What the Club needed is a cleanout of overpaid, under-performing players and a clean out of incompetent administration. The Dragons squad has seen a partial clean out which should be completed for season 2016 however, the administration seems to be entrenched, showing no signs of accepting responsibility or accountability for the mess the Club has found itself in.
No doubt Merrin has worked hard to build his reputation as one of our most effective forwards over the past few years. To realise the benefits of his talent, the Dragons need about 4 good props who are capable of dominating opposition packs. The trick is finding such talent at the right price.
Creagh, Packer, Kasiano and just one of our potential props could form a foundation that transforms our pack of forwards in 2015. If Kasiano is not available or not interested in joining the Dragons, it will make the job a lot more difficult. In my opinion Cooper is solid, Ah Mau is a plodder and Hunt has a lot to prove before he earns a spot in our first grade side. And although De Belin can play at prop, I believe he is a back row forward at this stage in his development. Good off the bench in rotation with the back row.
I believe a back row combination of Thompson, Frizell and Merrin could be very effective if the guys a front were tough, brutal and uncompromising. So for season 2015, it will be a matter of putting our 4 best props on the paddock each week hoping that all four will step up considerably.
In season 2015, I'd like to see players being selected on form rather than reputation.