Picking a New #7

[rasaint]

Todd Carney has had well documented problems over a number of years. Has a dodgy hamstring which could easily flair up again.

Look fit and in a good frame of mind as he has done for long periods in his career, he is a top shelf player. He can create space for outside players, take on a line with a step and generally keep opponents guessing. In my opinion single handedly got the roosters into the 2010 grand final, once he was moved from fullback into the halves ( 5/8 I think).

I briefly met him at the local barber shop a few years ago; friendly and no big head attitude at all. I guess like many alcohol may cause big problems.

Anyway, if it's a low $ one season contract, why not sign him? One season thereafter and that little flyer Jai Field will be ready.

 

[2010]

The NRL will not allow him back so it's a non issue

 

[Dea]

Mann was a touch of hope in a crap season last year. We know he can cope with the NRL level and I think he should get 1st crack.

McCrone is more hooker these days amd shows no plan for the future (I expect McGregor will pick him)

Jani needs some time against the big boys to get his body up to the demands.

Nona might deliver except if he could then he probably should have by now. 2nd choice for me.

As for Carney, Sandow and Hastings... don't want them.

 

[getsmarty]

Mann for NRL crisis?
TIM BARROW
16 Dec 2016, 12:20 p.m.

Dragons' dilemma: Could Kurt Mann, who played two games at fullback before switching to the wing last season, find a home in the halves next season? Picture: Sylvia Liber

ARE St George Illawarra prepared to revisit the Kurt Mann experiment?

But this time, in the halves?

Still reeling from Drew Hutchison’s knee blowing out this week, ending his 2017 campaign before it began, there are questions to face which could define Paul McGregor’s NRL coaching career.

Hutchison wore the No.7 jersey in the Illawarra Cutters thumping interstate challenge triumph against Burleigh on NRL grand final day

Mann played on the wing in the same game, seven months after making his Dragons debut at fullback, as part of the plan to shift NSW representative Josh Dugan to the centres.

So now, with Hutchison out of the selection frame and Benji Marshall with Wayne Bennett in Brisbane, are the Dragons willing to take another risk on the ex-Melbourne Storm player?

The obvious alternative is Josh McCrone.

This columnist is a fan of McCrone and believes he should have had more opportunities in Canberra during his career.

But it seems odd the Dragons would be willing to invest so much in McCrone next year, at the risk of McGregor’s coaching demise, when he was the back-up plan to Marshall this season.

McCrone played seven games in the NRL this year, for four wins and three losses, each time covering for Marshall’s nagging back and hamstring injuries.

He’s only played 11 NRL games in two years and it’s four years since McCrone has seen finals action.

“I was happy to get a crack in first grade again, after coming to a new club,” McCrone said in an end-of-season package on the Dragons website.

“(It was) a bit of a mixed bag really, probably with consistency.

“But that comes when you’re playing numerous positions and missing a big chunk of footy in the middle of the year.”

Mann seems to have more upside, at 23, a product of the Craig Bellamy Melbourne machine, they just need to work out where his best position is.

He had two nervy games at fullback against his former club and in a 30-2 thumping from premiers the Sharks. As cynical as Dragons fans can be, surely his cards aren’t marked yet, about a future in the No.1 or even No.7 jumpers.

The knock on Mann was an inability to cover the running metres required at fullback as he adjusted to the position at NRL level, as Dugan does so well when fit.

Being dropped certainly knocked his confidence around, but Mann responded with 10 tries in 11 games on the wing, after earning another shot in the NRL in round 12.

The concern remains Dugan’s longevity relies on a move to the centres, particularly after a successful Four Nations campaign, which meant he was still playing in November.

If not Mann, then untested trio Matt Dufty, Shaun Nona and Jai Field could yet bolt into the NRL. Risk and reward for McGregor.

Off contract at the end of the season, McGregor needs to prove to the Dragons’ factions that not only is he taking them in the right direction, and importantly can spark their attack.

Recruitment man Ian Millward maintains the club will not be panicked or rushed into luring Jackson Hastings back to the club, or rolling the dice by signing Todd Carney or Chris Sandow. If they are to move, it seems the Dragons would again pursue Hastings to gain an early release from his Roosters deal. But as Millward indicated, the Dragons are determined not to blow up their strategic planning around their salary cap situation chasing a quick fix. McGregor knows the blowtorch will come if the Dragons are struggling early next season.

