Official 2015 squad

[BennyV]

Gee, you guys are really obsessed with Mata'utia. He is okay, but still very inexperienced. Only half as good as his brother Sione. Do you think he is hanging around beyond 2015? If not, then we should be wasting our time with him in first grade.

Who gives a toss if hes staying around for 2016, if hes the best option then he should start. He will be fighting it out with Farrell to partner Nielson in the centres, with the loser taking the vacant left wing, and rightfully so. He should have been given a centre spot from the get go last year, even moreso whn Farrell went down, but Price opted forthe likes of Green and Thompson instead. Pete is a good centre, may not be as good as Sione but hes a very competent first grader with speed, strength and ball skills and if you'd seen him at any point before last year, you'd know that.

Aitken is another year away from first grade so someone who will leave at the end of next year is a perfect fill in.

 

[Get2dachopper!]

Who gives a toss if hes staying around for 2016, if hes the best option then he should start. He will be fighting it out with Farrell to partner Nielson in the centres, with the loser taking the vacant left wing, and rightfully so. He should have been given a centre spot from the get go last year, even moreso whn Farrell went down, but Price opted forthe likes of Green and Thompson instead. Pete is a good centre, may not be as good as Sione but hes a very competent first grader with speed, strength and ball skills and if you'd seen him at any point before last year, you'd know that.

Aitken is another year away from first grade so someone who will leave at the end of next year is a perfect fill in.

I think Neilsen and Farrell will be starting centres, so Matua'tia will be fighting for that left wing spot along with Runciman and Nabuli. Yeah okay, he is probably better than those two, but IMO, not by much at all.

 

[Cagey Mac]

I think that Farrell is still on the market. He left Souths because they saw him as winger rather than a centre because he was lacking defensively and others had the wings tied up in any case.
I rate Mata'utia and Runciman pretty well equally but I also reckon that Nabuli is going to amaze the NRL next year.
As I've said before I believe that R to L : Nighty, Neilsen, Runciman, Nabuli.
Going to be interesting and in any case it won't be a bad backline

 

[grouch]

Nielsen, a left centre, playing on the right, with two rookies defending next to each other. Start clearing space in the trophy cabinet

 

[coast_dragons]

Farrell another over paid price signing who may get moved on.

 

[Cagey Mac]

Nielsen, a left centre, playing on the right, with two rookies defending next to each other. Start clearing space in the trophy cabinet

That's a good call Grouch. (dips lid)
So Beale leaves to put Farrell (if he stays) back to his preferred left position and Nielsen on the right.
My mail is that Runciman is looked upon favourably but logic (gee been a long time since I've heard that used in picking a Dragons team) would dictate.
I can't see Nabuli missing out on that wing spot though

 

[TruSaint]

Nabuli should start .
Give the kid a chance to see if all the hype comes to fruition.
He "looks" very impressive.

 

[Dragon66]

Lots of interesting thoughts on the make up of the 2015 top 17.
It looks like most lineups are a slight variation on the teams that have not measured up over the past few seasons (of course Pricey has to accept a lot of responsibility for that).
Just a comment on Duges going back to FB I think he is a superb individual athlete but has very little playmaking ability. His style crash or crash through, which makes him prone to injury.
Also I believe Widdop and Marshall are too similar in style in the halves. Both are ball players, clever runners of the ball and have good kicking games but is that good for the team. At Souths when Reynolds and Sutton were directing play they were very similar style but when Keary was elevated the team went to a new level. Hopefully that will give some background on what I believe would make a better balanced lineup in 2015.

