Round 1 v Cowboys

[The Damo]

I am probably alone in this thought, but I believe Aitken could be a great 14. He can do forward replacement if needed, and fill in as a backs utility too. The problem in my mind with Dufty, is that I only see him at FB...

You’re not alone. Ideally I think someone like Robson most weeks would be best. But if you’re going to carry a back then Aitken would be our best option. He could do 10-20 minutes in the middle, and bring a high tempo with hit ups out of dummy half etc. and his defence in the middle doesn’t rely on reading the play so he’d be ok.

 

[Old Timer]

I think they have a slight advantage up front in the forwards but not insurmountable.
The 1-5 is probably even so IMO the game will most likely be decided in the halves.
Great chance for Hunt & Norman to grab the game by the throat, to be creative and stamp their authority on it and I really hope that we don’t just catch, pass and try to barge our way to a win.
Absolutely essential that the halves get our edge runners one on one with their little men because as sure as eggs they will.

 

[True_Believer]

I think they have a slight advantage up front in the forwards but not insurmountable.
The 1-5 is probably even so IMO the game will most likely be decided in the halves.
Great chance for Hunt & Norman to grab the game by the throat, to be creative and stamp their authority on it and I really hope that we don’t just catch, pass and try to barge our way to a win.
Absolutely essential that the halves get our edge runners one on one with their little men because as sure as eggs they will.

I agree, the halves/spine is where it will be won. Pretty even across the field otherwise. I think we have an advantage in the spine that we should capitalise on.

 

[SBD82]

Does anyone know how the Cowboys’ edge defenders line up?

Hess usually plays right edge and Cooper left. If this is still the case I’m pretty keen to see Sims running off Norman’s hip. Hess is a big body, and with Tariq running good lines I think he will struggle with the agility required to put himself in a good position to make his tackles.

It’ll also be interesting how their halves line up. Morgan has played a lot of right edge in his career, as has TMM. I’ll be curious to see who moves.

If TMM is defending with Hess I hope we send a lot of traffic down that channel, with widdop playing the sweep out the back in case they jam Norman and Tariq. .

 

[possm]

I agree, the halves/spine is where it will be won. Pretty even across the field otherwise. I think we have an advantage in the spine that we should capitalise on.

I disagree, I feel that if we are to lose the game, it will be either our right edge fell short in defence or the Cowboys forwards assumed dominance.

 

[getsmarty]

Pressure on Dragons forwards as Cowboys await

• Cameron Mee

Dragons Den

Stepping up: Tyson Frizell will replace Jack de Belin in the middle of the field this season. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts.


St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has backed Tyson Frizell to fill void left by Jack de Berlin's indefinite suspension.

With de Belin’s ban confirmed on Monday night, Frizell has shifted to the middle of the field, with Jacob Host stepping into the second row for Saturday night's clash with the Cowboys.

While noting the significance of losing a representative forward, McGregor has faith his players will step up.

"Tyson's a versatile player that's played middle third for NSW and Australia" McGregor said. "He's a powerful forward and the more involved in the game he is, the better the team is. He'll handle that role really well.

"We'll make sure we give him an opportunity to rest as well, to get the benefit out of playing him in the middle, because it's only new to him.

"In the trial he was probably our best forward against Souths, and it was the first time he's done it at club level since last year.

"That does open a position for young Jacob Host and Luciano Leilua. They’ve been in our system for three years, they’ve waited for this opportunity, now they’ve got the chance, they’ve got to go out and do it."

While the circumstances may be unique, McGregor likened de Belin's unavailability to an injury or suspension. For McGregor, it's one of those unplanned hurdles that is bound to emerge throughout the season.

Now the situation has been resolved, it's his job to adapt to de Belin's absence and his players' job to perform in their new roles.

"It's like getting an injury in your team, you just get on with it. I'm excited for the players that are coming in and the opportunity that they have.

"It's no different to any other team that has a player suspended or gets an injury early in the season."

