Round 1 2021 semi realistic sides

[rasaint]

It’s good to see everyone pretty positive.

We don’t have a good powerful running back rower.( big issue) The top sides have top class running back rowers like Kafus, Murray, Penriths huge guy etc.

Jack Bird an outstanding player when fit is on his second ACL injury.Hardly played last 3 years. Unfortunately that forebodes very badly. Great 5/8 or centre but ???.Sorry to Rava fans but very rocks / diamonds.

Remember good players make good coaches.

 

[Kylez3]

I just don't see how Norman can pull himself back from where his form was at last year.
He looked slow. Everything slowed down and got clunky when he touched the ball. He had nothing.
You look at guys like Dufty, Hunt, Tariq and although they were hot and cold they showed flashes of being brilliant players. There is hope for them, they can turn it around.
With Norman I just don't see it. He was a handy player in his early 20s. Now he is just a slow, predictable, seemingly disinterested cash grabber.
My prediction for Norman, he'll retire in reserve grade at end of season.

100%. Norman should never play 1st grade again. It should be Hunt and Clune in the halves for Round 1 but we know that probably won't happen.

 

[The Badger]

Because you dont pay an NRL player 950-975K per year to sit on the bench.
Either he fires in a spine position where those positions dictate the higher $$$.
You either cut them, offload them or make him want to leave as they did to McCantCoach putting them in a position of trying to make them comfortable being uncomfortable as Mc85 was with the selection committee.
He did not practice what he preached..thankfully.

Surely Hunt has had plenty of opportunities to play well in both positions.He just doesnt handle the pressure when he needs to take control.I dont see just because he is on mega money he is entitled to a walkup start to any position he wants.They even moved our best player to accomodate him at hooker.I do see some value as a 14 however .I also cant see how Mgregor was made uncomfortable to the point of leaving.He had the cushiest run in the history of coaching and the retention went past the ridiculous.

 

[BLM01]

Surely Hunt has had plenty of opportunities to play well in both positions.He just doesnt handle the pressure when he needs to take control.I dont see just because he is on mega money he is entitled to a walkup start to any position he wants.They even moved our best player to accomodate him at hooker.I do see some value as a 14 however .I also cant see how Mgregor was made uncomfortable to the point of leaving.He had the cushiest run in the history of coaching and the retention went past the ridiculous.

Well Mc85 did not see it that way when his hands were tied. He resigned!. We won.. in the end
You are right no one is entitled but when it comes to value for money if he can’t shine in a spine jersey under Hook then it’s time to rid him the best way we can
There is no point paying him that money to be a bench spot. It’s all about the team and it will hold us back by doing that with filling the Top 13 cause he is on big $$$
BTW I think he will shine under Hook

 

[The Badger]

Well Mc85 did not see it that way when his hands were tied. He resigned!. We won.. in the end
You are right no one is entitled but when it comes to value for money if he can’t shine in a spine jersey under Hook then it’s time to rid him the best way we can
There is no point paying him that money to be a bench spot. It’s all about the team and it will hold us back by doing that with filling the Top 13 cause he is on big $$$
BTW I think he will shine under Hook

I wonder what the opinions would be if Hunt was being paid what he is really worth.Maybe $500k.Then maybe people would be prepared to drop him.What is most realistic?The money paid to Hunt was someones misinformed idea of his value and the Dragons were stupid enough to pay it.He has never played with any domination which is so needed now from a halfback.He also doesnt have the physicality or mental toughness to improve into a million dollar player.His time is running out.

 

[TruSaint]

Surely Hunt has had plenty of opportunities to play well in both positions.He just doesnt handle the pressure when he needs to take control.I dont see just because he is on mega money he is entitled to a walkup start to any position he wants.They even moved our best player to accomodate him at hooker.I do see some value as a 14 however .I also cant see how Mgregor was made uncomfortable to the point of leaving.He had the cushiest run in the history of coaching and the retention went past the ridiculous.

Well said.

 

[The Badger]

Well Mc85 did not see it that way when his hands were tied. He resigned!. We won.. in the end
You are right no one is entitled but when it comes to value for money if he can’t shine in a spine jersey under Hook then it’s time to rid him the best way we can
There is no point paying him that money to be a bench spot. It’s all about the team and it will hold us back by doing that with filling the Top 13 cause he is on big $$$
BTW I think he will shine under Hook

I cant see how we won in regards to Mcgregor.He ,with the support of the Board ruined a great football club and got well paid for it.Its the one time I feel grateful to be old.I saw Langlands,Smith ,Reddy and many of the other greats and always felt proud of the great club.If nothing changes,nothing changes.I would rather support the young brigade of players coming through.They look like they want to win and they are home grown ,not overpaid castoffs from other clubs.

