Replacing Packer...

[Carlton]

Packer was excellent at bringing the ball back straight into the defence, not getting pushed back or rolled, landing on his hands and knees and then playing it quickly. This does not give the best stats for metres run but is invaluable in getting a roll on.

He was good at this because of his size and shape and the fact he knew what his role was and executed it well. In my opinion we need to find the right size and shape prop to start with and then assess whether they are able to fill the role needed. The type of player I am talking about need not necessarily be expensive as the game required from them is not overly complicated or skilful.

What is difficult is that we have lost two of our best players at moving forward and starting the set in good position (Dugan and Packer).

 

[possm]

We need to replace a good international prop with a good international prop. I'm afraid that we Ah Mau in the run on side, we just wouldn't have what is necessary to compete with the top clubs. Lately, we aren't competing with Packer in the side let alone with Ah Mau.

I've noticed that the stiffness in our defence and attack disappears when Ah Mau and Sims replace Packer and Vaughan.

 

[possm]

Packer was excellent at bringing the ball back straight into the defence, not getting pushed back or rolled, landing on his hands and knees and then playing it quickly. This does not give the best stats for metres run but is invaluable in getting a roll on.

He was good at this because of his size and shape and the fact he knew what his role was and executed it well. In my opinion we need to find the right size and shape prop to start with and then assess whether they are able to fill the role needed. The type of player I am talking about need not necessarily be expensive as the game required from them is not overly complicated or skilful.

What is difficult is that we have lost two of our best players at moving forward and starting the set in good position (Dugan and Packer).

So we really need a replacement for Packer and another player the same to come on and replace Packers replacement. Would Kerr and Lawrie be candidates we could train to do this? Or could Ah Mau be trained to do this?

 

[possm]

In light of Millward's recruitment update today it seems we are looking to retain Mann and not replace Dugan.

It seems we are though "very active in the market" for a forward to replace Packer.

After a quick review of the off contract NRL prop forwards for 2018, these are the ones (in my order of preference) I feel are worth consideration...

Adam Blair

Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Sam Tagatese

Ignatius Paasi

Joe Ofahengaue

Jacob Lillyman

Discuss...

Adam Blair - YES

Nelson Asofa-Solomona - YES

Sam Tagatese - NO

Ignatius Paasi - YES

Joe Ofahengaue - Maybe

Jacob Lillyman - No

 

[dragonssamy61]

Packer was excellent at bringing the ball back straight into the defence, not getting pushed back or rolled, landing on his hands and knees and then playing it quickly. This does not give the best stats for metres run but is invaluable in getting a roll on.

He was good at this because of his size and shape and the fact he knew what his role was and executed it well. In my opinion we need to find the right size and shape prop to start with and then assess whether they are able to fill the role needed. The type of player I am talking about need not necessarily be expensive as the game required from them is not overly complicated or skilful.

What is difficult is that we have lost two of our best players at moving forward and starting the set in good position (Dugan and Packer).

Agree carlton this is a must

 

[dragonssamy61]

So we really need a replacement for Packer and another player the same to come on and replace Packers replacement. Would Kerr and Lawrie be candidates we could train to do this? Or could Ah Mau be trained to do this?

Possm
Definitely Lawrie.
He plays a similar game in the NSw cup.
Kerr getting better ever week could develop.
LAM I think he's best suited to keep doing what he is doing off the bench.
I think simms is not having as big a influence as he sould.

 

[Life's Good]

I posted already that I would like Paasi. No frills, does the hard work and can play at the line. EseEse was another but it looks like the Knights are going to pick him up.

 

[SGMax]

At the beginning of the season I thought we were short by 2 for our team's Prop and Lock roster but as Debelin has come good I think it is currently 1 short.
I would be in the market for 2 tough props and would return Simms to the 2nd row.
Simms can cover Prop for injuries when needed.

Its up to the juniors to develop and improve...no entitlement to FG except with great performances in the lower grades.
Its up to the recruiters and coach to assemble the best team possible.
If a good player becomes available that improves the team for the next year or two, the Dragons should be looking to bring him in.

The rest of the roster will sort itself out.
The weakest link should be let go and if it happens that the juniors need to leave to progress their career, then so be it.
I recall good players in the past being allowed to leave for their own benefit to take up opportunities not guaranteed at the Dragons. They can always come back in the future if it is handled professionally.

 

[Carlton]

Adam Blair - YES

Nelson Asofa-Solomona - YES

Sam Tagatese - NO

Ignatius Paasi - YES

Joe Ofahengaue - Maybe

Jacob Lillyman - No

I think Paasi would be good, unlike a lot of other people I am not as great a fan of NAS as a replacement for Packer. I would like Blair/Graham but not as a direct replacement for Packer but as an additional forward, yes.

Fifita, JWH yes, but this is wishful thinking.

George Burgess, maybe, if he plays that no frills tough game packer plays could be a good option.

Klemmer I am not as wrapped in, he does not get the quick rollon, but wouldn't say no.

Kasiano I would say no as I don't think he can provide the minutes and work in defence that is needed.

