Round 9 vs Dogs

[jeffdragon]

iIF we play well we win..
A big IF.
OT Lomax rruled our for 6 weeks.

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

That’s what we thought about Warriors and Tigers. This game is no different.
Betting odds the same, we are red hot favourites.

Good week to make some coin.

 

[redandwhite4evr]

That pretty good backline has scored 80 points in 8 games. Just saying...

One of the many things that worries me about the Dragons is that our performances over the last three weeks are deteriorating not improving. We weren't far off against a good Warriors team that hardly made a mistake- the Roosters, a top 4 team even with their horrendous injury toll, exposed our lack of quality and basically the game against the Tigers looked like 15 playing 16- poor skills, no imagination, schoolboy errors- the whole catastrophe.

I'd like to be able to blame the decline on injuries but that would be simplistic and not tell the full story. Our predictable attack is not troubling teams and our defence has lost the steel evident in the first few rounds. Some players have been exposed as not up to NRL standard and our recruitment and retention staff may not be up to standard either.

If our playing standard curve continues downward, we might be looking at a shellacking by the Bullies.

 

[HenryTatana]

A lack of offloads / second phase doesn’t help our cause.

 

[getsmarty]

GAME DAY


Game day guide: Heritage Round v Bulldogs
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Wed 5 May 2021, 04:02 PM
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The St George Illawarra Dragons will face the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah on Sunday, May 9. This is your Round 9 game guide.

• Game day and ticketing information
• Round 9 squad locked and loaded
• See here for some cool retro wallpapers

Heritage Round
Round 9 will see St George Illawarra help commence the centenary celebrations of one of its founding clubs, St George District.

The centenary celebration commencement will be spearheaded by a pre-game segment with the new inductees to St George District's legends walk of fame outside of Netstrata Jubilee Stadium's western grandstand; one of many centenary events to come in 2021.

St George Illawarra will also don the 'blood and bandages' (red and white hoops) jersey in tribute to the inaugural St George Dragons team of 1921. The match-worn jerseys will then be auctioned off after the match for your chance to own a slice of Dragons history.

Be sure to wear your Retro Dragons jerseys to the game, a few lucky fans will earn a jersey upgrade thanks to Classic Sportswear. Maybe something you can pass on to mum for Mother's Day perhaps?

Hashtag #HeritageRound on social media for your chance to get your post on the big screen at the game!

Testing times for Red V backline
The backline stocks at the Dragons are at an all-time low as further injuries and existing suspensions continue to cause havoc.

Mikaele Ravalawa and Jordan Pereira are still serving suspensions from Round 7, while Round 8 wasn't kind to Zac Lomax and Cody Ramsey.

Lomax (dislocated thumb) will miss Sunday’s match, his centre void filled by Tyrell Fuimaono. Ramsey (ribs) has been named and will be monitored throughout the week. Mat Feagai has been named in the reserves as back up for his potential NRL debut.

On the contrary, big man Poasa Faamausili comes back into the side on the interchange bench following the backline changes.

Injury ward
Hear from general manager of football Ben Haran on the latest injury news regarding Lomax, Ramsey, Brayden Wiliame and Jayden Sullivan.

INC Injury update: Lomax set for lengthy stint


INC Injury update: Lomax set for lengthy stint

Settled Bulldogs hungry for more Ws
The Bulldogs have made just one positional change following their last start loss to the Parramatta Eels. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has been named at fullback, with Nick Meaney moving to the wing for what will be his 50th NRL game.

The only injury concern weighing on Trent Barrett’s team selection this week was that of Dylan Napa, but the front-rower has recovered from a knock to the shoulder last week and has been named to start the match.

The Bulldogs return to the scene of their maiden 2021 victory from a fortnight ago (an 18-12 win over the Sharks) – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2021/05/05/game-day-guide-heritage-round-v-bulldogs/

 

[getsmarty]

Communication to NRL clubs and match officials
Author
NRL Media Release NRL Media
Timestamp
Wed 5 May 2021, 03:26 PM
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The NRL has today reminded Match Officials, Clubs and Players of the need to adhere to the rules.

From Round Nine of the NRL Telstra Premiership, Match Officials have been reminded to take minimal tolerance for avoidable contact with the head or neck.

While incidental or minor contact will continue to be penalised and potentially placed on report, on-field officials and the NRL Bunker have been encouraged to use the sin bin or send-off mechanisms for contact deemed careless or reckless and involving a significant degree of force around the head and neck. The reminder is based on the Commission’s focus on ensuring player safety remains the game’s highest priority.

Match Officials will also take stronger action regarding continuous or deliberate tactical breaches in relation to “Six Again” calls for 10 metre and ruck infringements.

On-field officials will consider appropriate use of a penalty and sin bin, if it’s considered necessary under the circumstances, to ensure a higher level of compliance, including for repeat infringements or deliberate infringements early in the set.

This does not need to be the same player on consecutive occasions. The team receives a general warning and the next player that infringes in the ensuing period could be sin binned.

When the “Six Again” was introduced it allowed for penalties and sin binning for repeated offences.

