Dragons coach McGregor’s blunt warning
Tim Barrow@@TheBarrow
3 Feb 2017, 3:16 p.m.
CAUGHT: Joel Thompson (left). Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
COACH Paul McGregor has delivered a stern preseason warning, declaring every position vacant when the NRL starts next month.
Trying to find attacking solutions after limping to 12th last year, McGregor is prepared to deliver a stunning selection overhaul when they take on Penrith at Kogarah. The message came before the St George Illawarra squad left for the Auckland Nines, starting on Saturday with games against Parramatta and Manly.
“As Mary has said to all of us, no position is safe in this place,” forward Joel Thompson said at training at WIN Stadium this week.
“Not mine, not (captain) Gareth’s (Widdop), not anyones.
Paul McGregor
“He’ll pick the best side for round one, so if (players) stand up in trials and have been going well in preseason.
“It’s up to us and it’s up to the coach.”
After their lack of scoring potency with captain Widdop and Benji Marshall in the halves this year, McGregor is now considering his halfback options.
Kurt Mann and young Jai Field will have the first chance to impress at the Nines, with Matt Dufty offered a shot to show he is up to handling the fullback spot.
With Shaun Nona and Josh McCrone in the mix, Field, the fastest player over 40 metres at the club, has emerged as the front-runner as a likely partner to Widdop.
If Dufty can play a starring role this weekend, as well as during game time in next week’s trial against the Tigers in Wollongong and the Charity Shield against Souths, McGregor may yet shift Josh Dugan to the centres.
Thompson said the intensity of the Dragons’ preseason training will pay off.
“The new strength and conditioning guys have added a lot more running and more intensity,” he said.
The Dragons are rated $101 outsiders to win this year’s NRL competition
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