At least Manu is getting marked by our stronger defensive edge of Sims, Lafai and JP. hopefully Mitchell stays at 5/8 so it’s Aubusson running at Aitken. He’s a good solid player but nowhere near as dangerous.
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At least Manu is getting marked by our stronger defensive edge of Sims, Lafai and JP. hopefully Mitchell stays at 5/8 so it’s Aubusson running at Aitken. He’s a good solid player but nowhere near as dangerous.
Mitchell will run at Aitken and instead of marking his man, Aitken will get involved in the tackle that Frizell already has in control and then the ball to Aubusson and Rav has the centre and winger to contend with.
possm, I think you are usually spot on but I can't understand your hate for Ravalawa at all. Aitken has been pretty good as well. It's just that we need a goal kicker and Lomax seems better than Aitken already.
But I like the way Mitchell brings the aggression. Sims does it for us but other than than, sometimes it seems our guys are too mild-mannered.
Time for Mary to make a big change
Star youngster Zac Lomax deserves a starting spot, or at least more game time amid the Dragons’ goal kicking struggles.
Ed Chisholm
CONTRIBUTOR
April 24, 2019 - 9:20 am
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https://static.nospam21.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/GettyImages-919205260-696x464.jpg?x68390
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 17: Head Coach of the Dragons Paul McGregor looks on during the NRL trial match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and Hull at ANZ Stadium on February 17, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
A side on a four-game winning streak sitting in the top six is one you wouldn’t tend to change, however Dragons coach Paul McGregor must make a crucial call ahead of a huge Anzac Day test against the league’s top side in the Roosters.
With first choice kicker and captain Gareth Widdop sidelined until at least the finals, the Red V’s kicking duties have fallen to Tim Lafai, whose two games in charge with the tee have resulted in some disastrous kicking which almost cost the side twice.
Luckily for McGregor there’s a quick and easy fix, and he’s already in the starting 17.
Having stepped up for the side in crucial periods of a game in his short NRL career already, the Dragons desperately need star youngster Zac Lomax on the field for as long as possible.
Just seven months ago, Lomax was handed the responsibility of taking a penalty kick in the Dragons’ semi-final against the Rabbitohs which would put the side ahead with only minutes on the clock. The Temora juniour stood over the ball like he could’ve kicked it with his eyes closed and smashed the Steeden through the sticks.
It’s this steal and confidence that must be thrust upon the side in next week’s Anzac Day, in light of the club’s goal kicking conundrum.
Beyond Lomax’s ice cool goal kicking ability he is an out-and-out brilliant player, who in his short NRL career has already proven his freakish ability. Dubbed ‘the gifted one’ by NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler, Lomax is a big body with electric agility and an eye for big plays.
In a game which is almost always won by a matter of points, the Dragons can’t afford to get the small things wrong on Anzac Day against the Roosters.
And with that, Mary has a big decision to make: give Lomax bigger minutes off the bench, or replace one of his current starting 13 with Lomax?
Currently playing in Lomax’s preferred positions of fullback and center are Matt Dufty, Euan Aitken and Tim Lafai, all of whom McGregor is unlikely to move on.
Which means if Lomax comes into the 13, rookie Fijian winger Mikaele Ravalawa seems the most likely to be moved. Whilst he scored the try that won his side the game against Manly, and has shown improvements in his combination with inside centre Euan Aitken, Ravalawa’s defense has still proven to be shakey and he has become a target for high kicks after a number of drops.
https://www.nospam21.com/time-for-mary-to-make-a-big-change-43219/
Time for Mary to make a big change
Star youngster Zac Lomax deserves a starting spot, or at least more game time amid the Dragons’ goal kicking struggles.
Ed Chisholm
CONTRIBUTOR
April 24, 2019 - 9:20 am
Share
https://static.nospam21.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/GettyImages-919205260-696x464.jpg?x68390
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 17: Head Coach of the Dragons Paul McGregor looks on during the NRL trial match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and Hull at ANZ Stadium on February 17, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
A side on a four-game winning streak sitting in the top six is one you wouldn’t tend to change, however Dragons coach Paul McGregor must make a crucial call ahead of a huge Anzac Day test against the league’s top side in the Roosters.
With first choice kicker and captain Gareth Widdop sidelined until at least the finals, the Red V’s kicking duties have fallen to Tim Lafai, whose two games in charge with the tee have resulted in some disastrous kicking which almost cost the side twice.
Luckily for McGregor there’s a quick and easy fix, and he’s already in the starting 17.
Having stepped up for the side in crucial periods of a game in his short NRL career already, the Dragons desperately need star youngster Zac Lomax on the field for as long as possible.
Just seven months ago, Lomax was handed the responsibility of taking a penalty kick in the Dragons’ semi-final against the Rabbitohs which would put the side ahead with only minutes on the clock. The Temora juniour stood over the ball like he could’ve kicked it with his eyes closed and smashed the Steeden through the sticks.
It’s this steal and confidence that must be thrust upon the side in next week’s Anzac Day, in light of the club’s goal kicking conundrum.
Beyond Lomax’s ice cool goal kicking ability he is an out-and-out brilliant player, who in his short NRL career has already proven his freakish ability. Dubbed ‘the gifted one’ by NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler, Lomax is a big body with electric agility and an eye for big plays.
In a game which is almost always won by a matter of points, the Dragons can’t afford to get the small things wrong on Anzac Day against the Roosters.
And with that, Mary has a big decision to make: give Lomax bigger minutes off the bench, or replace one of his current starting 13 with Lomax?
Currently playing in Lomax’s preferred positions of fullback and center are Matt Dufty, Euan Aitken and Tim Lafai, all of whom McGregor is unlikely to move on.
Which means if Lomax comes into the 13, rookie Fijian winger Mikaele Ravalawa seems the most likely to be moved. Whilst he scored the try that won his side the game against Manly, and has shown improvements in his combination with inside centre Euan Aitken, Ravalawa’s defense has still proven to be shakey and he has become a target for high kicks after a number of drops.
https://www.nospam21.com/time-for-mary-to-make-a-big-change-43219/
It is not that I don't like Ravalawa, it is just that he is very raw and so I'm concerned he may just cost us a game or two before too long. It is true that any winger outside Aitken can easily be made to look bad however, in my view I think Ravalawa would benefit greatly under a personal coach giving him extra instruction to sort out his weaknesses. I am still waiting to see the speed Millward was talking about when he signed him, hopefully it will be soon.
McGregor MUST NOT even think about playing Lomax on the wing.
If Lomax is selected at 3 and Aitken on the bench, Ravalawa may do alright. I am sure with Lomax inside him, Ravalawa would feel more settled and less nervous. He may even score a long range try of a Lomax pass.
What has he done to make you think that way and how do you define "raw"?
Mary insists on having a back on the bench. For me Aitken is the only forward we have that can also pass as a back.
This looks like old fashioned slander to me. I haven't see any evidence of "a lack of pace". I saw him use his brain and back off when Hunt made a break because he was in danger of running into pursuing Grubs and likely giving away a penalty. I also saw lots of bombs go his way in that game and saw him take everyone despite the height advantage of opposing Grubs. I didn't catch the last 1/4 of last week but in the first 3/4s can't recall him dropping any bombs. Actually, the way he has been catching them in the last few weeks would make him one of the best wingers in the competition when it comes to taking bombs.
Aitken would be better on the bench than Lomax. Aitken can't pass and has trouble choosing who to tackle but he breaks lots of tackles and doesn't miss many one on one tackles.
One thing is certain. Aitken is on significantly less money but is playing much better than his good friend Jack Bird.
