Lomax not playing RD 1

[The Damo]

There's youth and then there's quality youth

Straight Shooter

He was the U/20’s player of the year in 2017 I think, and one of the top tryscores last year too? There was pretty strong mail the only reason he didn’t play firsts was because Ricky was pissed he signed with us. I don’t know there’s many better wing prospects his age.

 

[possm]

Not convinced fully regarding Rav. Fast and strong but looked shaky under the high ball at times......a Dragons tradition over the last few years.

I wonder if during training he was given time taking high balls under pressure. I think nerves would play a part in his first trial game. Let's see how he goes in round 1 against the Cowboys. I'm sure he will get plenty of attention from the Cowboys. You can be sure, with Aitken at right centre, the Cowboys attack will be targeting the right edge all night.

 

[Dragonsamy]

I fear he’s more Kativerata than Radradra. It’s fair say Ravlawa will be severely tested on Saturday night. Unfortunately, I feel we’re about to find out why he hasn’t played first grade.

Jimmy
He is only 21 has speed and we need speed.
Give him a chance.
He may surprise.
The reason he didn't play 1st grade at the Raiders was because he signed with us early last year and they refused playing in any of their teams after that. I also had a pretty good winger in front of him .

 

[RufusRex]

Poor bloke is going to be outside Aitken ....
Hope he has soap for the bath that he is going to be given because of that.

 

[Saint_JimmyG]

Jimmy
He is only 21 has speed and we need speed.
Give him a chance.
He may surprise.
The reason he didn't play 1st grade at the Raiders was because he signed with us early last year and they refused playing in any of their teams after that. I also had a pretty good winger in front of him .

I simply do not trust Millward’s judgement in evaluating first grade standard talent.

 

[Saint_JimmyG]

Jesus, the club can't win.We whinge that youth is not given a go but when it is some put shit on the player selected. Doesn't give too much credibility of the opinions here.

Translation: you’re not a true supporter.

 

[Dragonslayer]

I wonder if during training he was given time taking high balls under pressure. I think nerves would play a pat in his first trial game. Let's see how he goes in round 1 against the Cowboys. I'm sure he will get plenty of attention from the Cowboys. You can be sure, with Aitken at right centre, the Cowboys attack will be targeting the right edge all night.

Taking or catching a high ball is a real skill and a little bit more to if that taking a few bombs at training. Each bomb in a game is different, some float, some spiral and some do both. You must develop soft hands and arms and lwt the ball come to you, attacking rhe ball with hard hands and stiff arms cause more spills than takes. Then there's the protection approach, take a look how AFL players protect themselves when they approach to take a kick. The wind also plays a role, uts something we cant see or feel through the TV
But most of all confidence is a big thing.

 

[Dragonsamy]

Taking or catching a high ball is a real skill and a little bit more to if that taking a few bombs at training. Each bomb in a game is different, some float, some spiral and some do both. You must develop soft hands and arms and lwt the ball come to you, attacking rhe ball with hard hands and stiff arms cause more spills than takes. Then there's the protection approach, take a look how AFL players protect themselves when they approach to take a kick. The wind also plays a role, uts something we cant see or feel through the TV
But most of all confidence is a big thing.

DS
Couldn't agree more.
You would think Benny H would be able to help them with the art of catching.
If not we may need to get some help from AFL trained player.
Like the storm and a few other clubs do.

 

[blacksafake]

I'm looking forward to seeing him play.If he drops a few while attacking the ball or under pressure from emerging defence I can accept that.It's a part of the game just as long as you limit the damage that can arise from it. As long as he brings something to the team with his speed & bringing the ball out of the corners.

 

[TruSaint]

I'm looking forward to seeing him play.If he drops a few while attacking the ball or under pressure from emerging defence I can accept that.It's a part of the game just as long as you limit the damage that can arise from it. As long as he brings something to the team with his speed & bringing the ball out of the corners.

2-5 are our weakness. So yes, I am happy to give him a go and see what happens.

God knows, we need something in that backline.

