Round 4 vs Knights

[Gareth67]

I just hope that they give a good account of themselves against the Knights as they ( the Knights ) are not too bad a team . They have been in the rebuilding phase for a few years now and are finally clicking and our boys need to be on their game to beat them .

None of this “ we will be better once we get our injured players back . . . crap ) the players whom take the field are all 1st grade players and need to step up and be accountable on the day . Dragons by 2

 

[slippery5]

Saab has not even had a run in the CC cup.
He has played Jersey Flagg and had not been setting the world on fire yet.
He is a least a year or 2 away.
Pearson had a good game last week but that was his only one.
His attitude to training needs to improve.
Maranta is going ok but way off NRL standard.
Must get better in defense as well.
Field is field either brilliant or very average.
Watch the lower grades then you would know why they are not in nrl.

I don't think anyone is surprised about Maranta being way of NRL level thats why he was quickly shown the door by the Broncos.
Maybe Pearsons attitude might change if he was given a chance in 1st grade????
Regarding Field, if he was surrounded by quality players he might be a bit more consistent instead of trying to create some individual brilliance. There were parts of his attack that looked very much Ponga like when he was playing overs on some of the defence.

 

[getsmarty]

Coach's preview: Round 4
St George Illawarra Dragons head coach Paul McGregor chats to the media about positions in the team, goal kicking and leadership ahead of the Dragons' round 4 clash against the Newcastle Knights.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/04/05/coachs-preview-round-4/

 

[possm]

Browny is a smart cookie and will have a plan to target Ravalawa. Watch all the tries go through that side of the field. Ponga will have a field day. Mary will then wake up after it is too late and replace him with Lomax. That is my prediction for this game.

I notice right centre Aitken didn't get a mention and Dufty's progress in defence and his skills taking the high ball also not mentioned.

 

[getsmarty]

I notice right centre Aitken didn't get a mention and Dufty's progress in defence and his skills taking the high ball also not mentioned.

He did mention both...said Aitken was players player against Cows...and trialed best and therefore got right centre over Lomax. Re Dufty said that he was training at Fullback before Norman arrived and commended him on his team attitude..re Bench.

 

[ALSGI]

He did mention both...said Aitken was players player against Cows...and trialed best and therefore got right centre over Lomax. Re Dufty said that he was training at Fullback before Norman arrived and commended him on his team attitude..re Bench.

Spot on.
Actually, probably one of the most insightful interviews I’ve seen from Mary.

 

[Dragsters]

He did mention both...said Aitken was players player against Cows...and trialed best and therefore got right centre over Lomax. Re Dufty said that he was training at Fullback before Norman arrived and commended him on his team attitude..re Bench.

...and so he should have trialled better, as from memory, he played mostly in his preferred position, whereas Lomax spent most of his time in the unfamiliar wing position...

 

[blacksafake]

Would have loved to see Rava hold onto that intercept. Hopefully he gets into the open this week and shows what hes got.
Im backing him to improve each game.

We’ll see where he’s at when we play the roosters. They’ll certainly target him, especially Mitchell & the high ball with Tupou.

 

[41yearsaint]

We’ll see where he’s at when we play the roosters. They’ll certainly target him, especially Mitchell & the high ball with Tupou.

One week at a time.

 

[Crush]

Why is it do you think we turn on our own players so quickly? There is way more ripping of players than praising.
The only player who doesn't cop it in here is Frizz, everyone else gets hammered at some stage.

 

[George Dragon]

Why is it do you think we turn on our own players so quickly? There is way more ripping of players than praising.
The only player who doesn't cop it in here is Frizz, everyone else gets hammered at some stage.

Friz needs to grow a set

 

[gitano]

Why is it do you think we turn on our own players so quickly? There is way more ripping of players than praising.
The only player who doesn't cop it in here is Frizz, everyone else gets hammered at some stage.

Simply because most on here don't understand what actually makes a good footballer. Not through any fault of their own.

Unfortunately, whilst other sports are broadcast and commented on in a very technical way, NRL remains 'dumbed down' for the most part. As a result, there exists a large gulf between what the media/fans and the inner sanctum of coaches/players recognise as quality.

If Aitken is getting players player, yet being bagged relentlessly on a forum, it only serves to highlight this.

Personally I'd like an option to change commentary during the game. Have the entertainment focused, simplified version but provide a more technical and tactical option for people too. Gasnier in particular tries to add this detail, but it's out of place and doesn't fit the rest of the broadcast.

If you can ever brIng yourself to watch a game of AFL (I can't), or even NFL have a listen to the difference in product. It's truly a university v primary school difference. But I understand the whole 'grow the game thing', and it's easier to just hype up the 2 games Pangai Jr turns up for or how good RTS footwork is. Giving fans some credit would narrow the gap in my opinion.

 

[Crush]

Simply because most on here don't understand what actually makes a good footballer. Not through any fault of their own.

Unfortunately, whilst other sports are broadcast and commented on in a very technical way, NRL remains 'dumbed down' for the most part. As a result, there exists a large gulf between what the media/fans and the inner sanctum of coaches/players recognise as quality.

If Aitken is getting players player, yet being bagged relentlessly on a forum, it only serves to highlight this.

Personally I'd like an option to change commentary during the game. Have the entertainment focused, simplified version but provide a more technical and tactical option for people too. Gasnier in particular tries to add this detail, but it's out of place and doesn't fit the rest of the broadcast.

