Round 1 Team

[hardbaby]

Despite the negativity of a few on here, Dragons actually have a well balanced team for 2016.

That extra grunt up front and tweaking of the backline is much better than 2015.

Yes but it needs to be tweaked. Dugan to centre and Hornby to coach them how and what to do.

 

[Dragon66]

There is a lot to feel optimistic about for coming season, though some like OV will alway live on the dark side.

The fact that Mary recognises that the combination of Dugan,Widdop, Marshall and Rein is not working is a good start. Unlike some on here who think that with the right offensive structures and a different attacking coach it would turn them into a lethal combination, I don't. Every player has their own particular skill set and that is what a coach has to work with. Even Dugan owns up to his own deficiencies and wants to play where he can give better value to the team.

I trust that Mary will find a solution to the fullback conundrum, because doing the same thing as last season will most likely end up giving us the same result.

Masoe and Packer are NRL quality players, it won't take long for them to readjust to the pace of NRL, they may just need some time management to get the best out of them.

This is a very well balanced squad it's just getting the right combinations. I think we are going to have a very good year.

 

[coast_dragons]

They said the same thing about Cooper what they are saying about McCarthy now.

This is another guy who has played over a hundred SL games and the SL isn't the NRL but the standard of play is better then it has been in the past.

He will have to fight it out with the likes of Lui, Mathews, Marekto and Ikahihifo.

Its funny people have over looked big Seb and I can say this now he is raw but the ability could be anything.

I still think Dunamis Lui is the guy I see getting a go he is tough with a nonsense approach to his game.

 

[BennyV]

They said the same thing about Cooper what they are saying about McCarthy now.

This is another guy who has played over a hundred SL games and the SL isn't the NRL but the standard of play is better then it has been in the past.

He will have to fight it out with the likes of Lui, Mathews, Marekto and Ikahihifo.

Its funny people have over looked big Seb and I can say this now he is raw but the ability could be anything.

I still think Dunamis Lui is the guy I see getting a go he is tough with a nonsense approach to his game.

Depending on whether or not Matthews is in the 17, I'd say that Lui and Ikahihifo will be first choice backup in the middle and edge respectively.

All of them will get their chance though.

 

[kit66]

Looks like most people want to promote Mata'utia to left wing next year simply because he played left centre this year and needs to make room for Lafai. I'd much rather see someone with a bit of speed out there and a better defender. If you look at Peter's stats you'll see he was one of, if not our worst defender in 2015 ( and that's from less than half the tackles made by Aitken on the right ) , which is no good out on the edges when you're often the last line of defence. He got worse as the year went on. I worry he'll also struggle to keep up when Lafai makes a break.
Hopefully Glymin, KFL or Milne can step in and do the job. I don't know much about young Carr other than he can find the line so maybe an option down the track.

 

[dino2170]

less speed with the above line up

 

[Blood Shot Eyes]

1. Dugan
2. Nightingale
3. Aitken
4. Lafai
5. Matautai
6. Widdop
7. Marshall/ Mann
8. Ah Mau
9. Rein
10. Cooper
11.Thompson
12. Frizzell

13. JDB
14. Creagh (c)
15. Packer
16.Masoe
17.Marketo or Saliva Havili bloke

Pretty much my side as well but Im pretty sure Mary will find a spot for Mann that's assuming Marshall starts

 

[duck]

I'm happy with what we've bought.
Not really fussed as to the make up of the team providing;
*McCrone doesn't get picked.
*Sylvia Havilli MUST be there.
*Packer plays

 

[giboz71]

Looks like most people want to promote Mata'utia to left wing next year simply because he played left centre this year and needs to make room for Lafai. I'd much rather see someone with a bit of speed out there and a better defender. If you look at Peter's stats you'll see he was one of, if not our worst defender in 2015 ( and that's from less than half the tackles made by Aitken on the right ) , which is no good out on the edges when you're often the last line of defence. He got worse as the year went on. I worry he'll also struggle to keep up when Lafai makes a break.
Hopefully Glymin, KFL or Milne can step in and do the job. I don't know much about young Carr other than he can find the line so maybe an option down the track.

Pete would go ok on the wing, but prefer a specialist who has speed and finishing (which we lacked so badly last year)

KFFL if he regains his best form or Milne may surprise.

Pete is better off in the centres but Lafai looks to have that spot sewn up. The trials will determine who gets the nod.

 

[grandorient]

Wouldn't be surprised if both Peter M and Aitken miss the 17 next year, if all the others are fit.
Shame, but what do you do..

GO

 

[muzby]

Wouldn't be surprised if both Peter M and Aitken miss the 17 next year, if all the others are fit.
Shame, but what do you do..

