New recruits for 2023

[denis preston]

Looking at the dragons roster so far 27 position out of 30 are filled for 2023. But in reality, only 25 are available.
From what I see Front Row (7), Second row (5), half (2), Centre (3) and Wing (3) positions are all well covered and if Hook rotates them smartly we should have no problem at these positions.
So here are the 3 positions that I think need to be filled.

1. Fullback: Ramsy will be probably out for majority of the season with his illness. Hope Sloan has worked on his defensive deficiencies. Anyway, by the looks of it, we need one more fullback.
2. Five Eight: Junior will be probably stood down pending trials. In which case, Bird will cover this position.
3. Lock: Jack De Belin was our best 2018 player in my opinion when we made finals. Bird can cover this position too. So we need a player that can play both Five Eight and lock in case Bird or De Belin get injured.
4. Dummy Half: Again we are short one player and Liddle from what I have read has promissed a lot but has not delivered as a robust first grader.

It will be interesting to see if any of the development players will step up to fill these positions.

Here is our current roster for 2023.

Fullback: Cody Ramsey * / Tyrell Sloan
Wing: Mikaele Ravalawa / Mathew Feagai / Max Feagai
Centre: Moses Suli / Zac Lomax / Tautau Moga
Half: Ben Hunt / Jayden Sullivan
Five Eight: Talatau Amone * / Jack Bird
Lock: Jack de Belin
Second Row: Jaydn Su'A / Michael Molo / Tyrell Fuimaono / Billy Burns / Josh Kerr
Front Row: Blake Lawrie / Ben Murdoch-Masila / Zane Musgrove / Francis Molo / Aaron Woods / Jaiyden Hunt / Nick Lui-Toso
Dummy Half: Jacob Liddle
Super Sub (number 14): Moses Mbye

Sullivan for mine is a direct replacement for Amone and using Hunt at 6 should be trialed as well ( with Sullivan at 7 )

 

[Gareth67]

Can we still get Noone ...... ?

Apparently the Bulldogs have almost completed negotiations with him , not only will there be a press release once signed , but they will actually be announcing his true name !

 

[redandwhite4evr]

No unless he is medically retired and not sure they can just use that for 1 year
He still needs to be paid.
No difference he could of done his achilles at training and be out for the year. Look how we paid Mcinnes for doing nothing in his last year
The NRL will likely allow to bring in another player to replace him in the top squad
Amone (if out for the year an that is not guaranteed yet) under the no fault policy we will get a concession if we apply asap if that is enacted by the NRL

If we learnt one lesson from the De Belin debacle, it was that the law works slowly- and that is in normal circumstances. The fact of the matter is that, due to Covid, there is a backlog of legal matters and where a jury trial is involved, and I'm assuming that is the case here due to criminal charges being involved, Amone may be in limbo indefinitely. We have to be proactive as you suggested BLMO1 and start looking at a replacement now-not half-way through the season.

 

[possm]

If we learnt one lesson from the De Belin debacle, it was that the law works slowly- and that is in normal circumstances. The fact of the matter is that, due to Covid, there is a backlog of legal matters and where a jury trial is involved, and I'm assuming that is the case here due to criminal charges being involved, Amone may be in limbo indefinitely. We have to be proactive as you suggested BLMO1 and start looking at a replacement now-not half-way through the season.

I'd say that, right now, Bird is the temporary replacement for Amone and will share the position with Sullivan who still is an unknown quantity at NRL level.

 

[redandwhite4evr]

I'd say that, right now, Bird is the temporary replacement for Amone and will share the position with Sullivan who still is an unknown quantity at NRL level.

That may be the thinking of Hook et al but Bird is a No 13- not a 5/8. He doesn't have a kicking game, doesn't like structure but likes the freedom to run all over the field testing defences till he finds a hole. I'm hoping Sullivan can step up to replace Amone but agree he is yet to prove himself as a week in week out first grader. Hence the need to sign someone like Taafe (if Souths are willing to release him) on the basis he can compete for two positions (full-back and 5/8) in our starting 13 as opposed to zero at Souths.
If that sounds like I'm not even considering Mbye for a starting position- then you're reading me right. For mine, the loss of Ramsey and Amone is a major problem as there is little depth of quality in our squad for their important spine positions.

