the 17 jumper.

I’d be picking Aitken against the Souths pack as he can play a running forward role and fill in the backs if required.

Bench: Latimore, Lawrie, Leilua, Aitken

Good thinking.

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons' Widdop faces shoulder surgery

• 
  
  Gareth Widdop re-injured his shoulder in the Dragons' 48-18 thrashing of the Broncos.
• 
  
• He may look set for shoulder surgery but skipper Gareth Widdop has been backed to help St George Illawarra continue their giant-killing NRL finals run.
  
  England international Widdop looks set to play no further part in the Dragons' campaign after he re-injured his shoulder in Sunday's shock 48-18 NRL elimination final romp over Brisbane.
  
  Dragons high performance boss Nathan Pickworth admitted a shoulder reconstruction was likely for the Englishman this week.
  
  "He will have follow up scans and more than likely going to surgery as soon as possible," he told the Dragons website.
  
  But Dragons coach Paul McGregor insists Widdop will still play a key support role as the joint venture dares to dream of another upset in Saturday's semi-final clash with South Sydney.
  
  Widdop looks set to be a calming influence on maligned halfback Ben Hunt as the Dragons try to keep their surprise finals run going.
  
  "He's in a lot of pain but he will do everything he can to help the team win next week, even though he won't be on the footy field," McGregor said.
  
  The coach hailed Widdop for simply taking the field after nursing the shoulder injury on the sidelines for the past three weeks.
  
  The five-eighth endured almost an hour of pain as physios tried to pop his shoulder back in after he re-injured the joint in a 55th-minute tackle.
  
  "His shoulder didn't go in until after the siren," McGregor said.
  
  "When I went downstairs after the bell had gone and he'd been off the field for a very long time, his shoulder was still out."
  
  Pickworth defended the Dragons fielding Widdop with a vulnerable shoulder.
  
  "Gaz did really well to get himself up for this game. He worked very hard on his shoulder to get it as good as it could be," he said.
  
  "Unfortunately it just couldn't take the full 80 minutes."
  
  The Dragons appeared to pay a high price for their first finals win since they claimed the 2010 premiership, with NSW lock Jack de Belin (ankle) and England prop James Graham (concussion) also failing to finish.
  
  However, Pickworth sounded confident both would play the Rabbitohs despite de Belin again being relegated to a moon boot.
  
  Battling ankle syndesmosis, de Belin started for the Dragons against the Broncos after spending the week on crutches, with just a light run on Friday.
  
  Pickworth backed de Belin to do it all again after playing down the NSW lock's aggravated complaint.
  
  "The moment that he had out there may not be as bad as you might think," he said.
  
  The Dragons are keeping their fingers crossed that inspirational front-rower Graham will pass concussion protocols this week.
  
  Australian Associated Press

https://www.theleader.com.au/story/5636702/dragons-widdop-faces-shoulder-surgery/?cs=13068