 

[Overseas dragon]

GO THE BIG RED VVVVVVVVVVVVVVV AND GOOD LUCK MIKAELE RAVALAWA ....HOPE YOU MAKE SOME OF THESE DOUBTERS SIT UP AND TAKE NOTICE

 

[epDragon62]

I actually once sent an email to Doust, Price and Craig Young and explained how Soward was scared to go to the line and commit defenders, that he was afraid of the physical contact of the game and many other things. To my surprise he was dropped that week. lol That was the beginning of the end for Soward at Saints. Now I don't know if my email made any difference or if it was just a coincidence.

I think it is time for me to send an email to Johnston, Millward and Mary regarding Aitken. lol

Please do...

 

[Lovemedragons]

DS
Couldn't agree more.
You would think Benny H would be able to help them with the art of catching.
If not we may need to get some help from AFL trained player.
Like the storm and a few other clubs do.

Haha it took me a moment wondering how Benny Hill could help with catching but then I realised....

 

[Lovemedragons]

Taking or catching a high ball is a real skill and a little bit more to if that taking a few bombs at training. Each bomb in a game is different, some float, some spiral and some do both. You must develop soft hands and arms and lwt the ball come to you, attacking rhe ball with hard hands and stiff arms cause more spills than takes. Then there's the protection approach, take a look how AFL players protect themselves when they approach to take a kick. The wind also plays a role, uts something we cant see or feel through the TV
But most of all confidence is a big thing.

100% agree it is a skill that must be taught by the best and constantly practiced by the back 3 with the centres involved to clean up when required, so many tries are scored and games changed through kicks not being defused safely.

 

[Happy Old Dragon]

Haha.
Thanks poss.
Great album.

And put me in old farts corner as well.
Or is it armchair?

But to the team...
By having Zac “in the wings”, but not on the wing, Coach is putting Lafai and Aitken on notice.
“If you two don’t perform, I’ve got Zac ready to step in next week”.

Personally, I would like Zac to be in the 13 now.
But i will need to be patient for a few weeks.

I hope that is the situation.
Please coach please.
Go the mighty Dragons!,

 

[The calm one]

Let see what the match brings...

1) will Widdop’s shoulder hold? And will he be as dynamic as we hope?
2) how will the new halves gel?
3) how much will we miss JDB?
4) how will Mika handle the debut? And will he develop?
5) will the centres be as good out of the blocks as last year? (Based on trials Aitken looked down on last year, but the cows games is the real test for me)
6) Dufty of the bench? A master stroke or a waste of a benchspot and a talented player?


As for the coming months,
7) will we see Lomax and Robson progress into the top 17 and prove their potential?

What did I miss?

Will Johnny marry Sally in the Bold and the Beautiful

 

[Dracarys]

Only Old Farts recall this one.

"I hope you don't mind if I sit this one out"...Zac L

 

[possm]

2-5 are our weakness. So yes, I am happy to give him a go and see what happens.

God knows, we need something in that backline.

Any winger being posted outside Aitken is going to look bad. God help this young feller, he is on a hiding to nothing. Our only hope is that Hunt cuts out Aitken and gives Ravalawa an opportunity to show his skills in attack. I'd love to see him score some long range tries on Saturday night.

 

[Frank Facer]

Any winger being posted outside Aitken is going to look bad. God help this young feller, he is on a hiding to nothing. Our only hope is that Hunt cuts out Aitken and gives Ravalawa an opportunity to show his skills in attack. I'd love to see him score some long range tries on Saturday night.

I agree. It is rather unfair on anyone who is selected outside of Aitken.

 

[dangerousdave]

I simply do not trust Millward’s judgement in evaluating first grade standard talent.

Not just Millward in this case though. To borrow an American college term he is an absolute consensus 5-star recruit. You'd be hard pressed to find a more highly heralded outside back yet to debut.

He wasn't just on the radar, he was being actively recruited by other clubs. Anyone interested in NRL recruitment who hadn't highlighted his name has been living under a rock.

There was a rumour that he tried to leave Canberra at the end of 2017 despite being under contract. This is apparently what pissed Ricky off and booked his regular spot in reserve grade.

I can't divulge my source on that last part but I trust them highly.