If you can ever brIng yourself to watch a game of AFL (I can't), or even NFL have a listen to the difference in product. It's truly a university v primary school difference. But I understand the whole 'grow the game thing', and it's easier to just hype up the 2 games Pangai Jr turns up for or how good RTS footwork is. Giving fans some credit would narrow the gap in my opinion.

In this forum at least I think a lot of it is negativity towards Mary taken out on the player. So for example if Ravalawa makes and error it makes fans blood boil because they believe another player should be in that position because Mary has selected the wrong winger. Instead of backing the decision of the coach and getting behind the young player people do the opposite.
If they had a coach they respected they would be more forgiving and supportive of the players.
It all comes back to Mary bashing.

 

[gitano]

In this forum at least I think a lot of it is negativity towards Mary taken out on the player. So for example if Ravalawa makes and error it makes fans blood boil because they believe another player should be in that position because Mary has selected the wrong winger. Instead of backing the decision of the coach and getting behind the young player people do the opposite.
If they had a coach they respected they would be more forgiving and supportive of the players.
It all comes back to Mary bashing.

But coming back to my point, if we educate fans to see the game the same way players/coaches do, I'm not sure Mary resentment is a thing.

He's a target of convenience for an out of touch fanbase.

 

[possm]

...and so he should have trialled better, as from memory, he played mostly in his preferred position, whereas Lomax spent most of his time in the unfamiliar wing position...

I have to say that I do not think it is all Aitkens fault. I feel very sure that Aitken is playing to the coaches instructions but given his skill-set, can't quite carry these instructions out successfully. Bennett understands the strengths and weaknesses of his players and designs his game plan in line with this information - of course within limitations. Mary sits down and figures a theoretical plan and then insists on his player's exact performance to that plan.

Does anyone on here believe Aitken is not aware of the numerous times he has come up with thin air when rushing up to cut off play on the edge. Of course he is aware and so the only possible reason for him to continue doing this and for him not to be dropped for doing this, has to be that he is playing to instructions.

Dufty is another matter altogether. He has skills the team badly needs to be an attacking force; that is his strength. His weakness is his defence and his lack of confidence under the high ball. It has always been my desire that Dufty be included once his body frame has been built up to give him the confidence to defend well and take the high ball without fear. Now that Widdop is injured, Dufty has nowhere to hide. Dufty will have to stand up and perform in defence and returning the high ball safely or find himself with a long stint in reserve grade.

Now it would be very convenient if the skill shortages of both Aitken and Dufty could be exposed after Mary gets his contract extension. So those asking what's the rush, there it is. Rava and maybe Pearson will be casualties of this madness but eventually, Lomax will be the beneficiary.

 

[Glenn012]

Saints by 22 and Browny to get the sack. That will be fitting. His NRL coaching career ends where it began. Only 22 because Lafai will miss plenty of conversions.

 

[SaintPauli]

Spot on.
Actually, probably one of the most insightful interviews I’ve seen from Mary.

Yes most insightful interview which is an indication the board is at crossroads on his future. No coach contract renewal to this day despite the rumours. I have never heard Mary talk up the juniors as now. As I said before we should not renew Mary's contract until after origin. We still have a team on paper to be entrenched in top 8. No excuses.

 

[SaintPauli]

I have to say that I do not think it is all Aitkens fault. I feel very sure that Aitken is playing to the coaches instructions but given his skill-set, can't quite carry these instructions out successfully. Bennett understans the strengths and weaknesses of players and designs his game plan in line with this information - of course within limitations. Mary sits down and figures a theoretical plan and then insists on his player's exact performance to that plan.

Does anyone on here believe Aitken is not aware of the numerous times he has come up with thin air when rushing up to cut off play on the edge. Of course he is aware and so the only possible reason for him to continue doing this and for him not to be dropped for doing this, has to be that he is playing to instructions.

Dufty is another matter altogether. He has skills the team badly needs to be an attacking force; that is his strength. His weakness is his defence and his lack of confidence under the high ball. It has always been my desire that Dufty be included once his body frame has been built up to give him the confidence to defend well and take the high ball without fear. Now that Widdop is injured, Dufty has nowhere to hide. Dufty will have to stand up and perform in defence and returning the high ball safely or find himself with a long stint in reserve grade.

Now it would be very convenient if the skill shortages of both Aitken and Dufty could be exposed after Mary gets his contract extension. So those asking what's the rush, there it is. Rava and maybe Pearson will be casualties of this madness but eventually, Lomax will be the beneficiary.

Dufty seems to be bulking up on recent interviews.
Lomax needs bulking up for a centre
by comparison to opposition players.
He has the body to do so.

 

[Crush]

Spot on.
Actually, probably one of the most insightful interviews I’ve seen from Mary.

Hey ALSGI, I agree mate.
He seemed relaxed and articulate in that interview.
I am feeling pretty confident we can win the next few and come back into top 4 contention.

 

[ALSGI]

Why is there a Sunday evening match right at Dinner time? Great family orientated initiative from the NRL pandering to the media and betting agencies rather than focussing on building fan base with families and kids.

Brilliant from the NRL. f**kcing stupid jerk offs.
Pretty soon there’ll be no families watching the footy and the NRL WILL die off, sure as shit.

No more than one game played at a time so we can watch and bet on every single game live. How many of us want to watch every f**kcing game? f**kcing idiots are treating us like idiots.

I used to love watching us play with live update scores from other games on at the same time.

On a positive note - should be a great game -can’t wait to watch the replay after we have our family dinner, grandkids (next generation of fans) asleep.......if I can stay awake long enough that is.

Rant over, apologies to Fox and Sportsbet.