Referees will also be more vigilant in identifying players who break from scrums before the call of “Break” by the referee.

The NRL will also implement measures to ensure the public can more easily understand the reason for “Six Again” calls. The specific nature of the breach (10 metre or ruck infringement) will be communicated via the public-address system and big screen graphics.

The game is also working with broadcasters to enable this to be displayed during television broadcasts to ensure fans are aware of the decision.

The NRL, Fox Sports and Nine are aligned in their desire to give fans the best possible and most informative viewing experience. The “Six Again” bell will continue to ring for infringements.

This communication is aimed at ensuring the game remains as safe as possible for players and entertaining and free flowing for NRL fans.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2021/05/05/communication-to-nrl-clubs-and-match-officials/

 

[possm]

One of the many things that worries me about the Dragons is that our performances over the last three weeks are deteriorating not improving. We weren't far off against a good Warriors team that hardly made a mistake- the Roosters, a top 4 team even with their horrendous injury toll, exposed our lack of quality and basically the game against the Tigers looked like 15 playing 16- poor skills, no imagination, schoolboy errors- the whole catastrophe.

I'd like to be able to blame the decline on injuries but that would be simplistic and not tell the full story. Our predictable attack is not troubling teams and our defence has lost the steel evident in the first few rounds. Some players have been exposed as not up to NRL standard and our recruitment and retention staff may not be up to standard either.

If our playing standard curve continues downward, we might be looking at a shellacking by the Bullies.

It is the same old problem. Our forwards are not up to it, can't consistently put in a performance like they did against Parramatta. This together with the fact that our halves (Norman especially) can't perform behind a forward pack that is being dominated.

So it all starts with our pack and then our halves, keeping in mind our outside backs are still relatively in-experienced and Dufty is not up to putting in a good 'allround' performance at first grade level.

In our fron row, we still do not have two run-on props that can dominate the opposition week-in, week-out. Sims has become very inconsistent and Kerr just not an edge forward.

Once Hunt went down, we really needed Norman to stand up and be counted but we already knew that was not going to happen.

Dufty is not a good all-round first-grade fullback and so, that's the rub folks, we just don't have the combination of players that can do the job.

So give Vaughan a top-class run-on prop and use McCullough off the bench with say, B Smith starting as hooker and I'd say we have solved the front row problem. Molo and Lawrie as our bench props.

Give young Burns and Bird a try on our edge and hopefully put De Belin at lock. All of a sudden our run-on pack looks great with just one new recruit.

Now all we have to do is buy a top grade fullback and replace Norman with Sullivan. So, 2022 is looking to be a much brighter for the Big Red V.

 

[Dragon David]

Communication to NRL clubs and match officials
Author
NRL Media Release NRL Media
Timestamp
Wed 5 May 2021, 03:26 PM
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The NRL has today reminded Match Officials, Clubs and Players of the need to adhere to the rules.

From Round Nine of the NRL Telstra Premiership, Match Officials have been reminded to take minimal tolerance for avoidable contact with the head or neck.

While incidental or minor contact will continue to be penalised and potentially placed on report, on-field officials and the NRL Bunker have been encouraged to use the sin bin or send-off mechanisms for contact deemed careless or reckless and involving a significant degree of force around the head and neck. The reminder is based on the Commission’s focus on ensuring player safety remains the game’s highest priority.

Match Officials will also take stronger action regarding continuous or deliberate tactical breaches in relation to “Six Again” calls for 10 metre and ruck infringements.

On-field officials will consider appropriate use of a penalty and sin bin, if it’s considered necessary under the circumstances, to ensure a higher level of compliance, including for repeat infringements or deliberate infringements early in the set.

This does not need to be the same player on consecutive occasions. The team receives a general warning and the next player that infringes in the ensuing period could be sin binned.

When the “Six Again” was introduced it allowed for penalties and sin binning for repeated offences.

Referees will also be more vigilant in identifying players who break from scrums before the call of “Break” by the referee.

The NRL will also implement measures to ensure the public can more easily understand the reason for “Six Again” calls. The specific nature of the breach (10 metre or ruck infringement) will be communicated via the public-address system and big screen graphics.

The game is also working with broadcasters to enable this to be displayed during television broadcasts to ensure fans are aware of the decision.

The NRL, Fox Sports and Nine are aligned in their desire to give fans the best possible and most informative viewing experience. The “Six Again” bell will continue to ring for infringements.

This communication is aimed at ensuring the game remains as safe as possible for players and entertaining and free flowing for NRL fans.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2021/05/05/communication-to-nrl-clubs-and-match-officials/

Thanks for posting getsmarty.

 

[Dragon David]

It is the same old problem. Our forwards are not up to it, can't consistently put in a performance like they did against Parramatta. This together with the fact that our halves (Norman especially) can't perform behind a forward pack that is being dominated.

So it all starts with our pack and then our halves, keeping in mind our outside backs are still relatively in-experienced and Dufty is not up to putting in a good 'allround' performance at first grade level.