Read more: Can Widdop's Brexit plan secure NRL premiership?

The Dragons forward pack is set for a stern challenge to open the season, with a first-up trip to Townsville to face the Cowboys.

Boasting a pack led by Jason Taumalolo and Matt Scott, the Cowboys will likely play a power-based game this season.

McGregor recognised his team is set for a challenge, but he's confident it's one the forward pack is up for.

"That's their strength. With the addition of [Josh] McGuire, a player of his calibre off the interchange, it just goes to show how strong they are through the middle. They do play a power game, flat off the dummy half and anything quick Granville gets out really well.

"It's a challenge for our forwards, but it's not a task that we're not up to, that's for sure."

The Cowboys will be led by new captain Michael Morgan at halfback and will feature former Dragon Nene Macdonald on the wing.

"Morgan's back from not playing a lot of footy last year. Their backline's had a fair bit of change from previous years, with Nene going there and the young centre coming from Brisbane [Jordan Kahu], [Javid] Bowen getting his opportunity on the wing, so they mixed it up a little bit.

"But their forwards are where they lay that platform, so we've got to make sure we more than take that task up."

While you're with us the Illawarra is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3.00 a week. Terms and conditions apply.

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...on-dragons-forwards-as-cowboys-await/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


McGregor backs 'versatile' Frizell in any position
Author
Tanisha Stanton NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Thu 14 Mar 2019, 02:01 PM

St George Illawarra Dragons coach Paul McGregor insists Tyson Frizell's presence on the field is far more important than the number on his back.

Ahead of the Dragons' trip to North Queensland, McGregor shifted Frizell to lock in the absence of Jack de Belin, who was not eligible for selection under the NRL's recently implemented 'no-fault stand down' policy.

McGregor said the Dragons will monitor Frizell throughout Saturday's clash against the Cowboys at 1300SMILES Stadium but has no doubt the 27-year-old will make a seamless transition.

"Tyson is a versatile player that's played middle third for NSW and Australia," McGregor said.

"In the trial he was probably our best forward against Souths. He's a powerful forward and the more he's involved in the game the better the team is.

Dragons back-rower Tyson Frizell. Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos
"He will handle that roll really well and we will make sure that we give him opportunity to rest as well, to get the benefit out of him playing in the middle."

The Dragons have made quite a few changes this season, with Gareth Widdop moving to fullback and Matt Dufty dropping to the bench.

Corey Norman has taken over at five-eighth, promising centre Zac Lomax was unable to secure a spot, while Mikaele Ravalawa, Jacob Host and Luciano Leilua were all selected to take on the Cowboys.

McGregor is looking forward to seeing the experienced Widdop lead from the back.

"Gareth needs to acknowledge sometimes how good he is," McGregor said.

Dragons fullback Gareth Widdop. Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos
"He went into the World Cup without hardly any training and he played three of the four games and was man of the match in three of them.

"We know how good he is and once he gets out there I'm sure he will show how good he is. He's been training [at fullback] on three months now so he's had a really good preparation.

"He understands the game better than most and he's our captain so he's a good voice from there as well."

The Dragons proved to be too good for the Cowboys on the one occasion they met in 2018, prevailing 24-10 at 1300SMILES Stadium.

McGregor said his team would have to match it with the Cowboys forwards if they wish to replicate that 2018 result.

"Their forwards are obviously where they lay their platform,” McGregor said.

"The addition of (Josh) McGuire, a player of his calibre coming off the interchange just goes to show how strong they are through the middle.

"It's a challenge for our forwards but it's not a task we aren't up to that for sure.

"They do play a power game - flat off the dummy-half and (Jake) Granville gets out really well.

"On the back of that (Michael) Morgan is back from not playing a lot of footy last year, so their back-line has changed quite a bit from previous years, with Nene (Macdonald) going to there and the young centre from Brisbane (Javid) Bowen getting his opportunity on the wing as well."



https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/03/14/mcgregor-backs-versatile-frizell-in-any-position/

 

[Old Kogarah Boy 1]

Corey Norman has had his 'settling in period' ....he needs to starting earning his big bucks from game one.