 

[twinkletoes]

I'd say that, right now, Bird is the temporary replacement for Amone and will share the position with Sullivan who still is an unknown quantity at NRL level.

Hi Possum…. We’ll never know if Bud is a week in week our proposition until we give him a go…. this is why he asked for a release, give him a go and see what happens. Dylan Brown is only 22 but seems to have been in first grade forever so why not let Bud go for it

 

[BLM01]

If we learnt one lesson from the De Belin debacle, it was that the law works slowly- and that is in normal circumstances. The fact of the matter is that, due to Covid, there is a backlog of legal matters and where a jury trial is involved, and I'm assuming that is the case here due to criminal charges being involved, Amone may be in limbo indefinitely. We have to be proactive as you suggested BLMO1 and start looking at a replacement now-not half-way through the season.

All correct only assuming Amone is stood down by the NRL and soon. Until then it is BAU

 

[Divine]

Amone’s idiocy has opened a path for Bud that should ( I think) see him start every game. The opportunity didn't come about the way anybody wanted but it is what it is. Ben and Bud in the halves, anyway you want!

 

[Crush]

Aren’t Sullivan and Amone super tight friends?
Will this affect his on field performances I wonder?

 

[steerlerbab]

The other problem is the lack of high-standard players in our squad. For example, only one (Ben Hunt) is of SOO standard and he is playing out of position.

We have some unproven young players with 'potential' and others who are way past their prime.

I say that we need a replacement recruitment/pathways manager (N Brown) and a new head of football who has a track record of success.

High Standard or marquee players join a team for one of the following reasons:
1. Top Administrator (for example Gould of Bullgos/Pentrith fame)
2. Top Coach (one that has reputation to make top 4 - Only available one now is Hasler I think)
3. A no-frills team with a coach known for team building abilities that makes top 8

In case of dragons considering 2023 season, we have a no-frills team (bar Hunt and De belin and they both are at the end of their respective careers). Let's hope Hook can finally stand up to his team building reputation and take the team to top 8. Then, we can expect marquee player's managers enquiring about joining the dragons for 2024. Otherwise, it is all wishful thinking.

BTW, N Brown is also a team builder. Not sure if he and Hook can work together for 2023.

 

[possm]

We now have Bird and Mbye (highly paid players) surplus to our requirements. We could have purchased a Burton or Hyne or even a couple of top-level props for their combined salary.

Sullivan's natural position is halfback however he remains unproven and has a terrible injury track record. I have no problem starting the season with the team list below:
1. Sloan - 80min - if Ramsey is not fit to play
2. Matt Feagai - 80 min - our number-one winger
3. Suli - 80min - backup is Max Feagai
4. Lomax - 80min - our best center
5. Ravalawa - 80 min - providing is is100% fit.
6. Hunt - 80min - even though I would prefer him as our hooker
7. Sullivan - 40min - share with Mbye
8. De Belin - 60 min - given we need to find a place for Bird in the team
9. Liddle - 60 min - share with Mbye
10. F Molo - 60 min - he has to be in the run-on 13
11. M. Molo - 60 min - in my opinion, our best option right now
12. Su'A - 60 min - our best edge forward
13. Bird - 60 min - would prefer De Belin but here we are

14. Mbye - 40 min - at hooker and halfback
15. Lawrie - 20 min - replace De Belin
16. Musgrave - 20 min - replace F Molo
17. Murdoch-Masila - 60 min - rotation with back row

​

 

[BLM01]

We now have Bird and Mbye (highly paid players) surplus to our requirements. We could have purchased a Burton or Hyne or even a couple of top-level props for their combined salary.