Especially given they managed just 14 points per game this year and Des Hasler continues to face a volatile situation at the Bulldogs, meaning there may be a ready-made replacement on the market.

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/4361132/mann-for-nrl-crisis/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

Jamie Soward won’t rule out a Dragons return if the club sent out an SOS call

John Dean, FOX SPORTS
December 16, 2016 7:37pm

FORMER NRL star Jamie Soward says he wouldn’t rule out a return to St George Illawarra if the club sent out an SOS call following the serious knee injury to young halfback Drew Hutchison.

The Dragons’ preparations for 2017 were thrown into disarray when Hutchison suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament at pre-season training on Thursday — the injury will see him sitting on the sidelines for most of the season.

The club have been quick to dismiss speculation linking the club with former NRL players Todd Carney and Chris Sandow, instead saying they’ll look internally for Hutchison’s replacement before considering other options.

If they do intend to look outside of the playing group, Soward, who guided the club to a premiership in 2010, says he’d be happy to sit down with them.

Jamie Soward celebrates after winning the 2010 NRL grand final with the Dragons.
“You want to play forever and obviously you’d sit down and listen to the offer,” Soward told Fox Sports News on Friday. “But I’d have to be given some time to get back in shape, make the decision and be 100 per cent committed. But you never say never.

“At the moment I’m enjoying watching the boys slog it out in pre-season.”

Soward, 31, announced his retirement from rugby league just over a month ago after 12 seasons in the NRL and two stints in England.

But he admits it’d be hard to reject Red V coach Paul McGregor if he was guaranteed a starting spot in the halves alongside England international Gareth Widdop.

“It would be hard to turn down,” the former NSW Origin representative said.

“The position that I’m in, I’d like to think I wouldn’t be going in to trial.

“I’ve got enough runs on the board to come in and play halfback for the Dragons.”

Soward revealed he’d recently been down to Wollongong to watch the Dragons train and believes the club were right in not pursuing Carney and Sandow, not because of the duo’s off-field history, but because they wouldn’t have suited the makeup of the team.

“I thought they might’ve had a little look at Todd,” Soward said.

“I think they both see them as similar players to Gareth: off-the-cuff.

“They need an organiser and someone that can take control and they saw Drew in that role.

“For them, they will need a dominant halfback that can get the team in good field position and march the troops around the right way and then let Gareth have the ball when he needs to.”

Promising playmaker Jai Field, who recently re-signed with the club for a further three seasons, has been mentioned as a contender for the spot, but Soward believes he’s a little while off first grade level.

Jai Field of the dragons scores a try during the Holden Cup between the Cowboys and the Dragons. Pic Darren England.
“He’s probably going to need six to 12 months of playing against men in reserve grade,” Soward said of the 19-year-old.

“For him it’s just about doing pre-season and getting some weight on where he can.

“If he’s good enough they’ll just throw him in there and back him.

“I think the Dragons will be a lot more attacking this year from what I saw at their training.

“For the Dragons to be successful, Gareth Widdop just needs someone to take control of the team so he can go out and enjoy his footy, much like in the Four Nations where he played well.”

If the club does stick to what they’ve got, Soward is backing former Raiders playmaker Josh McCrone to be in the No.7 jersey come round one.

Josh McCrone is now the frontrunner to partner Gareth Widdop.
“I think they might (pick him) to start the year,” he said.

“You might see Josh get the first two months and then see how Jai’s is going playing in NSW Cup.

“McCrone’s been around a while, he knows how to steer the team, he’s got a good kicking game. They’ll just have to work around what they want to do.

“Do they want to be more attacking? Yes. I think we all know the answer is yes, but they need a dominant halfback to take control of that team so the Dugans and Widdops can control the attack and have fun with it.”

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...l/news-story/8f15e034d89b7b9f1aa5752f6e2543ff

 

[getsmarty]

Millward: Halfback Recruitment Update
Fri 16th December, 12:00PM
A A



St George Illawarra Dragons Director of Rugby League Pathways Ian Millward provides an update on recruitment speculation following the knee injury to halfback Drew Hutchison.

The local Albion Park-Oak Flats junior suffered an ACL injury during training earlier in the week which will see the pivot miss at least six months.