So here goes:

1. G Widdop - was outstanding at fullback filling in for Slater at the Storm during SOO. Was never going to displace him but he was too good to leave out hence his start at 5/8. He can counterattack from fullback, join in as sweeper like Boyd did in 2010, and ball play where ever he spots a weakness in the opposition across the park.
2. Nighty - Enuff Said.
3. Josh Dugan - is a devastating runner of the football and a powerful defender. With Marshall and Widdop trying to put him in space he will be a nightmare for opposing defences.
4. Dane Neilson - don't know much about him but based on his record and experience I think he would be a safe bet.
5. Eto Nubuli - With Widdop sweeping into the back line we could see Eto find his way to the try line like Morris in 2010. Hopefully two years on he is about to peak as a winger.
6. Drew Hutchinson - the best five eighth in the U/20's comp this year, Aussie rep and outstanding for the Cutters. Most common description of his performance in the Cutters. - "Composure". Could be the ideal foil for the brilliance of Marshall, Could be our Foran/Maloney.
7. Benji Marshall - But for those of a more conservative bent maybe 7.Keating/6 Marshall
10. Dan Hunt - if he can find 2010 form or Mike Cooper
9. Mitch Rein
8.Trent Merrin
11.Ben Creagh
12.Joel Thompson
13.Jack Debelin

Bench - Rory O'Brian (110kg), Rulon Nutira (112kg), AFB (119kg) , Garvey/LeStrange.

The forward pack depends on training and trails form but if they all aim up it will be good times for the Dragons. I know you will say what about a few other players but they will have to play their way into contention through the Cutters. With what's left the Cutters will be a top two side in NSW Cup and the players will have plenty of opportunity to shine.
This is only based on the official team as of now. If Kasiano signs he's in and only under exceptional circumstances should George Rose ever see FG.

 

[Miller was a legend]

You don't like gorgeous much 66

 

[BennyV]

Lots of interesting thoughts on the make up of the 2015 top 17.
It looks like most lineups are a slight variation on the teams that have not measured up over the past few seasons (of course Pricey has to accept a lot of responsibility for that).
Just a comment on Duges going back to FB I think he is a superb individual athlete but has very little playmaking ability. His style crash or crash through, which makes him prone to injury.
Also I believe Widdop and Marshall are too similar in style in the halves. Both are ball players, clever runners of the ball and have good kicking games but is that good for the team. At Souths when Reynolds and Sutton were directing play they were very similar style but when Keary was elevated the team went to a new level. Hopefully that will give some background on what I believe would make a better balanced lineup in 2015.

So here goes:

1. G Widdop - was outstanding at fullback filling in for Slater at the Storm during SOO. Was never going to displace him but he was too good to leave out hence his start at 5/8. He can counterattack from fullback, join in as sweeper like Boyd did in 2010, and ball play where ever he spots a weakness in the opposition across the park.
2. Nighty - Enuff Said.
3. Josh Dugan - is a devastating runner of the football and a powerful defender. With Marshall and Widdop trying to put him in space he will be a nightmare for opposing defences.
4. Dane Neilson - don't know much about him but based on his record and experience I think he would be a safe bet.
5. Eto Nubuli - With Widdop sweeping into the back line we could see Eto find his way to the try line like Morris in 2010. Hopefully two years on he is about to peak as a winger.
6. Drew Hutchinson - the best five eighth in the U/20's comp this year, Aussie rep and outstanding for the Cutters. Most common description of his performance in the Cutters. - "Composure". Could be the ideal foil for the brilliance of Marshall, Could be our Foran/Maloney.
7. Benji Marshall - But for those of a more conservative bent maybe 7.Keating/6 Marshall
10. Dan Hunt - if he can find 2010 form or Mike Cooper
9. Mitch Rein
8.Trent Merrin
11.Ben Creagh
12.Joel Thompson
13.Jack Debelin

Bench - Rory O'Brian (110kg), Rulon Nutira (112kg), AFB (119kg) , Garvey/LeStrange.

The forward pack depends on training and trails form but if they all aim up it will be good times for the Dragons. I know you will say what about a few other players but they will have to play their way into contention through the Cutters. With what's left the Cutters will have top two side in NSW Cup and plenty of room to shine.
This is only based on the official team as of now. If Kasiano signs he's in and only under exceptional circumstances should George Rose ever see FG.