 

[BLM01]

I cant see how we won in regards to Mcgregor.He ,with the support of the Board ruined a great football club and got well paid for it.Its the one time I feel grateful to be old.I saw Langlands,Smith ,Reddy and many of the other greats and always felt proud of the great club.If nothing changes,nothing changes.I would rather support the young brigade of players coming through.They look like they want to win and they are home grown ,not overpaid castoffs from other clubs.

I agree and we only won in the end finally as we were rid if the coaching rot but Yes it was a long battle
It was not ideal but he did not last his extra 2 years until the end of 2021.

 

[Dragonsteve2]

Sorry to Rava fans but very rocks / diamonds.

Yeah, mostly rocks early in the season and mostly diamonds mid and late season before the temp coach booted him. Significant improvement with the high ball which was essential to his ongoing selection.

 

[Dragonsteve2]

I have been a Forum member for 4 1/2 years. In that time the subject with the least disagreement amongst posters has been that Mary was a disaster for the club. On that basis I believe that high profile, highly paid players who struggled under the imposter deserve the chance to impress under new coach Griffin. Sullivan was certainly impressive in his one game - Frizz scored 2/3 of his season's tries in Sullivan's one game and almost unbelievably the youngster managed to get Tyson running into a gap for his first try that game, as well as a good kick for his second. I also think Clune has much to offer. But I will be happy initially if Hunt and Norman are given the chance to show more under the new, more professional management. It may be that Norman's blow to the head (jaw?) vs Parra back in 2019 signalled his demise as a NRL footballer. Should 3 or 4 games prove this to be the case Clune and Sullivan should be full of confidence to replace him after blitzing CC opponents in the first few rounds.

Unfortunately there will be little in the way of trials to make comparisons of players competing for positions - my understanding is that the Charity Shield will be the only NRL trial.

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

I have been a Forum member for 4 1/2 years. In that time the subject with the least disagreement amongst posters has been that Mary was a disaster for the club. On that basis I believe that high profile, highly paid players who struggled under the imposter deserve the chance to impress under new coach Griffin. Sullivan was certainly impressive in his one game - Frizz scored 2/3 of his season's tries in Sullivan's one game and almost unbelievably the youngster managed to get Tyson running into a gap for his first try that game, as well as a good kick for his second. I also think Clune has much to offer. But I will be happy initially if Hunt and Norman are given the chance to show more under the new, more professional management. It may be that Norman's blow to the head (jaw?) vs Parra back in 2019 signalled his demise as a NRL footballer. Should 3 or 4 games prove this to be the case Clune and Sullivan should be full of confidence to replace him after blitzing CC opponents in the first few rounds.

Unfortunately there will be little in the way of trials to make comparisons of players competing for positions - my understanding is that the Charity Shield will be the only NRL trial.

I was impressed with Sullivan but we also must temper our excitement with that game given it was a second string Melbourne side that night at best.

 

[SnowDragon]

I was impressed with Sullivan but we also must temper our excitement with that game given it was a second string Melbourne side that night at best.

Tempered by his age... and limited experience to date... but the skills were clearly there... and the commitment was impressive.

to me it’s just a matter of when to inject him

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

Tempered by his age... and limited experience to date... but the skills were clearly there... and the commitment was impressive.

to me it’s just a matter of when to inject him

I’m not talking about Sullivan in general just that whole game really including Friz having a cracker. Sullivan is the future for sure, but whether he’s up to having forwards running at him week in week out remains to be seen. He never really played reserves I’m certain he will start in CC and it’s not a terrible move.

 

[kit66]

1 Dufty
2 Ramsey
3 Lomax
4 Fegai
5 Rav
6 Sullivan
7 Hunt
8 Vaughan
9 McInnes (C)
10 Faamausili
11 Ford
12 Sims
13 Bird

14 Lawrie
15 Kerr
16 Alvaro
17 Norman

I can't see Faamuausili starting at prop any time soon. To date he's played just the one game that I know of at starting prop for the Warriors and they got flogged 40+ by the Storm. His games for Easts were mostly short stints of 15 minutes or less off the bench. I'd start him in reserves playing long minutes at starting prop just to get him ready for the bench in firsts. I think we'll see a Vaughan / Lawrie or a Vaughan / Alvaro prop combo to start the year, with a bench of either Alvaro or Lawrie with Ellis and Kerr or possibly even Merrin and a utility.
I'd love to see Blacker fight his way into the team at some point next year - there'd be a few teams keeping an eye on him and ready to pounce if we don't give him an opportunity fairly soon.
I agree with your backline ( it's what I'd like to see ) except I think Hook will try to salvage the Norman / Hunt combo to start the year.
Bird is probably too good to waste as a bench utility but it would be in the teams best interest especially if JDB returned. His impact off the bench, fresh and dangerous, would be great in the modern game, just stick him on anywhere you can see a weak point in the opposition.
I really like Ford and Sims but they need a really good back up, specialist 2nd rower on the bench and I'm hoping we can lure one to the club before kick off 2021.

