The Players Dont Care

[Old Timer]

OT, the season is over. We will not make the top 8. The coach, the players, the board have let the fans down once again. I will always support the dragons but I won't get excited about watching their games for the rest of this year. The writing is on the wall.
You called it. It was a false start. We ambushed teams before they had starting clicking. Now the other teams have well and truly overtaken us and we won't get close to the top teams. In fact I doubt we will even beat the mediocre teams from here.
Its over for 2017.

So do you agree time for changes in the roster?

 

[2010]

What ever happened to Mark Coyne.
The Doust, Millwit and McIdiot trio are slowly destroying our team.
It is obvious by the last few games things are not right within the club.
With these three running the club it can only get worse.
I bet Hunt is having second thoughts about coming here

 

[Como Connection]

Perfect reply. Thing is you can't blame Mary for dropped balls, missed tackles. I get that and agree. Where it is on him is picking players out of form, not working on players deficiencies(Nene running like cotton wool), a tactical game plan(why are we so poor at getting repeat sets??). All these things are on him and are his responsibility so he is either too clueless to fix it or with his new contract doesn't care.

Kurt Mann on one of the few times he received the ball put in a nice kick for a line dropout.
CC

 

[Crush]

So do you agree time for changes in the roster?

I don't actually. I think we are playing with the best players we have, we just aren't good enough. The only change that we could possibly make is maybe bring dufty in at 1 but thats more about development than actually having an impact on this year.
We have lost the plot. I couldn't believe taking the 2 twice yesterday. I couldn't believe the lack of creativity. Widdop just putting the bomb up time after time with the same result every time.
Going wide off the scrum and getting taken into touch and wasting 6 tackles in good field position.
Bringing in young kids won't change anything, other than ruin their confidence also.....

 

[Life's Good]

Kurt Mann on one of the few times he received the ball put in a nice kick for a line dropout.
CC

And Mary will probably drop him such is his way(I hope he doesn't though).

 

[Old Timer]

I don't actually. I think we are playing with the best players we have, we just aren't good enough. The only change that we could possibly make is maybe bring dufty in at 1 but thats more about development than actually having an impact on this year.
We have lost the plot. I couldn't believe taking the 2 twice yesterday. I couldn't believe the lack of creativity. Widdop just putting the bomb up time after time with the same result every time.
Going wide off the scrum and getting taken into touch and wasting 6 tackles in good field position.
Bringing in young kids won't change anything, other than ruin their confidence also.....

Nene Mc Donald is a complete dud and Dufty should be playing in his spot for the rest of the season to get acclimatised.
Frizzell and Packer are completely busted and Host and Lawrie should be taking their starting spots for 3 or so weeks.
Dugan is busted and should be given a few weeks off and Mann should go to 1 and Nighty should never be selected their again.
PS It is obvious to see that Mc Innes is also close to being busted so if Hutch is ready anytime soon he should go to half and Mc Crone to bench to help Mc Innes.

 

[Crush]

Nene Mc Donald is a complete dud and Dufty should be playing in his spot for the rest of the season to get acclimatised.
Frizzell and Packer are completely busted and Host and Lawrie should be taking their starting spots for 3 or so weeks.
Dugan is busted and should be given a few weeks off and Mann should go to 1 and Nighty should never be selected their again.
PS It is obvious to see that Mc Innes is also close to being busted so if Hutch is ready anytime soon he should go to half and Mc Crone to bench to help Mc Innes.

Happy to drop Macdonald to reserves to see if he has any ticker.
Happy to look after Frizell and if he needs time to recover he should be given it.
If Packer is injured then sit him out, if he isn't then play him and tell him to stop giving away penalties or else it is reserves for him as well.
Dugan is always busted. Thats just how he is always from round 1 to 26 every year. If he can play Id play him and try and get our moneys worth out of him, if he cant play because of injuries let him sit on the sidelines.
Nightingale is still one of our best backs, I wouldn't be dropping him.
Hutch isn't the answer to any of our problems.
Thats my take on your thoughts.

 

[Dragonslayer]

Nene Mc Donald is a complete dud and Dufty should be playing in his spot for the rest of the season to get acclimatised.
Frizzell and Packer are completely busted and Host and Lawrie should be taking their starting spots for 3 or so weeks.
Dugan is busted and should be given a few weeks off and Mann should go to 1 and Nighty should never be selected their again.
PS It is obvious to see that Mc Innes is also close to being busted so if Hutch is ready anytime soon he should go to half and Mc Crone to bench to help Mc Innes.