 

[qld redvee]

Possm
Definitely Lawrie.
He plays a similar game in the NSw cup.
Kerr getting better ever week could develop.
LAM I think he's best suited to keep doing what he is doing off the bench.
I think simms is not having as big a influence as he sould.

agree totally we need 2 big boppers in the rotation as we suffer badly whwn packer / vaughan come off. Sims for some reason doesnt cut it at the moment maybe kerr / lawrie for sele and let simms cover the back row lock replacement . LAM wont win us games but hes solid in what he does But we need extra grunt

 

[Gareth67]

Gee Gareth come to think of it , Id go close to filling that role ......

Just as long as your not ugly . We don't want ugly blokes playing for the Dragons !

On the other hand , if you're still a young fella and you believe that you have what it takes to put the fear of the good Lord into opposition teams , then I urge you to send your resume to Mr. Millward . Don't forget , I want 25% commission , of whatever you get .

 

[epDragon62]

Packer was excellent at bringing the ball back straight into the defence, not getting pushed back or rolled, landing on his hands and knees and then playing it quickly. This does not give the best stats for metres run but is invaluable in getting a roll on.

He was good at this because of his size and shape and the fact he knew what his role was and executed it well. In my opinion we need to find the right size and shape prop to start with and then assess whether they are able to fill the role needed. The type of player I am talking about need not necessarily be expensive as the game required from them is not overly complicated or skilful.

What is difficult is that we have lost two of our best players at moving forward and starting the set in good position (Dugan and Packer).

Packer was excellent at bringing the ball back straight into the defence, not getting pushed back or rolled, landing on his hands and knees and then playing it quickly. This does not give the best stats for metres run but is invaluable in getting a roll on.

He was good at this because of his size and shape and the fact he knew what his role was and executed it well. In my opinion we need to find the right size and shape prop to start with and then assess whether they are able to fill the role needed. The type of player I am talking about need not necessarily be expensive as the game required from them is not overly complicated or skilful.

What is difficult is that we have lost two of our best players at moving forward and starting the set in good position (Dugan and Packer).

You do realise Packer is still with us, don't you?

 

[Carlton]

You do realise Packer is still with us, don't you?

Don't really understand your point. He has signed with the Tigers for next year and wont be with us then. This whole thread is about finding a replacement.

 

[possm]

agree totally we need 2 big boppers in the rotation as we suffer badly whwn packer / vaughan come off. Sims for some reason doesnt cut it at the moment maybe kerr / lawrie for sele and let simms cover the back row lock replacement . LAM wont win us games but hes solid in what he does But we need extra grunt

Our prop rotation needs 4 big boppers. Maybe Vaughan, Kerr, Lawrie and one more big prop like Fifita's brother. Won't be as experienced as this year but may work well after a big off-season.

 

[TomRedVRiver]

One of the interesting things that Millward said in the last recruitment update was that they are being patient. The words were, "we were patient with Paul Vaughan before we signed him, and we feel if we're patient we'll find the right replacement".

What this tells me is that they're considering their options, but right now there is nobody on the market that is taking their fancy. Paul Vaughan wasn't actually off contract, so there could be a subtle hint there that they're looking at a player (or players) currently under contract who want out of their club.

 

[Saint_JimmyG]

One of the interesting things that Millward said in the last recruitment update was that they are being patient. The words were, "we were patient with Paul Vaughan before we signed him, and we feel if we're patient we'll find the right replacement".

What this tells me is that they're considering their options, but right now there is nobody on the market that is taking their fancy. Paul Vaughan wasn't actually off contract, so there could be a subtle hint there that they're looking at a player (or players) currently under contract who want out of their club.

I interpret Millward's words as saying, "there's no one on the horizon".

 

[Mickthedragon]

What about Brenton Lawrence?
Nine news mentioned he is off contract tonight and has been pretty solid for manly this year.
Wouldn't cost overs either so not that much to lose.

 

[coast_dragons]

What about Brenton Lawrence?
Nine news mentioned he is off contract tonight and has been pretty solid for manly this year.
Wouldn't cost overs either so not that much to lose.

I would have said yes about 4 years ago now its a no.

Tagatese or Passi are better options and if they are questionable one's.

 

[possm]

I interpret Millward's words as saying, "there's no one on the horizon".

Yes and so the idea to let Packer wait until the deal with Dugan was completed was a very stupid idea; especially if there was no alternative recruit identified.
Mess

 

[TomRedVRiver]

Yes and so the idea to let Packer wait until the deal with Dugan was completed was a very stupid idea; especially if there was no alternative recruit identified.
Mess

Possm mate, Packer was offered massive overs by the Tigers. Absolutely outrageous money. There was no way we could match that. It wasn't incompetence, we just got outbid, that's literally all it was. Not to mention Packer knows Cleary well and his best mate in Ben Matulino has joined the club.

You might argue that we should have signed him up earlier before other teams swooped, but i'm telling you, what players and their managers do is they let offers sit on the table for a while and explore their options in the meantime. I would imagine that the club put in an offer for Packer some time ago but his manager would have got in his ear to keep his options open until an offer like the Tigers' came along. Much like what Dugan did to us when we started negotiations in November last year.

There was nothing more we could do. Fact. Not a mess.