Millward addresses recent external speculation linking the Red-and-Whites to several off-contract players as well as providing an update on fellow halfback potentials Josh McCrone, Shaun Nona, Kurt Mann and Jai Field.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2016/12/16/millward_.html

 

[dragon64]

I like it
Mybe you and tom sould be choosing the team.
The other option for me would be.
Move widdop to 7 and play nona at 6.
But would like to see them have a run in trails as well

I would move widdop to 7 & give nona a crack at 6 as well, keep mcCrone as backup hooker, keep Mann on the wing (playing good there ) & give field a few stints towards the end of the year to give him a bit of experience with the big guys.

 

[dragon64]

You could have widdop at 7, nona at 6 & give field game time throughout the year in widdop's spot. If field plays good there with nona leave them there to develope & let widdop go back to Melbourne when his contract is up

 

[Gareth67]

Play both Nona and Mann at 5/8 & 1/2 ( resp.) for all trial and pre-season matches to discover if they can form a working combination .At least they will have that opportunity to show their wares , and that will give Mary a better idea of how to use them .

As others have said , he will probably start with Widdop and McCrone , but should they not be able to spark the attack , Mary must bite the bullet and replace either one of them or both , with Nona and or Mann .

The Dragons need to win some early games next year if the season is to be successful , so it will depend upon Mary to recognize when to drop under - performing players from the team , regardless of who they may be .

I think that what Dea mentioned about allowing Jai Field to have a season with the Cutters would be far better for him , giving him the chance to get use to the big boys and also to build himself up , so come 2018 he would be better prepared than he is now .

 

[Old Timer]

Obviously we are not a very good kicking team as was evidenced last year.
If Mann is to be considered as a half and Mc Innes has to also kick which appear to be new skills for them to learn who is the kicking skills coach?

 

[TruSaint]

Obviously we are not a very good kicking team as was evidenced last year.
If Mann is to be considered as a half and Mc Innes has to also kick which appear to be new skills for them to learn who is the kicking skills coach?

Soward

 

[Eatons Hill Dragon]

The big concern in the team is the spine.
We have finally got some speed and size in the backs plus on paper a killer pack.
However my concern is the halves and hooker.
We are all picking who should be our number 7 now that Hutch is gone however lets look at it from the point of view of who will consistently lead the team around and win us games during 2017.
Field, Nona, McCrone, Mann, DeBelin (couldn't help myself) plus outsiders Carney, Sandow, Hastings or Soward (my favourite player when with us). None of these guys will be in the Top 10 halfbacks in the comp next year.

Then we have hooker, can McInnes play 80 minutes and produce consistently for 24 rounds. If not what do we have, Havili (hot and cold plus small minutes), Robson (untried but looks the goods soon), McCrone, Marketo.

Basically I think we are stuffed with whoever we go with.

Not to mention the whole thing being run by a Clueless Coach.

The best we can hope for I to model our year on the Sharks this year. Chad Townsend would not be in the Top 10 halfbacks this year however he played his role in the team well and complimented Maloney and the forwards nicely. That's what we need from whoever steps into the number 7. Control the plays, organise, solid kicking game and take the line on.

If that can happen we might see the best out of Widdop again as I feel last year most of the team pressure was on him to produce as Benji (not a halfback) was on one leg all year.

 

[Old Timer]

Tru
I would love tho see Soward employed by the club as a specialist halves coach but unfortunately cannot see how that can happen.
As someone else posted can't have somebody smarter than the coach helping out so that says a lot for Hornby and Young doesn't it and is the reason why JD is at the Bronco's.

 

[TheOnlyTeam]

This is a funny thread. Before Drew was injured at least half of the contributors were saying he is not the right man for the job (halfback). Now we are looking for a new half, it seems to me we have been looking for a new half for years. I think we should be trialling Mann as he has expressed interest in the job, only problem Widdop won't be able to keep up with him and will probably play on the other side of the field.

 

[Dragsters]

Mccrone = predictable, safe but wont ingnite the back line.

Nona, has x-factor and can kick but lacks any first grade experience. Im not agsinst trying him but would be in the 6 and I can't see mary moving widdop as above.

For mine Mann is the pick as he has first grade experience, has played well in the halves at Q cup level and has skill. Maybe bring Sowie in as a kicking coach.

I hope Field and Payne get plenty of time paired in the Cutters 6 & 7 respectively as I think they are a strong long term option in the top grade. Field is getting some well deserved wraps for his form last season in the 20s but I reckon his combination with Payne was a bigpart of it.

