New recruits for 2023

[CronullaSaint]

It's odd isn't it. We got rid of a couple of under-performing props and replaced them with hopefully better ones. We got rid of an ageing hooker and replaced him with a younger one. We got rid of two front-line 2nd rowers in Sims and McGuire, two back up second rowers in Ford and Gosiewski, and replaced them with . . . no-one. I'd like to think there is some strategy around this, but Hook hasn't shown me any evidence that he is a deep thinker.

I think they had players in mind for replacments, but in the end they signed elsewhere. The decision not to resign Simms was a bit premature.

 

[Dragons4me]

Issue is it's all relative.

Tigers have recruited well, Dogs have recruited well. Not thinking they're top 8 but definitely improved and in comparison to us on paper have boosted their roster considerably better.

In 2022 we were one of the worst defensive teams and our attack in the main relied upon individuals doing something, inside the 20 we looked like we had no clue for the most part. What happens if we lose Ben Hunt to injury, we are well and truly screwed.

From the young guys who we hope show improvement, Sullivan & Sloane didn't get near enough game time in 22 they needed more. Ramsay & Amone are out. Who's left, Feagai? We are starting from a very low base

Would like to be pleasantly surprised but history tells me we are in for another very average year

 

[BLM01]

As they say 'a star team will always beat a team of stars'
I remain reserved on the 'spending spree' that some clubs have undertaken. The main question is for those clubs who is their 'next man up' if injury or suspensions come into play?
We have been destined by some to collect the wooden spoon for the last few years, and yet, whilst not reaching the finals, have proven the so called experts wrong. I'm in no way saying we will even make the 8, even though we should, however, talk of the spoon is way premature.
We have improved our squad, as funny as that sounds. A more youthful squad, more hunger, a desire to achieve, rather than the fossils we had running around in Macca, Burgess and even Sims. Some of the 'internal' issues have also been removed. Both in player and staffing. It's unfortunate about Ramsay, and the less said about Amone the better. But, opportunity now rises for others to stake their place.
Yes, we are short in the forwards, and with 4 spots to fill, this should be priority. Unfortunately, I think the club gambled and list on the new salary cap. But, I remain optimistic on that front.
In 2023, I believe we'll be in a position not too dissimilar to our recent years. However, the experienced gained by some youngsters, plus the possibility of a 'new' HC in 2024, will keep the hunger alive.

I like your positivity and some points are true
But re you first comment about other clubs spending spree and the "next man up" might bite them
But re our squad...who are ours after injury / suspension?
They are in a much better position with depth me feels at present, unless we sign some 1st grade standard or ready players to fill our Top 30. These do not have to marquee. BMM is 1 but I am worried about his fitness levels and game time ability.
We still have a long way to go to be truly competetive but I am patient. We have to be!

 

[VodkaSaint]

We are paper thin in the forwards,and also with the players who are not in the top 17.
Still only 26 spots.
Big ? over Cody and and forget about Amone..
Not to mention if Hunt gets injured.
Doesn't give a look of confidence.
Our lack if recruitment is a disgrace.
Only hope is all you can hang your hats
on.

Maybe the reason is to give the new coach in 2024 the right to sign what he wants ?
Still Our recruitment is a disgrace
I dont want to see the spoon in my lifetime

 

[twinkletoes]

I like your positivity and some points are true
But re you first comment about other clubs spending spree and the "next man up" might bite them
But re our squad...who are ours after injury / suspension?
They are in a much better position with depth me feels at present, unless we sign some 1st grade standard or ready players to fill our Top 30. These do not have to marquee. BMM is 1 but I am worried about his fitness levels and game time ability.
We still have a long way to go to be truly competetive but I am patient. We have to be!

I am sorry BLM but being patient is a fine trait but when you see incompetence and laziness year after year I get very disillusioned. We have waited any numbers of years being patient and I could accept that if there were signs that we are building a team. In this offseason we have let numerous seasoned first grade players leave, including Simms without having any plan or strategy to replace them. In fact the quality of our first grade side and depth of players is substantially less than last season and we can only reasonably forsee that we will finish much lower on the table. How is that scenario seen as building for the furutre and having a plan in place so that fans can be patient in seeing improvement from year to year...unfortunately I can realistically see us fading away to the bottom of the competition in even worse shape than when McGregor was in charge. We have n o chance in the side world of challenging for a semi final spot this coming season or several seasons ahead.....my patience has worn out.