Sullivan's natural position is halfback however he remains unproven and has a terrible injury track record. I have no problem starting the season with the team list below:
1. Sloan - 80min - if Ramsey is not fit to play
2. Matt Feagai - 80 min - our number-one winger
3. Suli - 80min - backup is Max Feagai
4. Lomax - 80min - our best center
5. Ravalawa - 80 min - providing is is100% fit.
6. Hunt - 80min - even though I would prefer him as our hooker
7. Sullivan - 40min - share with Mbye
8. De Belin - 60 min - given we need to find a place for Bird in the team
9. Liddle - 60 min - share with Mbye
10. F Molo - 60 min - he has to be in the run-on 13
11. M. Molo - 60 min - in my opinion, our best option right now
12. Su'A - 60 min - our best edge forward
13. Bird - 60 min - would prefer De Belin but here we are

14. Mbye - 40 min - at hooker and halfback
15. Lawrie - 20 min - replace De Belin
16. Musgrave - 20 min - replace F Molo
17. Murdoch-Masila - 60 min - rotation with back row

​

How is Bird surplus to our requirements?. Micheal Molo our best option in lieu of Bird. I have seen nothing from him to suggest he is a regular 1st grader.
What have you been watching!

 

[Old Timer]

We now have Bird and Mbye (highly paid players) surplus to our requirements. We could have purchased a Burton or Hyne or even a couple of top-level props for their combined salary.

Sullivan's natural position is halfback however he remains unproven and has a terrible injury track record. I have no problem starting the season with the team list below:
1. Sloan - 80min - if Ramsey is not fit to play
2. Matt Feagai - 80 min - our number-one winger
3. Suli - 80min - backup is Max Feagai
4. Lomax - 80min - our best center
5. Ravalawa - 80 min - providing is is100% fit.
6. Hunt - 80min - even though I would prefer him as our hooker
7. Sullivan - 40min - share with Mbye
8. De Belin - 60 min - given we need to find a place for Bird in the team
9. Liddle - 60 min - share with Mbye
10. F Molo - 60 min - he has to be in the run-on 13
11. M. Molo - 60 min - in my opinion, our best option right now
12. Su'A - 60 min - our best edge forward
13. Bird - 60 min - would prefer De Belin but here we are

14. Mbye - 40 min - at hooker and halfback
15. Lawrie - 20 min - replace De Belin
16. Musgrave - 20 min - replace F Molo
17. Murdoch-Masila - 60 min - rotation with back row

​

You have 7 starting players including a half back not playing 80 minutes so which of those are subbed out to get your bench rotation right?

 

[AyiosYiorgos]

We now have Bird and Mbye (highly paid players) surplus to our requirements. We could have purchased a Burton or Hyne or even a couple of top-level props for their combined salary.

Sullivan's natural position is halfback however he remains unproven and has a terrible injury track record. I have no problem starting the season with the team list below:
1. Sloan - 80min - if Ramsey is not fit to play
2. Matt Feagai - 80 min - our number-one winger
3. Suli - 80min - backup is Max Feagai
4. Lomax - 80min - our best center
5. Ravalawa - 80 min - providing is is100% fit.
6. Hunt - 80min - even though I would prefer him as our hooker
7. Sullivan - 40min - share with Mbye
8. De Belin - 60 min - given we need to find a place for Bird in the team
9. Liddle - 60 min - share with Mbye
10. F Molo - 60 min - he has to be in the run-on 13
11. M. Molo - 60 min - in my opinion, our best option right now
12. Su'A - 60 min - our best edge forward
13. Bird - 60 min - would prefer De Belin but here we are

14. Mbye - 40 min - at hooker and halfback
15. Lawrie - 20 min - replace De Belin
16. Musgrave - 20 min - replace F Molo
17. Murdoch-Masila - 60 min - rotation with back row

​

Are we playing with 14 players on the field.
Sullivan 40m /Mbye 40m
Liddle 60m / Mbye 40m

Chopping and changing our spine through the game will cause more issue's.