GO

leave the NRL and go play rugby so we can have 15 on the field?

 

[Rookiedragon1]

I'm happy with what we've bought.
Not really fussed as to the make up of the team providing;
*McCrone doesn't get picked.
*Sylvia Havilli MUST be there.
*Packer plays

Spot on!

 

[Rob Dragon]

I think we may start to see the start of a shift in thinking from the coach this year in terms of selections. I have loved Nightingale and Creagh; they have been rock solid Dragon players for so long that it will be painful to watch them slide down the pecking order. Having said that and given our need for the following attributes my team will follow:

1. Speed - simply put we need load more of it;
2. Ball playing fullback- all the top sides seems to have one;
3. Size in the centres;
4. Size in the front row;
5. A clever hooker.

Therefore my team would be as follow:

1. Mann (must be good I am thinking given the raps on him; but I will need to be convinced)
2. Milne
3. Lafai
4. Dugan
5. Faifai Loa
6. Widdop
7. Marshall
8. Ah Mau
9. Havili
10. Packer
11. Frizzell
12. Thompson
13. De Belin

13. Copper
14. Masoe
15.Ikahihifo
16. McCrone

 

[giboz71]

I think we may start to see the start of a shift in thinking from the coach this year in terms of selections. I have loved Nightingale and Creagh; they have been rock solid Dragon players for so long that it will be painful to watch them slide down the pecking order. Having said that and given our need for the following attributes my team will follow:

1. Speed - simply put we need load more of it;
2. Ball playing fullback- all the top sides seems to have one;
3. Size in the centres;
4. Size in the front row;
5. A clever hooker.

Therefore my team would be as follow:

1. Mann (must be good I am thinking given the raps on him; but I will need to be convinced)
2. Milne
3. Lafai
4. Dugan
5. Faifai Loa
6. Widdop
7. Marshall
8. Ah Mau
9. Havili
10. Packer
11. Frizzell
12. Thompson
13. De Belin

13. Copper
14. Masoe
15.Ikahihifo
16. McCrone

I don't mind your thinking and it's not actually a bad side, but no way both Creagh and Nighty (or Rein for that matter) will not be in Round 1 side.

 

[BennyV]

I think we may start to see the start of a shift in thinking from the coach this year in terms of selections. I have loved Nightingale and Creagh; they have been rock solid Dragon players for so long that it will be painful to watch them slide down the pecking order. Having said that and given our need for the following attributes my team will follow:

1. Speed - simply put we need load more of it;
2. Ball playing fullback- all the top sides seems to have one;
3. Size in the centres;
4. Size in the front row;
5. A clever hooker.

Therefore my team would be as follow:

1. Mann (must be good I am thinking given the raps on him; but I will need to be convinced)
2. Milne
3. Lafai
4. Dugan
5. Faifai Loa
6. Widdop
7. Marshall
8. Ah Mau
9. Havili
10. Packer
11. Frizzell
12. Thompson
13. De Belin

13. Copper
14. Masoe
15.Ikahihifo
16. McCrone

Yeah, nah. Noone in their right mind would ever drop Flo for Fai Fai Loa. Like, ever.

And Creagh still 100% as a spot in the 17.

 

[watatank]

Round 1, not round 26. No way nightingale doesnt play barring injury

 

[Dragon66]

Yeah, nah. Noone in their right mind would ever drop Flo for Fai Fai Loa. Like, ever.

And Creagh still 100% as a spot in the 17.

100% for both players from me as well.

 

[to_ddeath]

I'm happy with what we've bought.
Not really fussed as to the make up of the team providing;
*McCrone doesn't get picked.
*Sylvia Havilli MUST be there.
*Packer plays

Totally agree.
McCrone is a depth filler nothing more & should hopefully play minimal FG at best.
Rein needs to be playing 60 not 80 & Havili fills that gap just fine IMO.
Packer at least off the bench at first with Masoe for impact. Then start him if he delivers early.


T.

 

[Penrose_11]

Considering Havili hardly got a look in last season at Warriors, it's interesting that most on here have him in there 17, if not starting 13. I actually quite liked him and thought he wouldve had more of an opportunity. Always tagged as unfit and a lazy trainer, so if he gets a decent off season behind him, I think he'll be a real goer this year. He defends well but just never seemed fit enough to defend long periods but still be able to attack. He's also got a reasonable running game but seemed never to be allowed to run at the Warriors. Hopefully Mary let's him have a bit of a licence.

 

[tumbidragon]

The Mighty Nighty played a lot of last year injured and was still our best winger.. Also, his form for the KIWI's was outstanding, vintage Nightingale. He'll be up for a good year for sure, you can bet your cash monies on that.