 

[St Tangles]

I can't see Faamuausili starting at prop any time soon. To date he's played just the one game that I know of at starting prop for the Warriors and they got flogged 40+ by the Storm. His games for Easts were mostly short stints of 15 minutes or less off the bench. I'd start him in reserves playing long minutes at starting prop just to get him ready for the bench in firsts. I think we'll see a Vaughan / Lawrie or a Vaughan / Alvaro prop combo to start the year, with a bench of either Alvaro or Lawrie with Ellis and Kerr or possibly even Merrin and a utility.
I'd love to see Blacker fight his way into the team at some point next year - there'd be a few teams keeping an eye on him and ready to pounce if we don't give him an opportunity fairly soon.
I agree with your backline ( it's what I'd like to see ) except I think Hook will try to salvage the Norman / Hunt combo to start the year.
Bird is probably too good to waste as a bench utility but it would be in the teams best interest especially if JDB returned. His impact off the bench, fresh and dangerous, would be great in the modern game, just stick him on anywhere you can see a weak point in the opposition.
I really like Ford and Sims but they need a really good back up, specialist 2nd rower on the bench and I'm hoping we can lure one to the club before kick off 2021.

I'd at least have Faamuausili on the bench

His stint at the Warriors was very good don't let that 1 game sway you

He only played minimal minutes at East's due to there representative pack and would of played alot more for most other teams

 

[redv13]

I'd at least have Faamuausili on the bench

His stint at the Warriors was very good don't let that 1 game sway you

He only played minimal minutes at East's due to there representative pack and would of played alot more for most other teams

I’d be shocked if he isn’t in the 17

 

[BLM01]

I have been a Forum member for 4 1/2 years. In that time the subject with the least disagreement amongst posters has been that Mary was a disaster for the club. On that basis I believe that high profile, highly paid players who struggled under the imposter deserve the chance to impress under new coach Griffin. Sullivan was certainly impressive in his one game - Frizz scored 2/3 of his season's tries in Sullivan's one game and almost unbelievably the youngster managed to get Tyson running into a gap for his first try that game, as well as a good kick for his second. I also think Clune has much to offer. But I will be happy initially if Hunt and Norman are given the chance to show more under the new, more professional management. It may be that Norman's blow to the head (jaw?) vs Parra back in 2019 signalled his demise as a NRL footballer. Should 3 or 4 games prove this to be the case Clune and Sullivan should be full of confidence to replace him after blitzing CC opponents in the first few rounds.

Unfortunately there will be little in the way of trials to make comparisons of players competing for positions - my understanding is that the Charity Shield will be the only NRL trial.

No we play the Sharks in a trial 2 weeks before the Charity shield as I am going to both
It is the for the younger NRL players + development players and some reggies not the main usual NRL squad

 

[Ted bartolo]

What about Rav on the bench xfactor backrower and can cover outside backs

 

[Maddragon99]

St George Illawarra Dragons: 2021 round 1 predicted team
Author
Chris Kennedy & Jamie Soward
Timestamp
Wed 30 Dec 2020, 07:00 AM
In a series analysing who will line up in each position for all 16 teams in the opening round of the Telstra Premiership in 2021, NRL.com looks at the St George Illawarra Dragons.

NRL.com says: There are four wingers vying for two spots, with Max Feagai and Jordan Pereira also in the frame.

Jack Bird could play a number of spots but is likely to start off at either centre or via the bench, which could hand Brayden Wiliame a chance.

Whether new coach Anthony Griffin sticks with Ben Hunt at hooker or returns he and skipper Cam McInnes to their preferred roles will become clear through the pre-season.

Jamie Soward says: The talking point will be where Ben Hunt plays. Anthony Griffin has made no secret about where he wants Ben to play and it's with Corey.

Both those guys are so talented and they have a system in place now and Cameron McInnes comes back at hooker.

Vaughan will probably start with someone like Faamausili with Josh Kerr off the bench so they have a bit more foot speed to start. I love the back row of Sims and Ford, who could be a breakout player this year.

I don't think Lawrie will start at 13; I wouldn't be surprised if Jack Bird found himself in the back row because of his versatility of being able to play centre, fullback, five-eighth ... he may start off the bench but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him spend some time in the back row with Max Feagai or Wiliame at centre.

Both Feagai brothers will be pushing for spots. Pereira will start on one wing and may partner Ramsey. Merrin and Lawrie are probably competing for one spot because they're similar body types.

Poasa has come from a Roosters system and will be expected to bring some of those values. One thing about the Dragons is they have depth in the outside backs because the Feagai bothers have come up to top squad. Clune and Sullivan will be pushing Hunt and Norman the whole way.

 

[kit66]

They must have written that before we signed Alvaro, otherwise they think we signed a 115kg Prop to play reserve grade. Alvaro and Vaughan to start with Lawrie at 13.
A good coach could make that a truly great back line 1 - 7.