Round 16 vs Eels

[LINESPEED]

Yeah, JDB has already stated that he’ll needle up every week if it means playing.

It’s nice that he wants to play but his doctor should advising the opposite.

This where Mary really chafes my buttcheeks..... Mary says, It’s the players call!

To me, that is really shortsighted in all regards.

Again, no plan B.

Right Field!!

 

[The Damo]

Yeah, JDB has already stated that he’ll needle up every week if it means playing.

It’s nice that he wants to play but his doctor should advising the opposite.

This where Mary really chafes my buttcheeks..... Mary says, It’s the players call!

To me, that is really shortsighted in all regards.

Again, no plan B.

The thing is - and I don’t actually know the answer - hypothetically say his injury needs 4 weeks of no contact to heal fully to the point where another knock on it won’t set it back. Or 6-7 weeks to heal fully while getting the occasional knock playing. What’s better for the team?
Will one week off make a huge difference to playing and not getting any significant impact to it? There are some injuries where it’s clear cut and others not. He definitely shouldn’t have played the first week after getting it, but none of his performances since stand out as a mistake.
I do think he should have this week off regardless though.

 

[Smack]

You're talking about the Illawarra acolytes of course?

But they, like everyone else on here, are entitled to their opinions

Everyone's had their say, which is how it should be - and I've certainly put in my two bob's worth over the months. We all hope to make a difference somehow in ensuring the best outcome for our great club.

What must be incontrovertible though is that we've had an unprecedented & unheard of injury-free run. I would think it's a mix of incredible luck & good training practice (minus the boxing lol).

Luck never lasts though!

it's all light hearted

 

[LINESPEED]

it's all light hearted

I'm just happy Jai looks to be rated above Darren in the pecking order maybe!

Fu*k I hope he gets another shot.
He's heavier, taller & faster than Dufty.
Defensive skills can be taught - look how Dufty's come on with game time & people believing in him.

 

[2010]

Of course it would be great to have a spot in first grade. But where?
Dufty would not be dropped on his current form.
Hunt and Widdop won't ever be dropped so there is the only spots he might be considered for.
His size and his defence is always going to be an issue with consideration for a first grade spot.
I don't think he will be picked on the bench as this would one forward or Nightingale being dropped. That will never happen.
Unfortunately I don't see Field being a regular first grade player and he might have to leave to get a starting spot

 

[coastiedragon]

I think leave jai in isp this year to adjust with playing with men for 80 min and his new frame and show he deserves the spot next year surely knighty will not be there could be a good bench player

 

[getsmarty]

Parramatta Eels ahead for St George Illawarra Dragons after representative round efforts

• Dragon's Den
  
  
  
  Tough: Dragons halfback Ben Hunt reflects on Origin II. Picture: AAP Image
• 
  
• St George Illawarra will look to continue their march towards the minor premiership on Thursday night – with or without their representative stars.
  
  All 12 Dragons who took part in the NRL’s stand alone representative round last weekend are available for selection against struggling Parramatta in Wollongong.
  
  The top of the table Dragons take on the Eels who are bottom of the pile heading into round 16. St George Illawarra would ordinarily be raging hot favourites but uncertainty over their rep stars could see the Dragons name a weakened team.
  
  The Dragons State of Origin quartet of Tyson Frizell, Paul Vaughan, Jack de Belin and Ben Hunt have just a four-day turnaround after their battle at ANZ Stadium on Sunday night.
  
  But St George Illawarra also face the prospect of Gareth Widdop, James Graham and Leeson Ah Mau playing on the back of a flight from the US after featuring in the Denver Test for England and New Zealand on Sunday.

https://www.theleader.com.au/story/5487711/eels-ahead-for-dragons/?cs=3833

 

[getsmarty]

Parramatta face post-Origin backlash from Dragons halfback Hunt

• 
  Tim Barrow

Local Sport

Marooned: Ben Hunt. Picture: AAP Image/Craig Golding

Will cellar-dwellers Parramatta cop the backlash from scorned Queensland and St George Illawarra halfback Ben Hunt?

After a crushing State of Origin defeat – at the hands of three of his club teammates who were wearing sky blue at ANZ Stadium in the series-sealing win for NSW – the former Queensland No.7 Cooper Cronk was quick to back Hunt.

Cronk declared Hunt should be Maroons playmaker for the dead-rubber at Suncorp Stadium, so too his Dragons coach Paul McGregor. But his fate may be decided by how he responds for the Dragons, starting with Thursday night’s showdown with Parramatta at WIN Stadium.

"He is definitely the Queensland halfback going forward," Cronk told Fox Sports. "Stick with him. Because you can't define a career ending on a couple of months. He will have the opportunity to redeem himself. What are the options? Ash Taylor still needs development. There is talk about (Daly) Cherry-Evans, but Ben Hunt is doing terrific football for the Dragons. Pick him and let him do his job."

The Dragons are two points clear at the top of the NRL ladder, with the perfect opportunity for Hunt to fire against Parramatta, at the foot of the ladder with just three wins this year.

The Eels clash is the second-last game in Wollongong this season, with the Dragons to meet the Warriors in August.