 

[Crush]

Off season is clearly dragging now…

 

[kit66]

Has Sloan played any 5/8 in his junior years, he's certainly got some silky ball skills, is an excellent ball runner and must have some organizational skills like every good fullback should. He could be very dangerous closer in and attacking the line with Hunt. Could be the solution to our Amone problem and allow Ramsey to slot straight back in to No1 when he's fit. It also allows Bud to slot straight into No7 when Hunt leaves. I worry that Hunt and Bud are both half backs and may have some trouble working together. I want Bud to be first choice to partner Hunt but if that doesn't work out we need options that take us forward as a team not just rely on stopgap measures to "get us through" like sticking Mbye in there or even Bird unless we intend Jack to make the move semi-permanent (all year sort of thing), with Bud to 14.

Edit: possm, you're not going to get 60 minutes out of BMM, not happening.

 

[Parko1310]

The Amone debacle has caused more of an issue than it's been made out to be in my opinion. Remembering the de Belin saga, numerous former players have spoken on podcasts, etc. about how it effected the team at the time through divides in the playing group, people at the top of the club, etc, etc. No doubt this could cause a divide in the ranks. People like Sullivan and Sloan especially could be affected greatly in a mental capacity, which will then translate into their on field performance. This is a delicate situation.

The further issue it has caused is the impact on our squad depth, particularly in the spine. Sullivan is your natural selection to take over number 6 (should Amone be stood down, which you'd imagine he would be). Sullivan unfortunately has a bit of a track record with injuries. Hamstring injuries particularly can be challenging to manage over the course of a career (Tom Trbojevic a key example). If Sullivan goes down I suppose Mbye goes into 6, which I actually believe is his best position. But then, who's the 14? Maybe Haele Finau or Mullheison? Don't mind it, but they're both rookies and it's a big ask for them to keep momentum going or try to turn the tide of a game through the middle of the field with no experience in the top grade.

Then there's Sloan. I have my doubts Ramsey will be playing in 2023. It's a huge ask for someone as small in stature as Sloan currently is to play out a full season at the back in the top grade. He's going to get tired, and his quality of football may suffer and his potential for injury increases significantly. So, what if Sullivan gets injured and so does Sloan? Your option is probably Mbye to the back, Bird to 6 and then de belin to 13. Front row and spine is in shambles in this scenario.

A lot of luck will have to go our way in 2023 if we're to make anything of it. The more I look at our squad and likely best team list, the more concerning it gets. With basically nothing on the market either I think we're in a real tight spot and this Amone issue is exactly what the club didn't need. I suppose looking glass half full, wasn't Sullivan supposed to get the 6 jersey last year in all likelihood, but injury meant Amone had a clear path? If Sullivan can stay injury free, then this year should be outstanding for his development. If Sloan can do the same, likewise. In this case, whilst the squad looks thin, 2023 will be a good year in the progression of young talent. There's just a lot of if's, buts and maybe's in there.

 

[Dragon David]

The Amone debacle has caused more of an issue than it's been made out to be in my opinion. Remembering the de Belin saga, numerous former players have spoken on podcasts, etc. about how it effected the team at the time through divides in the playing group, people at the top of the club, etc, etc. No doubt this could cause a divide in the ranks. People like Sullivan and Sloan especially could be affected greatly in a mental capacity, which will then translate into their on field performance. This is a delicate situation.

The further issue it has caused is the impact on our squad depth, particularly in the spine. Sullivan is your natural selection to take over number 6 (should Amone be stood down, which you'd imagine he would be). Sullivan unfortunately has a bit of a track record with injuries. Hamstring injuries particularly can be challenging to manage over the course of a career (Tom Trbojevic a key example). If Sullivan goes down I suppose Mbye goes into 6, which I actually believe is his best position. But then, who's the 14? Maybe Haele Finau or Mullheison? Don't mind it, but they're both rookies and it's a big ask for them to keep momentum going or try to turn the tide of a game through the middle of the field with no experience in the top grade.

