For me this is one of the travesties of McGregor's tenure as HC of the Dragons.
His track record in destroying careers is disgraceful.
I will start with Shannon Wakeman. As a contracted first grade player, he wasn't even considered for a game even though he was probably the best player in NSW Cup at that time. We needed a prop so instead of giving Wakeman a go, he immediately threw in 2 nuffies we had just signed. Page was useless and was on "reputation" only from a You-tube video. Played one game if I remember rightly. Funny enough Wakeman absolutely owned him in the Interstate Championship last year. Ioane (sorry can't remember his spelling) played a few games but nothing spectacular.
Next there's Havili, how many times was he stranded on the bench last year sometimes playing ten minutes sometimes zero. Jacob Host was another who sat idly for a whole game (debut game if I remember).
Now it's Mann's turn.
Wouldn't be surprised if Field or Milne are the next in the queue.
McGregor is always going to select reputation and safety before anything else. Trying to protect his butt and using pathetic excuses to cover his ineptness.
We all know what team will be selected next week:
Dugan
Nighty & McDonald
Aitken & Lafai
McCrone
Widdop
As our backline
But expect Marketo to be named in the squad (probably at the expense of Host).
McGregor will hope that the "reputations" fire and he can say told you so. If they don't and we are getting towelled each week, how long before he starts the blame game?
IMO Mann should be one of the first names placed on the team sheet, either at fullback or as our half. For McGregor to ignore his talent is just a travesty that we should all make plenty of waves at our club management.