Cagey Mac
Bench
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This mornings Merc says Frank and Nighty are back for the Eels game
Who should be dropped?
Given Benny didnt use Matty Head or Trent Merrin last week, they seem the most likely though Id look seriously at Dan Hunts performance of late. His error rate is far too high and he may need a game or two in NSW cup to get his confidence back.
Id say Saffy to bench or maybe even Frank from the bench depending on his match fitness levels and BMoz to the bench keeping Creagh in the centres but putting Moz on late in the first half when Creagh has a rest. Benny will probably do something completely different.
Moz is still a little suspect in defence IMO and thats why Id bring Nighty back straight away .
Justin Poore to take on Eels
BY TIM BARROW
7/04/2009 4:00:00 AM
Joint NRL competition leaders St George Illawarra have been boosted by the return of star prop Justin Poore for Friday night's clash with Parramatta.
Poore, who fractured his left hand in the Dragons' season opener against Melbourne, will have a final medical check today, but is expected to be named in the team after completing a full training session at WIN Stadium yesterday.
It ends a frustrating run of injuries for Poore, who spent the summer recovering from a dislocated knee cap, which prematurely ended his season last year.
Full coverage of The St George Illawarra Dragons
Poore's return leaves coach Wayne Bennett to ponder the make-up of his interchange bench, with pressure on halfback Mathew Head to retain his place after not receiving any game time against Brisbane last Friday night.
It could also put South African-born forward Jarrod Saffy, who took over Poore's role in the front row, back on the bench.
Saffy said he was comfortable with a positional switch to the second row or bench, declaring his role within the team will not change.
"Not really - I think playing tight in the forwards, our job is pretty similar anyway," he said.
"So I'll be doing the same thing."
While Saffy has been impressive this season, emerging second-rower or lock Matt Prior continues to make a compelling case for selection in the starting line-up, having made 44 tackles in the 25-12 win over the Broncos.
With Poore back, the Dragons are expecting winger Jason Nightingale to be available for the clash with the Eels.
The Dragons are equal with South Sydney, Gold Coast and Brisbane at the top of the ladder with three wins and a loss.
While Parramatta were disappointing in their 24-6 defeat to the Roosters last Friday night, Saffy was wary of the unpredictable Eels.
Saffy believes the match will be a test of the Dragons' ability to back up after Bennett's return to Brisbane last Friday night, the first time the latter had coached against his former club.
"Obviously some weeks you're going to have to put in more effort and make sure you're up for every game," Saffy said.
"It's a long season, that will be our biggest test week in, week out, to make sure we play well."
Who should be dropped?
Given Benny didnt use Matty Head or Trent Merrin last week, they seem the most likely though Id look seriously at Dan Hunts performance of late. His error rate is far too high and he may need a game or two in NSW cup to get his confidence back.
Id say Saffy to bench or maybe even Frank from the bench depending on his match fitness levels and BMoz to the bench keeping Creagh in the centres but putting Moz on late in the first half when Creagh has a rest. Benny will probably do something completely different.
Moz is still a little suspect in defence IMO and thats why Id bring Nighty back straight away .
Justin Poore to take on Eels
BY TIM BARROW
7/04/2009 4:00:00 AM
Joint NRL competition leaders St George Illawarra have been boosted by the return of star prop Justin Poore for Friday night's clash with Parramatta.
Poore, who fractured his left hand in the Dragons' season opener against Melbourne, will have a final medical check today, but is expected to be named in the team after completing a full training session at WIN Stadium yesterday.
It ends a frustrating run of injuries for Poore, who spent the summer recovering from a dislocated knee cap, which prematurely ended his season last year.
Full coverage of The St George Illawarra Dragons
Poore's return leaves coach Wayne Bennett to ponder the make-up of his interchange bench, with pressure on halfback Mathew Head to retain his place after not receiving any game time against Brisbane last Friday night.
It could also put South African-born forward Jarrod Saffy, who took over Poore's role in the front row, back on the bench.
Saffy said he was comfortable with a positional switch to the second row or bench, declaring his role within the team will not change.
"Not really - I think playing tight in the forwards, our job is pretty similar anyway," he said.
"So I'll be doing the same thing."
While Saffy has been impressive this season, emerging second-rower or lock Matt Prior continues to make a compelling case for selection in the starting line-up, having made 44 tackles in the 25-12 win over the Broncos.
With Poore back, the Dragons are expecting winger Jason Nightingale to be available for the clash with the Eels.
The Dragons are equal with South Sydney, Gold Coast and Brisbane at the top of the ladder with three wins and a loss.
While Parramatta were disappointing in their 24-6 defeat to the Roosters last Friday night, Saffy was wary of the unpredictable Eels.
Saffy believes the match will be a test of the Dragons' ability to back up after Bennett's return to Brisbane last Friday night, the first time the latter had coached against his former club.
"Obviously some weeks you're going to have to put in more effort and make sure you're up for every game," Saffy said.
"It's a long season, that will be our biggest test week in, week out, to make sure we play well."