I want to see at the very least from him, one try scored, several try assists, some mongrel defence saves and some 'on-field leadership' in the making.

I really don't think l'm asking too much.
Pay me $900k a year and l'll do all the above, not to mention, bring with me a good supply of Poppas pizzas and a few cases of grog thrown in for old times sake.

Over to you, Corey.

 

[getsmarty]

Coach's preview: Round 1
Dragons head coach Paul McGregor spoke to the media this morning ahead of Round 1 of the 2019 season.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/03/14/coachs-preview-round-1/

 

[Overseas dragon]

to my mate drag queen ,interesting to see that mikaele ravalawa was signed from the crusaders by canberra .the boy was captain of FIJIs under 18s .it tells me a lot

 

[getsmarty]

Cowboys v Dragons - Round 1
Sam Squiers and Jamie Soward preview the Saturday night clash between North Queensland Cowboys v St George Illawarra Dragons

https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/03/14/cowboys-v-dragons---round-1/

 

[Dragonslayer]

It appears we wull be wearing the alternative strip (away).

Would have thought the openingvround we would have af least started the season in our traditional white with red V. Its nof as rhough our strip is similaf to theres. Alas, such is modern marketing, sigh!

 

[jeffdragon]

At Reggies game ,Robson and Pearson haven't travelled to n qld.
Robson scored one set up one 18-6 up.

 

[nontime111]

At Reggies game ,Robson and Pearson haven't travelled to n qld.
Robson scored one set up one 18-6 up.

sign him up long term and do ANYTHING to make it happen!

 

[jeffdragon]

Darren Nicholls looks to have a arm or shoulder injury in reggies. We were up 18-16 at ht.

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Dragons brace for new-look Cowboys
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Fri 15 Mar 2019, 12:28 PM

By James Coman

After a pre-season of tinkering and polishing, the St George Illawarra Dragons will unleash a new-look spine against an equally untested opponent.

New recruit Corey Norman will wear the Dragons jersey for the first time in the NRL on Saturday, joining a reshuffled Dragons spine to take on the North Queensland Cowboys at 1300SMILES Stadium.

Following the retirement of Cowboys legend Jonathan Thurston and the last-minute signing of New Zealand international Jordan Kahu, the Cowboys will also enter the match with a plenty of new faces.

Moving from playmaker to game-breaker for the Dragons will be captain Gareth Widdop, who starts the Round 1 clash at fullback. Dragons coach Paul McGregor has no concerns over Widdop's new role.

"With Gareth, sometimes you have to acknowledge just how good he is," McGregor said.

"He went into the World Cup without any training, played three of the four games [at fullback] and was Man of the Match.

"He’s been training [at fullback] for three months now so he's had a really good prep. We know how good he is and once he gets out there I'm sure he'll show how good he is as well.”

The Dragons have won their past three encounters against North Queensland, dating back to 2016. Widdop playing a starring role in the trio of victories scoring 24 points (one try and nine goals).

But the Cowboys have added 27 matches of Australian Test forward experience to their front line, with the addition of Josh McGuire to their team. Their star-studded engine room will be a key factor in the outcome of the match, according to McGregor.

"With the addition of McGuire, a player of his calibre coming off the interchange just goes to show how powerful they are in the middle," he said.

"The forwards are where they lay their platform so we have to make sure we tighten that up. It’s a challenge for our forwards but it’s not a task we’re not up to that’s for sure."

While the forwards do battle in the middle of the field, Dragons centre Euan Aitken is hoping to find some success down the flanks and start the season on a positive note.

"We’re going to come out strong and hopefully match the Cowboys in the forward pack and get a victory towards the end of the game," McGregor said.

"There's a lot of support and a lot of emotion around the game so we're just going to put our best foot forward and try to get a win against the Cowboys.

"We know they have a strong side and it's Round 1 so everyone will be putting their hand up to get the victory and everyone will be working hard for it."


