Dragons losses place onus on players: Nielsen
By SIMON BRUNSDON
March 18, 2015, 9:03 p.m.
RUGBY LEAGUE
Paul McGregor kept the faith in the Dragons players for Saturday's trip to Canberra but centre Dane Nielsen knows his place in the team is far from secure.
St George Illawarra has fallen to a 0-2 start to the season and have scored a meagre eight points in their opening two games.
They have copped criticism for their lack of attack and McGregor warned he will swing the selection axe if things don't improve.
Off-season recruit Dane Nielsen has scored one of the team's two tries to date, providing the momentary relief against the Tigers earlier this week.
His left-edge partner Eto Nabuli was responsible for the team's only other four-pointer which came against Melbourne the week prior.
The coach's selection threat looks to have been staved off for another week but Nielsen knows no one will be safe if the Dragons don't improve this week.
"I think there's pressure on a lot of players," he said.
"We're not performing as a team, and as individuals, as we would like to.
"We've got a fairly good squad here so we've got people pressing for spots, forwards and backs, that's how it is.
"Being none from two puts a lot of pressure on individuals.
"The boys that are in there now have to make sure they do the job, and the boys that are close need to make sure they're ready for any opportunity."
Nielsen, although acting as the club's lone try-scorer in round two, may feel under more pressure than most as he continues to fend off rising star Euan Aitken.
Aitken has been touted as one of the NRL's best prospects and appears set to make his senior debut at some point this season.
Experienced hooker Heath L'Estrange broke into the starting side a week ago and isn't keen on giving up his spot so quickly.
"He [McGregor] was going to make some changes so I think a few people are shaking, we'll see what happens," L'Estrange said.
"If we do our job we keep our spots so that's fair enough."
McGregor has named an unchanged line-up for Saturday's game against the Raiders with Jake Marketo added to a five-man bench.
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/2954696/mcgregors-selection-axe-looms-large/?cs=302
By SIMON BRUNSDON
March 18, 2015, 9:03 p.m.
RUGBY LEAGUE
Paul McGregor kept the faith in the Dragons players for Saturday's trip to Canberra but centre Dane Nielsen knows his place in the team is far from secure.
St George Illawarra has fallen to a 0-2 start to the season and have scored a meagre eight points in their opening two games.
They have copped criticism for their lack of attack and McGregor warned he will swing the selection axe if things don't improve.
Off-season recruit Dane Nielsen has scored one of the team's two tries to date, providing the momentary relief against the Tigers earlier this week.
His left-edge partner Eto Nabuli was responsible for the team's only other four-pointer which came against Melbourne the week prior.
The coach's selection threat looks to have been staved off for another week but Nielsen knows no one will be safe if the Dragons don't improve this week.
"I think there's pressure on a lot of players," he said.
"We're not performing as a team, and as individuals, as we would like to.
"We've got a fairly good squad here so we've got people pressing for spots, forwards and backs, that's how it is.
"Being none from two puts a lot of pressure on individuals.
"The boys that are in there now have to make sure they do the job, and the boys that are close need to make sure they're ready for any opportunity."
Nielsen, although acting as the club's lone try-scorer in round two, may feel under more pressure than most as he continues to fend off rising star Euan Aitken.
Aitken has been touted as one of the NRL's best prospects and appears set to make his senior debut at some point this season.
Experienced hooker Heath L'Estrange broke into the starting side a week ago and isn't keen on giving up his spot so quickly.
"He [McGregor] was going to make some changes so I think a few people are shaking, we'll see what happens," L'Estrange said.
"If we do our job we keep our spots so that's fair enough."
McGregor has named an unchanged line-up for Saturday's game against the Raiders with Jake Marketo added to a five-man bench.
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/2954696/mcgregors-selection-axe-looms-large/?cs=302