 

[Auntie.Gerald]

Team Talk: Dragons 2023 overview, best 17, squad update

The Dragons are guaranteed two points from the opening round bye but it is what happens in the four weeks after that which is likely to determine the direction their season takes.

www.nrl.com

Predicted Round 1 team​

1. Tyrell Sloan
2. Mat Feagai
3. Moses Suli
4. Zac Lomax
5. Mikaele Ravalawa
6. Jayden Sullivan
7. Ben Hunt
8. Zane Musgrove
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Blake Lawrie
11. Jack Bird?
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Jack de Belin?
14. Moses Mbye
15. Tyrell Fuimaono?
16. Josh Kerr?
17. Aaron Woods

Others: Talatau Amone, Billy Burns?, Max Feagai, Jaiyden Hunt, Nick Lui Toso, Tautau Moga, Francis Molo?, Michael Molo, Cody Ramsey.

 

[jeffdragon]

Team Talk: Dragons 2023 overview, best 17, squad update

The Dragons are guaranteed two points from the opening round bye but it is what happens in the four weeks after that which is likely to determine the direction their season takes.

www.nrl.com

Predicted Round 1 team​

1. Tyrell Sloan
2. Mat Feagai
3. Moses Suli
4. Zac Lomax
5. Mikaele Ravalawa
6. Jayden Sullivan
7. Ben Hunt
8. Zane Musgrove
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Blake Lawrie
11. Jack Bird?
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Jack de Belin?
14. Moses Mbye
15. Tyrell Fuimaono?
16. Josh Kerr?
17. Aaron Woods

Others: Talatau Amone, Billy Burns?, Max Feagai, Jaiyden Hunt, Nick Lui Toso, Tautau Moga, Francis Molo?, Michael Molo, Cody Ramsey.

Look at 15 -16-17-on the bench.
2 hardly played 1st grade last year.
They would have to be part of the poorest bench in the comp.
Those 3 alone have gone backwards.

 

[thebigredv]

If our recruitment team were a player, they'd be dropped post haste.

As 2022 draws to a close, regardless of future coach, regardless of salary cap or any other excuse, this inaction in the recruitment department is akin to sabotage.

Haven't we screwed enough seasons up without a ball being kicked already?

All I get are emails asking to become a member.

 

[The Word]

It's odd isn't it. We got rid of a couple of under-performing props and replaced them with hopefully better ones. We got rid of an ageing hooker and replaced him with a younger one. We got rid of two front-line 2nd rowers in Sims and McGuire, two back up second rowers in Ford and Gosiewski, and replaced them with . . . no-one. I'd like to think there is some strategy around this, but Hook hasn't shown me any evidence that he is a deep thinker.

Yeah the second row situation is a real head scratcher isn't it? I'm guessing they have gone for a few but not been successful. In saying that there is time left and loads of salary cap to spend so maybe we can convince a heavy hitter to join. It might be that we have to sign players for the following year though if the good ones are all under contract.
I'm ever the optimist and hoping like hell Fui gets some starts and rekindles the kind of earth shattering tackling he started doing at the beginning of last season before they changed the rules on him. Him, Sua, and JDB hitting anyone that gets past our front rowers. Yes please.

 

[BLM01]

I am sorry BLM but being patient is a fine trait but when you see incompetence and laziness year after year I get very disillusioned. We have waited any numbers of years being patient and I could accept that if there were signs that we are building a team. In this offseason we have let numerous seasoned first grade players leave, including Simms without having any plan or strategy to replace them. In fact the quality of our first grade side and depth of players is substantially less than last season and we can only reasonably forsee that we will finish much lower on the table. How is that scenario seen as building for the furutre and having a plan in place so that fans can be patient in seeing improvement from year to year...unfortunately I can realistically see us fading away to the bottom of the competition in even worse shape than when McGregor was in charge. We have n o chance in the side world of challenging for a semi final spot this coming season or several seasons ahead.....my patience has worn out.

When I say patient, it comes in chunks. My patience with Mary was over by the end of 2018 and with recruitment 4 years before that. I knew from after 5-6 rounds that Price was not an answer at that time.
My patience refers to the current era full rebuild with finally some good youth poking their noses through and that some at the top are slowly realising what it takes to be successful club again by showing some innovation. Likely new coach from 2024 and besides what choice do I or anyone else has.
Support the club I always will and I cant vote for change so getting frustrated does not do the health any good.
I sit on the sidelines and shake my head on what has unfolded over the past 10 years, bit of whinging, bit of disbelief and I tell all and sundry my 2 bobs worth.
But in built loyalty and love of the Dragons, pride, watching victories at home are the things that keep me buying memberships.
Recruitment is a sore point but we got ourselves into trouble from quite a few years ago now by overpaying too many and not identifying weaknessees and that is why we are still recovering from it.

