Gameday dragons v cowboys

[j0nesy]

The decision with Mann catching the ball clean and then a drop out called pathetic.

Mann tries to get to his feet and his pushed down and its a knock on pathetic.

The so called high tackle penalty on Ah Mau pathetic.

The penalty for the cowboys when whoever it was just didn't play the ball correctly pathetic.

The penalty on Frizzel for a high tackle pathetic.

All in all Perenara isn't a refs arsehole.

He was looking to even out the penalty count. Hard to take because cows (particularly 12) were offside most of the game, laying in the ruck. Our forwards were absolutely dominating them and those were the only tactics they had.

Having said that, the Cows have some great little backs. I'm impressed with Ponga, he got belted a lot and just kept getting up and giving his all. Wasn't his best game, but he did a couple of good things and showed some heart.

 

[getsmarty]

Interesting comment on the footy show by Fittler. "When DeBelin came off the score was 28 - 4 when he came back on it was 28 - 20 " I have also noticed that when Vaughan and Packer come off we lose a lot of intensity and go forward. We may need to sign another Big Bopper to cover the rotation for next year.

P.S well done to the boys and the coaching staff for getting the win.

 

[thebigredv]

Interesting comment on the footy show by Fittler. "When DeBelin came off the score was 28 - 4 when he came back on it was 28 - 20 " I have also noticed that when Vaughan and Packer come off we lose a lot of intensity and go forward. We may need to sign another Big Bopper to cover the rotation for next year.

P.S well done to the boys and the coaching staff for getting the win.

What's the status on Mose Masoe??

 

[slippery5]

What's the status on Mose Masoe??

Unfortunatly he's crap,

 

[Saint_JimmyG]

The decision with Mann catching the ball clean and then a drop out called pathetic.

Mann tries to get to his feet and his pushed down and its a knock on pathetic.

The so called high tackle penalty on Ah Mau pathetic.

The penalty for the cowboys when whoever it was just didn't play the ball correctly pathetic.

The penalty on Frizzel for a high tackle pathetic.

All in all Perenara isn't a refs arsehole.

What I couldn't fathom why the Fox Sports commentators said it was a line dropout when the North Queensland player touched the ball first.

Then again, those fools showed they're blind as bats following last week's 'controversy' involving Nightingale and DCE.

 

[Red V for life]

What I couldn't fathom why the Fox Sports commentators said it was a line dropout when the North Queensland player touched the ball first.

Then again, those fools showed they're blind as bats following last week's 'controversy' involving Nightingale and DCE.

Agreed.

And I thought the bunker could rule on things like that.

 

[Blood Shot Eyes]

He was looking to even out the penalty count. Hard to take because cows (particularly 12) were offside most of the game, laying in the ruck. Our forwards were absolutely dominating them and those were the only tactics they had.

Having said that, the Cows have some great little backs. I'm impressed with Ponga, he got belted a lot and just kept getting up and giving his all. Wasn't his best game, but he did a couple of good things and showed some heart.

Ponga reminds me

Agreed.

And I thought the bunker could rule on things like that.

Wouldn't matter if they could ...with The General in the chair we wouldn't get many favours

 

[kit66]

Interesting comment on the footy show by Fittler. "When DeBelin came off the score was 28 - 4 when he came back on it was 28 - 20 " I have also noticed that when Vaughan and Packer come off we lose a lot of intensity and go forward. We may need to sign another Big Bopper to cover the rotation for next year.

P.S well done to the boys and the coaching staff for getting the win.

I've been thinking this for a while, only it's a shame we don't have one this year. I thought maybe Masoe could fill that role but as someone pointed out already, he's pooh. Ah Mau is doing great off the bench with powerful runs and good defence and Sims defence is helpful although he's not bending the line at all in attack (he needs to get angry ). Our other options, Host, Sele etc aren't having much impact or even sustaining the momentum our starters have given us and neither of those boys get quick play the balls - getting dominated and rolled over in the tackle. We're missing just one real impact forward off the bench to keep things rolling along. With all the player movement at the moment maybe there's one floating around, I don't know who though.Or maybe Matthews can come back and do a Lafai and surprise everyone - he's big enough, has potential and a nice off load.

Gutsy win btw, we let it slip in the 2nd half but still managed to hold on for an important win plus had the benefit of scaring us out of any future complacency you'd think.