Tyson Frizell has been rested for the Dragons on Thursday night, while Jack de Belin may yet be ruled out. Samoa’s Leeson Ah Mau and Tim Lafai are named after the international weekend, while England’s James Graham and captain Gareth Widdop are all expected to play after the Test match in Denver.

Darren Nicholls, Reuben Garrick and Patrick Herbert have been named in an extended 24-man squad.

He is definitely the Queensland halfback going forward. Stick with him.

Cooper Cronk

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...a-face-post-origin-backlash-from-hunt/?cs=302

 

[BennyV]

Are people still claiming that Field will end up being a first grader?!

 

[BennyV]

Mybe more changes to come.

Didnt he sign with Tigers?

 

[Drag Queen]

The thing is - and I don’t actually know the answer - hypothetically say his injury needs 4 weeks of no contact to heal fully to the point where another knock on it won’t set it back. Or 6-7 weeks to heal fully while getting the occasional knock playing. What’s better for the team?
Will one week off make a huge difference to playing and not getting any significant impact to it? There are some injuries where it’s clear cut and others not. He definitely shouldn’t have played the first week after getting it, but none of his performances since stand out as a mistake.
I do think he should have this week off regardless though.

From memory it was a hip pointer and not a hip flexor injury. Could be quite off the mark here though. If it was just a pointer injury he should have rested for a week or two. Flexor is more complex and is graded on muscle tear. Correct me if I'm wrong regarding his diagnosis. He looked to be playing fine in SOO. I'm guessing the medical team would not let him play with a flexor injury unless it was a minor tear.

 

[Overseas dragon]

DANGER,DANGER,DANGER.Moses returns,Gutherson to full back .and one other thing PARRAMATTA love playing the DRAGONS .....

 

[2010Dragons]

We haven't beaten the slimy EELS for the past 5 years!
They did have SEMI Radradra in these games.

If the Dragons take them lightly then it could be another ambush.

We need to score early and then hold the lead.

The EELS seem to capitulate in the second half of every game.

Hayne has picked up another injury in the FIJI game. He will play with pain killer injection. Hit him hard and early and he will go MIA

Guys “locked up your daughters, lock up your wiives”….Jarrad Hayne alleged rapist will be in the Gong.

 

[2010]

McIdiot’s handling of the bench is going to be critical against Parramatta. I am glad Tyson is being rested and I hope JDB is given some time off during the game.
LAM will need to be managed also. So it is going to be interesting whether Nightingale is selected on the bench. It might be better going with four forwards.
On form we should beat Parramatta but it will still be a hard game. The Eels will target our middle players from SOO. So the pressure is on.
We need the two points. End of Story.

 

[Alec's-saints]

all the rep players just finished captains run. the side that was named will play. photos on insta

 

[blacksafake]

all the rep players just finished captains run. the side that was named will play. photos on insta

Even Macdonald?

 

[Alec's-saints]

Even Macdonald?

yeah he was on the wing during training.

 

[Gareth67]

It was their backs that tore holes in our defence on the last occassion , with as 2010 said Semi Ramadra being one of the chief destroyers - thank fook he is gone ! I can still see problems however should Moses be allowed to play his natural game , this is the bloke that should be stop by means of a Tariqe Simms full- on tackle ( ala - Cronk style ) .

Michael Jennings is also dangerous if allowed some space so our defence in the backs must be good . The Dragons will need to stop the ball from reaching the Parramatta speedsters by ensuring that Moses , Hayne and Gutherson are tackled at every opportunity . Still see a Dragon win tonight , I believe that there is a lot of pride in the team at the moment and they shall give a solid performance tonight .

 

[Alec's-saints]

It was their backs that tore holes in our defence on the last occassion , with as 2010 said Semi Ramadra being one of the chief destroyers - thank fook he is gone ! I can still see problems however should Moses be allowed to play his natural game , this is the bloke that should be stop by means of a Tariqe Simms full- on tackle ( ala - Cronk style ) .

Michael Jennings is also dangerous if allowed some space so our defence in the backs must be good . The Dragons will need to stop the ball from reaching the Parramatta speedsters by ensuring that Moses , Hayne and Gutherson are tackled at every opportunity . Still see a Dragon win tonight , I believe that there is a lot of pride in the team at the moment and they shall give a solid performance tonight .

footy on Wednesday night's also. im pumped

 

[Belta]

2010 Dragons said;


"We haven't beaten the slimy EELSfor the past 5 years!
They did have SEMI Radradra in these games."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ah yes that son of a gun was like a scud missile, demolishing our entire battalion.

I just can't gauge this game. Have no idea how the SOO players will play after a short turn around and even more so after their celebrations. . I feel Benny will try and lift, but will he be deflated and mentally fatigued?

Have no idea how you recover from the jet lag for those players. I have only recently done the same destination/flight and I know you feel fatigued for days after.

Also, Parra is an enigma, the backs are outstanding on paper, there forwards dominated the the inform side (albeit for the 1st half) last round.

They are down on troops, we are all over the shop, and it's raining cats and dogs (not even sure who that will favour) I've got nothing