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/03/15/dragons-brace-for-new-look-cowboys/

 

[getsmarty]

St George Illawarra's NRL season kicks off against the Cowboys

• Dragons Den
  
  
  
  Measure of success: Matt Dufty will come off the bench and Mikaele Ravalawa is on the wing for the Dragons' season opener against North Queensland. Picture: Anna Warr
  Public service announcement: Rugby league is back, baby.
  
  Real, actual, footy.
  
  Remember that? The feel of the Steeden. The crunch of a big hit. The thrill of a try. The joy of a beer watching the big game on the widescreen.
  
  After everything rugby league has done in the off-season, we're still like Homer Simpson getting sick after eating a deteriorating 10-foot sandwich for days.
  
  "How can I stay mad at you?"
  
  March brings such unbridled optimism, before all your premiership hopes and dreams are crushed into a cube for another year.
  
  The summer recipe for the Dragons has tasted particularly spicy for fans this year.
  
  
  Spoonfuls of Jack de Belin court case, a ladle of NRL's "no-fault" standing down policy and a sprinkling of discussion about Gareth Widdop's move to fullback.
  
  The Cowboys' biggest asset, without Johnathan Thurston, is an imposing forward pack, so it will be fascinating to see how McGregor uses Matt Dufty off the bench and Cameron McInnes and Ben Hunt as a potential lock and hooker combination.
  
  It's all designed around a quick-fire plan to exploit tiring forwards and offers the Dragons more tactical flexibility than most teams.
  
  And then there's the possible vulnerabilities.
  
  Winger Mikaele Ravalawa can expect a baptism of fire when he makes his NRL debut, having been given the nod ahead of Zac Lomax, who was so impressive in the centres last year.
  
  Ravalawa had been earmarked for a Super Rugby career as a teenager in New Zealand, but saw the light and converted to the greatest game of all.
  
  "He's certainly an athlete," Dragons coach Paul McGregor said after beating Newcastle in their first trial game.
  
  "Six foot two, 93 kilos, he can run, changes the ball in each hand, fend with either arm, explosive.
  
  "We've just got to keep working with him, he's only new to our systems. He's a big boy and something we're looking for as outside backs, that speed and size."
  
  Read more: Click here for the latest Dragons news
  
  Such has been Jordan Pereira's progession, he is now the first winger picked following Jason Nightingale's retirement and Nene Macdonald's move to Townsville, where he'll meet his former club in round one.
  
  Pereira also earned a contract extension to keep him at the club until the end of 2021.
  
  But for Ravalawa, the blowtorch will be instantly applied, given 2010 Dragons premiership coach Wayne Bennett had success directing South Sydney to attack St George Illawarra's right edge in the Charity Shield at Mudgee. The Bunnies' focus on peppering that side cost Lomax a spot for round one.
  
  The flow-on effect of de Belin's absence is Tyson Frizell moving into the middle of the field and Jacob Host and Luciano Leilua patrolling the right edge with Ben Hunt, Euan Aitken and Ravalawa.
  
  How much they've been able to tighten the defence in the past two weeks likely determines victory or defeat on Saturday night.
  
  Either way, we're at least talking about the footy again, for now.

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...were-finally-talking-about-the-footy/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

St George Illawarra prepared for North Queensland test as NRL returns

• Cameron Mee

Dragons Den

Prized recruit: Corey Norman. Picture: Anna Warr.


The Sydney Roosters hadn't even left ANZ Stadium after their grand final victory before the NRL's off-season from hell had kicked off last September, with Jarryd Hayne allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in the Hunter Valley on grand final night.

Just a day later Greg Inglis would be charged with drink driving after being pulled over while speeding just hours after being named the new Kangaroos captain.

The incidents were followed by, among others, the Dylan Walker and Ben Barba domestic violence allegations, the Dylan Napa and Tyrone May sex tape scandals and, of course, the charges of aggravated sexual assault that were laid against St George Illawarra star Jack de Belin in December.