 

[possm]

I've been thinking this for a while, only it's a shame we don't have one this year. I thought maybe Masoe could fill that role but as someone pointed out already, he's pooh. Ah Mau is doing great off the bench with powerful runs and good defence and Sims defence is helpful although he's not bending the line at all in attack (he needs to get angry ). Our other options, Host, Sele etc aren't having much impact or even sustaining the momentum our starters have given us and neither of those boys get quick play the balls - getting dominated and rolled over in the tackle. We're missing just one real impact forward off the bench to keep things rolling along. With all the player movement at the moment maybe there's one floating around, I don't know who though.Or maybe Matthews can come back and do a Lafai and surprise everyone - he's big enough, has potential and a nice off load.

Gutsy win btw, we let it slip in the 2nd half but still managed to hold on for an important win plus had the benefit of scaring us out of any future complacency you'd think.

It seems we are having trouble signing the players we have right now let alone players from other Clubs. Once the Dugan, Widdop, Packer, Lafai and Mann signings are sorted out, we will be in a position to know.

My suggestion is that it is time to bring young prop Kerr onto the bench. He has shown improvement each week in reserve grade and is big, strong and talented. I think he will make a good impression giving us some extra size and vigour in defence.

 

[ALSGI]

Possm,

Agree about Kerr. Host and Sele have both had some time and have both been good imo and the team will be better for it come SOO. I think we'll lose at least 2 forwards (Frizz and Vaughan) possibly JDB as well so Kerr would be a timely addition to the rotation.

 

[getsmarty]

Win over Cowboys a learning curve: McGregor
Sun 16 Apr, 2017, 7:47am
By Alicia Newton‌, National Correspondent‌‌, ‌‌‌NRL.com

Six wins from their opening seven games has the St George Illawarra Dragons sitting on top of the Telstra Premiership ladder and coach Paul McGregor couldn't be prouder.

‌

Rnd 7: Sat 15 Apr 2017, 7:30pm, WIN Stadium
#NRLDragonsCowboys


St George Illawarra Dragons
28
$12.00
Full Time
North Queensland Cowboys
22


‌While many rugby league fans know competitions aren’t won in April, the Dragons have had to overcome criticism by even their own supporters during the off-season, particularly after a lacklustre showing against the Rabbitohs in the Charity Shield back in February.

Fast-forward to two months later and the Dragons are the team that no one expected to see lead the Telstra Premiership after seven rounds, except for those within the club.

"I'm very pleased for the players after they've faced a lot of adversity through what happened last year finishing three points outside the eight," McGregor said post-game.

"They went to work late last year and I've got the pleasure of seeing it every day so it doesn't surprise me with their efforts every weekend.

"To get the rewards and celebrate like we are at the moment is enjoyable."

The Dragons were clinical in the opening half of the game against the Cowboys, running in five tries to take a 24-point lead before the visitors narrowed the scoreline late in the second stanza.

"Obviously the first 40 minutes we played some great footy and defended strong so created opportunity to score points," McGregor said.

"But the 5-1 penalty count in the second half… we didn’t do anything together in our defence, which created opportunity for the Cowboys and a bit of space."

"We let three tries off kicks, which is not good enough but every game we've got something to grow with."

Allowing the Cowboys back into the contest made the Dragons scramble in defence late in the game, which McGregor said would hold the side in good stead moving forward.

"It's a good learning curve for us because we haven’t been in that position to be in front by that scoreline," he said.

"I thought our intent was good but we just went one out too much and there were blokes doing things on themselves.

"We knew without Thurston they wouldn't be as strong and were missing a few players but that’s footy, we've played them with not a full strength squad at times too."

Skipper Gareth Widdop said the Dragons took their foot off the gas and allowed the Cowboys back into the game on the back of some ill-discipline.

"It was just one of those games where we made it hard for ourselves with the penalty count and they had all the momentum," Widdop said.

"We can take a lot from the first half as I thought it was really good and we'll take a look at the second.

"The biggest thing in our group at the moment is we don't want to let our teammates down, all it takes is one good defensive set to turn a game and we managed to hang on."

St George Illawarra now face a nine-day turnaround before their clash with the Sydney Roosters in the annual Anzac Day fixture at Allianz Stadium.

http://www.nrl.com/win-over-cowboys-a-learning-curve-mcgregor/tabid/10874/newsid/105724/default.aspx

 

[possm]

Possm,

Agree about Kerr. Host and Sele have both had some time and have both been good imo and the team will be better for it come SOO. I think we'll lose at least 2 forwards (Frizz and Vaughan) possibly JDB as well so Kerr would be a timely addition to the rotation.