Youre about 4 years too late with that team champ...Widdop to fullback? Has merit but not when we've got one of the best ballrunners/tackle breakers in the game wasting our salary cap in the centres...Creagh to second row? If there was one thing that came out of this season, its that Creagh belongs in the middle, doesnt have the speed or punch for the edges. And Hunt? Seriously?

 

[Dragon66]

Benny V - respect your opinion but what I'm saying is that Dugan offers very little as a creative fullback. He is a one of the best ball running tackle breakers in the game but would you pick him in front of Slater,Englis,Stewart,Moylan,Milford or Tonkins or even Barba. I wouldn't but if he can score off Marshall and Widdop on a regular basis he could find himself up in the Gasnier (Mark) class as a centre then he will well and truly be worth the cash.
Creagh was never a speedy line breaking second rower, so doubt he has lost much pace but still strong defensively and still capable of scoring a try. He is a make shift front row at best. What came out of the season was that most of our other front options were very ordinary.
Dan Hunt I said as long as he returns to his 2010 form.
And finally I said that I believe Marshall and Widdop are too similar in style so they have to take turns at creating the same type of options. Run/Pass, chip kick, grubber kick cut out pass. Only one needs to direct the team around the field.
Widdop was, and still would be, an exceptional fullback. Sweeping in like Boyd in 2010 will open up plenty of extra attacking options, something that has been sadly lacking the past few years

I'm not saying I'm right This is just my opinion.

 

[KiamaSaint]

No Friz in your team?

 

[Miller was a legend]

Definitely need Friz!

 

[Dragon66]

It was hard to leave out Friz. I was looking for a balanced squad with front rowers who run straight and hard and give us quick play the ball, as well strong front on defence. I think Friz tends to grab too much in defence, and as I said if Hunt, who hardly played at all this year, and Merrin can recapture their form of 2010 they will get the job done. As injury and form will force changes Tyson will get his chance. I hope that Hunt can regain some form otherwise it will be a long year in the Cutters.

How good is the Cutters team going to be this year? I think they will be hot.

 

[BennyV]

Fair enough 66.

I disagree about Dugan. His creativity comes from him creating the opportunities for himself, which is such a huge bonus on kick returns and broken plays. I wouldnt pick him over Stewart, Slater etc but we dont have one of them..I'm not sure what the obsession is with a fullback who is primarily a ball player - the current premiership holding fullback is primarily a ball runner and he does alright!!! Its about finding an attacking structure that suits our best attacking players.

Semi agree about the Widdop/Marshall combo but that, in my opinion, is due to the roles theyve been given - ie, the same player on different sides of the field. Thats Mary's call and it wouldn't change if we had Hutcho, Keating or Dan.Hunt there. I'd love to see Widdop given the 7 and control the short attack, with Marshall in a traditional 5/8 role of creating opportunty for his outside men, including a ball-running Dugan. That way, Benji can run the sweep play if needed and he'll have options everywhere. Widdop just needs to work on his kicking game.

If you think Creagh was never a speedy line-breaking second rower, you're mad!!! He made rep teams and award teams for exactly that, and he did it brilliantly! But in the last 2 and a half years, he hasnt been able to do it. Hes lost the speed and the structure for it. What he can do as a front rower is shore up the middle defence (which showed when he moved there this year), get over the advantage line and get a quick play the ball, which he does basically every run..moreso, he inspires the team, they lift when he is there making the first 1-2 hit ups. I believe its where we need him as a player and as our captain. But thats all just opinion.

One this is for certain though - 2010 Dan Hunt isnt coming back. He may have had 1 decent game against Parra in 2012 but other than that, he has done nothing for 4 years. Weve all been waiting for him to turn it out and justify his hugely inflated paycheck, but instead he rarely gets over the advantage line, is often pushed BACKWARDS on his hitups, consistently put on his back for slow play the balls, gets dominated in defense, no footwork, no offload, no mongrel. It will be a long year for him in Cutters, and a longer year for the fans while we see $400k+ wasting away.