Then there's Sloan. I have my doubts Ramsey will be playing in 2023. It's a huge ask for someone as small in stature as Sloan currently is to play out a full season at the back in the top grade. He's going to get tired, and his quality of football may suffer and his potential for injury increases significantly. So, what if Sullivan gets injured and so does Sloan? Your option is probably Mbye to the back, Bird to 6 and then de belin to 13. Front row and spine is in shambles in this scenario.

A lot of luck will have to go our way in 2023 if we're to make anything of it. The more I look at our squad and likely best team list, the more concerning it gets. With basically nothing on the market either I think we're in a real tight spot and this Amone issue is exactly what the club didn't need. I suppose looking glass half full, wasn't Sullivan supposed to get the 6 jersey last year in all likelihood, but injury meant Amone had a clear path? If Sullivan can stay injury free, then this year should be outstanding for his development. If Sloan can do the same, likewise. In this case, whilst the squad looks thin, 2023 will be a good year in the progression of young talent. There's just a lot of if's, buts and maybe's in there.

Yes, there would be a lot of uncertainties Parko in 2023. In the past 3-4 years, we have had some significant dramas on and off the field. Coach problems,JDB, BBQ gate, Rava and Fui suspensions, Ramsey (a few times with injuries and now health issues), Sloan and Sullivan wanting to leave, G Burgess "touch" up (not a big loss), Amone now, etc.

Anything can and will happen throughout the year. But we are not the only club faced with uncertainties - all clubs can suffer so it will be a case of survival of the fittest and a strong willingness to put in during adversity. Just got to make sure that the players we have in our eventual squad for 2023 stand and deliver whatever the circumstances and this will be up to Hook and Co to manage this !!??

 

[baggygreen man]

De Belin - 60 min - given we need to find a place for Bird in the team

No way. Put him somewhere else. JDB is our best forward by a country mile and the clubs best lock.. perhaps ever in the modern era.

 

[Crush]

The Amone debacle has caused more of an issue than it's been made out to be in my opinion. Remembering the de Belin saga, numerous former players have spoken on podcasts, etc. about how it effected the team at the time through divides in the playing group, people at the top of the club, etc, etc. No doubt this could cause a divide in the ranks. People like Sullivan and Sloan especially could be affected greatly in a mental capacity, which will then translate into their on field performance. This is a delicate situation.

The further issue it has caused is the impact on our squad depth, particularly in the spine. Sullivan is your natural selection to take over number 6 (should Amone be stood down, which you'd imagine he would be). Sullivan unfortunately has a bit of a track record with injuries. Hamstring injuries particularly can be challenging to manage over the course of a career (Tom Trbojevic a key example). If Sullivan goes down I suppose Mbye goes into 6, which I actually believe is his best position. But then, who's the 14? Maybe Haele Finau or Mullheison? Don't mind it, but they're both rookies and it's a big ask for them to keep momentum going or try to turn the tide of a game through the middle of the field with no experience in the top grade.

Then there's Sloan. I have my doubts Ramsey will be playing in 2023. It's a huge ask for someone as small in stature as Sloan currently is to play out a full season at the back in the top grade. He's going to get tired, and his quality of football may suffer and his potential for injury increases significantly. So, what if Sullivan gets injured and so does Sloan? Your option is probably Mbye to the back, Bird to 6 and then de belin to 13. Front row and spine is in shambles in this scenario.

A lot of luck will have to go our way in 2023 if we're to make anything of it. The more I look at our squad and likely best team list, the more concerning it gets. With basically nothing on the market either I think we're in a real tight spot and this Amone issue is exactly what the club didn't need. I suppose looking glass half full, wasn't Sullivan supposed to get the 6 jersey last year in all likelihood, but injury meant Amone had a clear path? If Sullivan can stay injury free, then this year should be outstanding for his development. If Sloan can do the same, likewise. In this case, whilst the squad looks thin, 2023 will be a good year in the progression of young talent. There's just a lot of if's, buts and maybe's in there.

Our lack of depth is appalling.
Injuries and suspensions are going to happen ultimately and we will be struggling to compete.
As you say, our only chance is a dream run with injuries and suspensions.