Yes, but now it is going to be a bit dicey to promote Kerr unles injury occurs. I imagine he will come into the side on debut during SOO.

 

[mickeylane]

Tip is

Yes, but now it is going to be a bit dicey to promote Kerr unles injury occurs. I imagine he will come into the side on debut during SOO.

Tip is Vaughan will not be picked for SOO we will only lose Frizell during the first game which suits us fine..

 

[dragonssamy61]

Mann has to go in for Aitken, I'm over his rushing up & leaving Nene stranded. Mann's defence has been impeccable With better footwork/hands. Just wishful thinking as I know this won't happen.

I agree slipper5
Aitken defence was the problem this week.
Could use Aitken on the bench as a utility as they were using mann.

 

[dragonssamy61]

What's the status on Mose Masoe??

He played for illawarra but not very dominate did ok.
Not playing big minutes only 20 to 35 in most games.
Lawrie is going well.
Kerr is improving and even luch is going well.
But thats about it.
The difference between the teams this week imo was Fields two tries.

 

[Gareth67]

He played for illawarra but not very dominate did ok.
Not playing big minutes only 20 to 35 in most games.
Lawrie is going well.
Kerr is improving and even jack is going well.
But thats about it.
The difference between the teams this week imo was Fields two tries.

Most disappointing dragonsammy61 , I was expecting Mose to really make a much better effort to gain both match fitness and try to force his way onto the Dragons bench . I am starting to think that he is happy where he is , namely in the Illawarra side , and is content to see out his contract there .

I know that he is no Packer or Vaughan , however a man of his size and bulk would had given the team another big body to throw at the oppositions defence . As I said first up , most disappointing . If you should run into him Sammy , make sure you tell him that !

 

[dragonssamy61]

Most disappointing dragonsammy61 , I was expecting Mose to really make a much better effort to gain both match fitness and try to force his way onto the Dragons bench . I am starting to think that he is happy where he is , namely in the Illawarra side , and is content to see out his contract there .

I know that he is no Packer or Vaughan , however a man of his size and bulk would had given the team another big body to throw at the oppositions defence . As I said first up , most disappointing . If you should run into him Sammy , make sure you tell him that !

Gareth
I think it taking a long time for him to get fully over his injuries.
Also even when he was at his best he is not a big minutes player.
Great impact of the bench.
I hope he will fire up this week.
Last week play of the bench.
Started with kerr.
He is getting better and better.
I'll let you tell mose he needs to put in lol.
He is the biggest human I known.
But he is a gentle giant.
I think he needs to fire up.
I'll tell him you said hi .

 

[Gareth67]

Gareth
I think it taking a long time for him to get fully over his injuries.
Also even when he was at his best he is not a big minutes player.
Great impact of the bench.
I hope he will fire up this week.
Last week play of the bench.
Started with kerr.
He is getting better and better.
I'll let you tell mose he needs to put in lol.
He is the biggest human I known.
But he is a gentle giant.
I think he needs to fire up.
I'll tell him you said hi .

He comes across a being a nice chap Sammy and if you could say hello for me that would be great . Also I am sure that all Dragon fans would love to se him run out in the Big Red V for the first time , now that would be even better .

By the way thanks for the update and also the scores you provide for all of us when playing at home .

 

[TruSaint]

Most disappointing dragonsammy61 , I was expecting Mose to really make a much better effort to gain both match fitness and try to force his way onto the Dragons bench . I am starting to think that he is happy where he is , namely in the Illawarra side , and is content to see out his contract there .

I know that he is no Packer or Vaughan , however a man of his size and bulk would had given the team another big body to throw at the oppositions defence . As I said first up , most disappointing . If you should run into him Sammy , make sure you tell him that !

I had great expectations as well Gareth. Reality is, as it stands, he is way down the pecking order. I wanted to see him fully fit and charging at the defence with venom, but alas, injury and new recruits ( Vaughan ) etc have left him on the outer. Cant keep them all buddy.

 

[ALSGI]

I had great expectations as well Gareth. Reality is, as it stands, he is way down the pecking order. I wanted to see him fully fit and charging at the defence with venom, but alas, injury and new recruits ( Vaughan ) etc have left him on the outer. Cant keep them all buddy.

Agree,
One of the best we've had never to play a FG game for us. Time to move on and let him go?