With debate raging throughout the summer about how the NRL should handle the various incidents, the Australian Rugby League Commission finally resolved the situation this week with the official implementation of the no fault stand down policy.

With de Belin's status now settled, at least for the next five weeks, rugby league fans can finally turn their attention to what they love most. The action on the field.

For the Dragons, that means a first-up trip to Townsville to face a Cowboys side determined to open the post-Jonathan Thurston era with a win.

And for Dragons fans, it marks the first chance to watch the team's rejigged spine in an official NRL match.

You could sense St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor's relief that football had finally returned when he faced the media on Thursday. And you could sense he's excited to see what the Corey Norman-Ben Hunt halves combination will add to the team in 2019.

Read more: Pressure on Dragons forwards as Cowboys await

"It’s exciting times," McGregor said. "We’ve left nothing to chance, had a couple of trials, got some focuses out of the trials and worked really hard over the last two weeks to get it right.

"This is the first weekend Corey and Ben have played together in a competition game. They’re all experienced players, they’re all instinctive players.

"Gareth at the back frees him up a bit. They’ll play pendulum through the middle third, so they’ll link either side of the field. They’ll complement each other well and they’ll only improve as the season goes on."

The biggest question marks of the new spine revolve around captain Gareth Widdop. Starting his last season at the club before he returns home to England, Widdop has been shifted to fullback.

It's a position he has thrived in when representing England at the international level, but many question his ability to achieve similar success over a 25-round NRL season.

McGregor, however, has no doubt his new fullback will slide seamlessly into the new position, starting Saturday night.

Read more: Where will your team finish this season?

"With Gareth sometimes you've just got to acknowledge how good he is.

"He went into the World Cup with three days training, then played three of the four games and was man of the match in three of them.

"We know how good he is, and once he gets out there, I’m sure he’ll show how good he is as well.

"He’s been training there for three months now, so he’s had a really good prep, he understands the game better than most and he’s our captain, so he’s a good voice from there as well."


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...-firing-ahead-of-opening-nrl-fixture/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

Red V ready to take on ex-Dragon Nene
Dragons coach Paul McGregor, Tim Lafai and Blake Lawrie weigh in on playing against their former teammate Nene Macdonald

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/03/15/red-v-ready-to-take-on-ex-dragon-nene/

 

[getsmarty]

NRL unites to support North Queensland
Author
NRL Media Release NRL Media
Timestamp
Thu 14 Mar 2019, 08:13 AM

NRL clubs, communities and fans will unite throughout Round One of the 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership, with donations and collections taken up for those affected by the recent North Queensland floods.

NRL Head of Government and Community Relations, Jaymes Boland-Rudder confirmed the NRL will donate $100 for every point scored across round one, through the St Vincent de Paul Society, with additional fundraising efforts confirmed across all 16 clubs.

"Rugby League has an incredible spirit when it comes to supporting one another in times of need," Mr Boland-Rudder said.

"The people of North Queensland have shown just how resilient they are in recent times after devastating floods swept through the region, and it’s fantastic to have every club getting behind fundraising efforts to help out those affected.

"The Cowboys in particular are to be commended, for not only helping out their fellow neighbours and teammates in Townsville during the floods, but leading the charge in lifting community spirits."

The North Queensland Cowboys will take on the St George Illawarra Dragons at home on Saturday night, with the match re-named the "Together For North Queensland" game.

St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland’s Chief Executive, Officer Kevin Mercer thanked the NRL, NRL Clubs and the wider rugby league community on behalf of the people of North Queensland.

"Vinnies was formed in 1894 after the Great Brisbane Flood to help with the devastation facing the community," Mr Mercer said.

"125 years later, we’re still here supporting Queenslanders impacted by natural disasters - flood, fire or drought.

"To every single club, player, official and fan supporting us this weekend – know that every dollar raised will go directly to people affected by this terrible event."



https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/03/15/nrl-unites-to-support-north-queensland/