Round 5 vs. St George Illawarra Dragons Discussion

[Big Pete]

St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Dolphins
WIN Stadium, Saturday 1 April 2023
Kick Off: 4:30pm (AEST)

1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Moses Mbye 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Jack Bird

14. Jacob Liddle 15. Zane Musgrove 16. Toby Couchman 17. Josh Kerr

18. Michael Molo 19. Tautau Moga 20. Jaiyden Hunt 21. Talatau Amone 22. Jack de Belin

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Jack Bostock 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Anthony Milford 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Herman Ese'ese 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert

14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Mason Teague

18. Poasa Faamausili 19. Kurt Donoghoe 20. JJ Collins 21. Kodi Nikorima 22. Robert Jennings​

 

[Big Pete]

Jack Bostock will make his NRL debut against his junior club. Jack will become the fourth Dolphin to make his NRL debut as Bennett continues to give his young charges an opportunity in first grade. Jack was one of the stand-outs of the trials and physically he should be able to handle the rigors of NRL football.

Sean O'Sullivan is expected to miss three-four months worth of football which opens the door for Milford. After being extradinarily dumped ahead of the season opener, Milford had a mixed night against the Broncos and will be looking for an improved effort against the Dragons. Milford needs to be more hands on and look to combine with his forwards as much as possible.

His battle with former halves partner Ben Hunt will be where the battle is won and loss. Both have their issues in defence and I expect both teams to run heavy traffic at one another. The Dolphin's middles will need to work overtime to deny Hunt time and space to keep the maestro quiet.

Marshall-King and Katoa will also make their returns. Marshall-King was sorely missed against the Broncos and his inclusion will allow the Dolphins to be smoother with the football. Like Milford, this game shapes as a good test for Katoa who will have to accept more responsibility. Katoa has made some impressive contributions in every game he's played in so far, it's just a matter of being able to put that together for the entire 80.

I know this board has a few Dragons ex-pats in @Puff and @Jason Maher. Are you guys confident heading into the game and where do you think it'll be won and loss?

 

[Puff]

Playing my old mob.

Having supported the dragons my whole life. I can’t just drop them. So I still support them, as a close second.

However, I find myself wanting the Dolphins to win. Because I honestly believe that the Dolphins winning would be a win for both clubs.

Hook will be closer to getting Hooked, the dragons board who are ruining that club will feel more pressure.

Dolphins by 12

 

[Puff]

I think most games are won in the forwards.

Kaufusi again a big loss for us. However, I have always thought the Dragons problem has been their forwards. Blake Laurie doesn’t bend the line back. And the rest of that pack is a bunch of unmentionables.

King is a big in, his service to the forwards gets them rolling. Giving Katoa time to shine every now and again. The hammer is benefiting too scoring a lot down the middle rather then swinging out wide.

If they get at Hunt and pressure his kicking it could get ugly for the dragons. I don’t see other big threats for the dolphins.

 

[Puff]

Also, that Suli interview.

can’t be a happy camp

 

[Jason Maher]

Obviously want the Dolphins to win, but at the same time I don't want to see either team get humiliated. Been scarlet/red and white for way too long to just drop them altogether.

 

[to_ddeath]

Obviously want the Dolphins to win, but at the same time I don't want to see either team get humiliated. Been scarlet/red and white for way too long to just drop them altogether.

Another one I see….pretty much in the same boat but for the first time possibly ever I didn’t watch the highlights of the Sharks thrashing last week & get angry at their lack of effort.
Seen it way too many times I’ve become numb to it
I’m simply hoping for a good quality game with the better team deserving it & not marred by crap officiating

 

[Gardenia]

I am a Dragons fan from way back but the Dolphins is my new second favourite team. Love Wayne and bleed red and white. I want the Dragons to win obviously but losing to the Dolphins will hurt less then other teams. Just dont want to see us humiliated or suss calls. Looking forward to this game. Hope young Jack Bostock has a good debut.

 

[Puff]

I am a Dragons fan from way back but the Dolphins is my new second favourite team. Love Wayne and bleed red and white. I want the Dragons to win obviously but losing to the Dolphins will hurt less then other teams. Just dont want to see us humiliated or suss calls. Looking forward to this game. Hope young Jack Bostock has a good debut.

Yeah, Dragon's youngster. I hope he comes good, has a long way to go from what I have seen of him.