In our fron row, we still do not have two run-on props that can dominate the opposition week-in, week-out. Sims has become very inconsistent and Kerr just not an edge forward.

Once Hunt went down, we really needed Norman to stand up and be counted but we already knew that was not going to happen.

Dufty is not a good all-round first-grade fullback and so, that's the rub folks, we just don't have the combination of players that can do the job.

So give Vaughan a top-class run-on prop and use McCullough off the bench with say, B Smith starting as hooker and I'd say we have solved the front row problem. Molo and Lawrie as our bench props.

Give young Burns and Bird a try on our edge and hopefully put De Belin at lock. All of a sudden our run-on pack looks great with just one new recruit.

Now all we have to do is buy a top grade fullback and replace Norman with Sullivan. So, 2022 is looking to be a much brighter for the Big Red V.

The fitness levels coupled with a massive drop in confidence might have significance in the way we are performing. The high performance staff and trainers have some work to do in my opinion.

Something has gone amiss for some reason as the players' attitudes don't appear to be the same for the past few weeks compared to when we were winning and unless this is remedied quickly, our season will be over.

 

[Illusion]

The fitness levels coupled with a massive drop in confidence might have significance in the way we are performing. The high performance staff and trainers have some work to do in my opinion.

Something has gone amiss for some reason as the players' attitudes don't appear to be the same for the past few weeks compared to when we were winning and unless this is remedied quickly, our season will be over.

Sorry to say mate , season is over ..... When we started the season it was like wow .... Now its like Marys back in town .... If Hook does not get them up against the Dogs then they have no chance in hell of beating anyone ..... So the big question for me is if the slide continues , with the same players would Bennett , Bellamy , Robinson make any difference or are these players all been damaged by the last 7 years of Dragons Footy ......

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

Sorry to say mate , season is over ..... When we started the season it was like wow .... Now its like Marys back in town .... If Hook does not get them up against the Dogs then they have no chance in hell of beating anyone ..... So the big question for me is if the slide continues , with the same players would Bennett , Bellamy , Robinson make any difference or are these players all been damaged by the last 7 years of Dragons Footy ......

We have a weak squad especially depth wise. I don’t think any coach would be able to do a lot with this squad. It’s a 3 year project in getting players like Ramsey, Sullivan, Sloan, Amone and co FG ready. Players like Lomax, Kerr, Lawrie, Fuimaono pushing into origin calculations and recruiting well around this. The top coaches would recruit a lot faster and better quality for less money but we aren’t attractive to out and out elite coaches the same way we are players. If we can scrape into the 8 this year and blood a bit of talent, it has been an outstanding year for me.

 

[Inisai Toga]

We were never going to transform overnight and a couple of early wins hasn’t changed that. We’re going ok, we’re just not where people expectations are or want us to be yet. Disappointing and frustrating yes but it’s not terrible, as long as the effort there and we keep tweaking and building we’ll change. I’ve yet to see a game this year where we haven’t put in, execution and mistakes not great, granted, but that’s is often associated with lack of talent, but i think the efforts there.

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

We were never going to transform overnight and a couple of early wins hasn’t changed that. We’re going ok, we’re just not where people expectations are or want us to be yet. Disappointing and frustrating yes but it’s not terrible, as long as the effort there and we keep tweaking and building we’ll change. I’ve yet to see a game this year where we haven’t put in, execution and mistakes not great granted, but that’s is often associated with lack of talent, but i think the efforts there.

Only the Rorters game we weren’t in it until the end. All the other games we at least hung in there.

 

[Dragonslayer]

I think there will be some changes to the team that was announced on Tuesday.

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

I think there will be some changes to the team that was announced on Tuesday.

I would be shocked if Ramsey plays.

 

[blacksafake]

I would be shocked if Ramsey plays.

It would suggest desperation if he does.

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

It would suggest desperation if he does.

We don’t want to destroy him. Just give Matt Feagai his debut I say.

 

[getsmarty]

Thanks for posting getsmarty.

Your welcome @Dragon David .

 

[Lindsay Moss]

We were never going to transform overnight and a couple of early wins hasn’t changed that. We’re going ok, we’re just not where people expectations are or want us to be yet. Disappointing and frustrating yes but it’s not terrible, as long as the effort there and we keep tweaking and building we’ll change. I’ve yet to see a game this year where we haven’t put in, execution and mistakes not great, granted, but that’s is often associated with lack of talent, but i think the efforts there.

Yep totally agree we had a great win over parra then the big dog called reality bit us on the ass. This was always going to be a hard year and after our start has made it hard to except let's just hope we win our share and enjoy what we can.

 

[FlameThrower]

Must win against the Dogs, we lose then I fear that’s it and we will hit the skids as we have done in past seasons. Our team is mentally weak and the lack of on field leaders is apparent now. They seem to go OK when winning, but then drop their bundle when things start going against them and revert to the Dragons of old. There is no resilience and character, with just mistake riddled football, poor defence, and lack of communication This shows up the lack of player depth we have and to be honest, I’m not all that convinced about Ramsey as a saviour and our junior teams are being smashed....