 

[Dragon66]

Benny V - all excellent points. With Dugan his rip and tear style makes him a great competitor but also makes him prone to setting himself up for injury. Inglis attacks like a centre (which he was) from fullback. Picks the gap and glides through. Which ever, as long as Duges is in the side he will be dangerous.

As for Hunt and Creagh you may be right but it's hard to find one footballer who didn't regress under the coaching of Pricey. It looks like we are stuck with Hunt,for oblivious reasons. Another Price/Doust master stoke. We can only hope that Mary can find the right balance for the team and ALL players improve their performances in 2015.

If you are right and we start to play consistently good football and win games then no one will be happier than me. What's great about the off season is that we can have these discussions about our opinions. I love the passion of all the Dragons posters and can't wait til for February to finally get here. Bring it on!

 

[Heavy D]

Hey 66! I am like you, and I believe Dugan provides more value to the team, by taking shorter runs and scoring a stack of tries, than having longer runs from the back of the field. He can develop into a strong defender, gaining experience with positional play, and has a great physique for a strike centre. I just don't know who, out of the current roster, the coach would consider as a fullback if not him. I am more than happy with the halves, and that's the first time in a long time I can remember thinking that, in an off-season!

 

[jenninga]

This crap about Dugan and his supposed non passing game,who cares,he is a devastating runner as BennyV says.
We have ball playing halves who will create for our backs and Duges chiming in .

 

[TruSaint]

Benny V - respect your opinion but what I'm saying is that Dugan offers very little as a creative fullback. He is a one of the best ball running tackle breakers in the game but would you pick him in front of Slater,Englis,Stewart,Moylan,Milford or Tonkins or even Barba. I wouldn't but if he can score off Marshall and Widdop on a regular basis he could find himself up in the Gasnier (Mark) class as a centre then he will well and truly be worth the cash.
Creagh was never a speedy line breaking second rower, so doubt he has lost much pace but still strong defensively and still capable of scoring a try. He is a make shift front row at best. What came out of the season was that most of our other front options were very ordinary.
Dan Hunt I said as long as he returns to his 2010 form.
And finally I said that I believe Marshall and Widdop are too similar in style so they have to take turns at creating the same type of options. Run/Pass, chip kick, grubber kick cut out pass. Only one needs to direct the team around the field.
Widdop was, and still would be, an exceptional fullback. Sweeping in like Boyd in 2010 will open up plenty of extra attacking options, something that has been sadly lacking the past few years

I'm not saying I'm right This is just my opinion.

Interesting post 66.

My gripe with Duges at FB, whilst I get your logic, is the in the centres our most potent attacking weapon is lumbered with having to make 20 plus tackles in the front line. Over 80 mins, this will take its toll.

Creagh started off as a fresh faced winger, worked his way to prop, and was one of our best last year. He's not your typical pig, but work rate is high and still bends the line, has an off load.

Must admit though, never thought of Widdop at FB.
Who would accompany Benji in the halves in your opinion?

 

[Get2dachopper!]

You lost me as soon as you said that Frizell shouldn't be in the starting line up. Have a look at the nutria interview on dragons t.v. You'll see how fit Frizell looks. He will terrorise teams on that right edge for us next year if fit.

But you do have some good ideas with regards to widdop at fullback. Perhaps in some parallel universe. We are too far down the track now to make massive wholesale changes to the team. The below team is at least good enough for a top 8 finish. All that's missing is an packer/kasiano type prop and an experienced coach. I think we will get either packer/kasiano, in the meantime Mary will have to prove himself, quickly I would say, no more excuses.

1. Dugan
2. Flo
3. Nielsen
4. Farrell
5. Runciman/matau'ia/Nabuli
6. Widdop
7. Marshall
8. Packer or kasiano
9. Rein
10. Creagh
11. Frizell
12. Thompson
13. Merrin

14. Jdb
15. Keating/Le'strange
16. Rose
17. Cooper
18th man: Nutria/o'brien/Wakeman/Fonua-Blake