 

[ground zero]

David Fafita an Hudson Young would be a good start. Semi Final bound with these 2 clowns.

 

[SaintPeter]

Hudson Young is exactly the type of player we need. Throw the check book at him.

 

[Lethal25]

If our recruitment team were a player, they'd be dropped post haste.

As 2022 draws to a close, regardless of future coach, regardless of salary cap or any other excuse, this inaction in the recruitment department is akin to sabotage.

Haven't we screwed enough seasons up without a ball being kicked already?

All I get are emails asking to become a member.

So true. The general vibe out of this club has a real stench about it and seems the NRL are on board.

Look at the draw

Round 1 - Bye. Which club in it's right mind would want the bye round 1, it's a real slap in the face
Round 2 - Titans 6:15pm Sunday. Worst time slot of the round and one of our Kogarah home games
Round 3 - Broncos 7:25pm Saturday. To be fair this slot is purely for the Qld audience
Round 4 - Sharks 6:15pm Sunday. Local derby, should be prime time.......but. Another Kogarah home game shafted

Throw in another Sunday 6:15pm game later in the season and a couple of 6pm Friday games. One of the Fridays again at Kogarah against the Roosters. Poor people who paid up for Kogarah only membership. The club should be lowering Kogarah membership costs on the back of the shambolic draw

 

[Coffs dragon]

Team Talk: Dragons 2023 overview, best 17, squad update

The Dragons are guaranteed two points from the opening round bye but it is what happens in the four weeks after that which is likely to determine the direction their season takes.

www.nrl.com

Predicted Round 1 team​

1. Tyrell Sloan
2. Mat Feagai
3. Moses Suli
4. Zac Lomax
5. Mikaele Ravalawa
6. Jayden Sullivan
7. Ben Hunt
8. Zane Musgrove
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Blake Lawrie
11. Jack Bird?
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Jack de Belin?
14. Moses Mbye
15. Tyrell Fuimaono?
16. Josh Kerr?
17. Aaron Woods

Others: Talatau Amone, Billy Burns?, Max Feagai, Jaiyden Hunt, Nick Lui Toso, Tautau Moga, Francis Molo?, Michael Molo, Cody Ramsey.

If this is our predicted team, then we are legitimate spoon material with a pack of forwards like that.
With the exception of JDB, I’ve never seen a worse forward pack represent the RedV jersey.
Zero grunt and so light on defensive workers. Jack Bird is a bench player at best whom can fill in with his versatility.

I see nothing to get excited about just another groundhog year.

 

[SnowDragon]

If this is our predicted team, then we are legitimate spoon material with a pack of forwards like that.
With the exception of JDB, I’ve never seen a worse forward pack represent the RedV jersey.
Zero grunt and so light on defensive workers. Jack Bird is a bench player at best whom can fill in with his versatility.

I see nothing to get excited about just another groundhog year.

Maybe it’s just the optimist in me, but I don’t want to be dragged into that thinking already.

-Su’a? Great player. Disagree with Bird. Back row is good imho. Just lacks depth.
-I like Lawrie,real solid player even if not top shelf and some of the others are decent.
-not saying we aren’t missing some quality in the pack, but with some decent coaching, and the young guys coming thru, Molo having a good year etc. our pack may do ok.

 

[Como Connection]

I believe, (guessing) that two very strong forwards will be announced shortly!
CC

 

[blacksafake]

I believe, (guessing) that two very strong forwards will be announced shortly!
CC

Hope you’re right CC.

 

[Gareth67]

I believe, (guessing) that two very strong forwards will be announced shortly!
CC

That would be a lovely belated Xmas present for all Dragon fans C.C.

 

[shiloh dc]

If this is our predicted team, then we are legitimate spoon material with a pack of forwards like that.
With the exception of JDB, I’ve never seen a worse forward pack represent the RedV jersey.
Zero grunt and so light on defensive workers. Jack Bird is a bench player at best whom can fill in with his versatility.

I see nothing to get excited about just another groundhog year.

There is some ordinary talent earning some extraordinary money here! Is there more than 6 real first graders here!

 

[redandwhite4evr]

redandwhite i see your just as young as me, help me out if you can i think it was a preseason game on a saturday night and a bank of lights went out making it that much easier for sattler and company to do there work on the young bloke, i think he was 17 at the time

I wish I could Jak- the RSL phrase "Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn" is going thru my mind about all this as the passage of time has dimmed my memory of the detail- I'm left with with the overall impressions I had of Souths at the time (and earlier when Souths prop Richie Powell and Johnny Raper had a celebrated match long duel at the SCG) and Raper threatened to stop his children playing Rugby League because of thugs like Powell.