 

[emu62]

The big concern in the team is the spine.
We have finally got some speed and size in the backs plus on paper a killer pack.
However my concern is the halves and hooker.
We are all picking who should be our number 7 now that Hutch is gone however lets look at it from the point of view of who will consistently lead the team around and win us games during 2017.
Field, Nona, McCrone, Mann, DeBelin (couldn't help myself) plus outsiders Carney, Sandow, Hastings or Soward (my favourite player when with us). None of these guys will be in the Top 10 halfbacks in the comp next year.

Then we have hooker, can McInnes play 80 minutes and produce consistently for 24 rounds. If not what do we have, Havili (hot and cold plus small minutes), Robson (untried but looks the goods soon), McCrone, Marketo.

Basically I think we are stuffed with whoever we go with.

Not to mention the whole thing being run by a Clueless Coach.

The best we can hope for I to model our year on the Sharks this year. Chad Townsend would not be in the Top 10 halfbacks this year however he played his role in the team well and complimented Maloney and the forwards nicely. That's what we need from whoever steps into the number 7. Control the plays, organise, solid kicking game and take the line on.

If that can happen we might see the best out of Widdop again as I feel last year most of the team pressure was on him to produce as Benji (not a halfback) was on one leg all year.

IMO the coach is the major problem not the spine. If we all think back to that great year 2010
our spine was Boyd,Soward Hornby Fien/Young
Boyd - good player but has improved immeasurably in all facets since then
Soward - great on his day but very much a confidence player ( Key-Bennet)
Hornby - good football brain.did the simple things right,speed not a asset
Fien/Young = good solid players

Honestly if you had of said in Jan 2010 that this is the GF winning spine you'd of been taken away in a straight jacket.Yet this shows the huge advantage of having a descent coach, one who knows his players strengths & weaknesses
I only hope that McWrecker realizes by now his over structured game plans do not work & he changes them accordingly

 

[TruSaint]

IMO the coach is the major problem not the spine. If we all think back to that great year 2010
our spine was Boyd,Soward Hornby Fien/Young
Boyd - good player but has improved immeasurably in all facets since then
Soward - great on his day but very much a confidence player ( Key-Bennet)
Hornby - good football brain.did the simple things right,speed not a asset
Fien/Young = good solid players

Honestly if you had of said in Jan 2010 that this is the GF winning spine you'd of been taken away in a straight jacket.Yet this shows the huge advantage of having a descent coach, one who knows his players strengths & weaknesses
I only hope that McWrecker realizes by now his over structured game plans do not work & he changes them accordingly

Thats a good post and makes sense. I know i have posted it many a times, but will never forget Bennetts words about our dominance in 09-11.

We didnt have the best players, but we had the best team .... ( Fox Gold sports special on Saints 2010 GF win ).

Now we did have some very good / great players, but the coach did " extract" the best out of the whole squad.

 

[Dannyboy80]

Personally I would give Mary a bit of leeway for the early season if he went with Mann or Field in the 7, both would need to adjust, but would pay their dividends later in the season.

 

[Dragsters]

Field is a 6 as is Nona.

Mann may have the utility ability to make a fist of the 7.

In reality the only ACTUAL halfbacks we have on the books are McCrone (although he has been playing more 9 lately) and Jack Payne so if we are considering a rookie we should be looking at Payne perhaps?

 

[Walpole]

IMO the coach is the major problem not the spine. If we all think back to that great year 2010
our spine was Boyd,Soward Hornby Fien/Young
Boyd - good player but has improved immeasurably in all facets since then
Soward - great on his day but very much a confidence player ( Key-Bennet)
Hornby - good football brain.did the simple things right,speed not a asset
Fien/Young = good solid players

Honestly if you had of said in Jan 2010 that this is the GF winning spine you'd of been taken away in a straight jacket.Yet this shows the huge advantage of having a descent coach, one who knows his players strengths & weaknesses
I only hope that McWrecker realizes by now his over structured game plans do not work & he changes them accordingly

Yep, excellent post. We also didn't have anywhere near the biggest pack but we certainly had the toughest (along with outstanding wingers/centres).

2010 was the perfect example of a coach knowing how to win football games and who he needed in his team to get the job done.

Was it really only six years ago...