Sorry OT, I can't agree that McDonald is a complete dud. I do agree that he is playing soft and has little or no concept of urgency and needs some development time.
Dufty is not the answer on the wing, but I feel he should be given an opportunity and that would be at fullback. Dugan has been injured more times than playing in the last month or so. So, I would move him to centre and shift Aitken to wing (yes, Nene to reggies) and Dufty to fullback. Mann to stay at 7 as I thought he was ok yesterday, a little tense, but was working into it before Dugan went off.
Frizz needs a long rest, and wether he plays origin or not, I wouldn't want him back until at least rd 22 just to get him right. Packer, agree he's gone, don't think it's mental, just physical and maybe re-occurring injuries aka last year or just endurance (watched him closely in the NZ V Aust test and even then he was walking back).
Liked what I saw of young Lawrie, didn't shirk his task at all, shame he was HIA. Host to come in for Frizz.
McCrone will be #17, as he can cover hooker and half.
If Dugan is not fit, then I would consider I Thompson for a run, bit left field I know, but he is a big lad and has talent, but does have hands like feet sometimes. Otherwise we just go with Milne.
As far as McInnes, he needs a back-up, that's why McCrone suits as the #17. Giving him 10-15 min break would freshen him up I think if he needs it.

 

[1st & 10]

Watching the game on tv tonight, after the game was finished I, a mere supporter, was left feeling devastated that our season was essentially gone with that kind of performance. Then I see on the tele all the dragons players laughing and smiling as they mingled with the opposition players after the match. Dugan, Frizell, Macdonald, Aitken, Packer all having a big smile on their faces and having a good old time after just producing a performance which has pretty much put the nail in the coffin. We are shot ducks. Its all over again for another year.
The fans honestly care way more than the players....

Well said Crush, great post.

After a loss like that you used to be dragged by the collar and hot water in the dressing rooms turned off

 

[1st & 10]

Its just a job for these guys. Forget about all the BS. These players were laughing and smiling after just losing the season. That game was so important. Its over now.

That shows the players have no passion, no ticker

 

[Dragonslayer]

I don't have too much of an issue with it TBH. I mean what do you expect them to do? Throw a tantrum? Swear and start arguing? Maybe have a cry?.
The fact is that players have been told (a) not to bring the game into disrepute (b) there are plenty of kids who attend games and watch on TV, so sportsmanship and mateship are important aspects of the development of the game (c) many catch up with old mates or ex-teammates.
The last thing the NRL wants is a team who loses to show bad sportsmanship, particularly a famous brand such as the Dragons.
I'm sure the disappointment will be more felt once they return back to the change rooms.

 

[Bests Golden Boots]

Kurt Mann on one of the few times he received the ball put in a nice kick for a line dropout.
CC

To be honest he didn't get the ball much. I honestly thought JDB was playing half in the first half the amount he was at first reciever.

 

[Bests Golden Boots]

I don't have too much of an issue with it TBH. I mean what do you expect them to do? Throw a tantrum? Swear and start arguing? Maybe have a cry?.
The fact is that players have been told (a) not to bring the game into disrepute (b) there are plenty of kids who attend games and watch on TV, so sportsmanship and mateship are important aspects of the development of the game (c) many catch up with old mates or ex-teammates.
The last thing the NRL wants is a team who loses to show bad sportsmanship, particularly a famous brand such as the Dragons.
I'm sure the disappointment will be more felt once they return back to the change rooms.

Good point.
But they won't be disappointed when they open their bank statement, or when they get dropped to reserves because we all know that won't happen.

 

[1st & 10]

I don't have too much of an issue with it TBH. I mean what do you expect them to do? Throw a tantrum? Swear and start arguing? Maybe have a cry?.
The fact is that players have been told (a) not to bring the game into disrepute (b) there are plenty of kids who attend games and watch on TV, so sportsmanship and mateship are important aspects of the development of the game (c) many catch up with old mates or ex-teammates.
The last thing the NRL wants is a team who loses to show bad sportsmanship, particularly a famous brand such as the Dragons.
I'm sure the disappointment will be more felt once they return back to the change rooms.

Shake hands with the other team, give them three cheers, but it's not okay to show so much elation and mateship with the opposition after the game on the field. It proves that no passion and no heart existed during play.

Again I ask, why should the fans show passion, when the team from top to bottom, do not?

 

[West coast dragon]

I've said it in other threads but packer has checked out and is in cruise control since he got the deal with the tigers

 

[Crush]

I don't have too much of an issue with it TBH. I mean what do you expect them to do? Throw a tantrum? Swear and start arguing? Maybe have a cry?.
The fact is that players have been told (a) not to bring the game into disrepute (b) there are plenty of kids who attend games and watch on TV, so sportsmanship and mateship are important aspects of the development of the game (c) many catch up with old mates or ex-teammates.
The last thing the NRL wants is a team who loses to show bad sportsmanship, particularly a famous brand such as the Dragons.
I'm sure the disappointment will be more felt once they return back to the change rooms.

I want to see them shake hands, congratulate their opposition then sit down on the grass with their heads in their hands as they realise that they have just put another nail in the 2017 coffin and that they won't be playing finals football again.
I want to see them in disbelief in how they could have made the errors that they just did and shaking their heads at how poorly they played.
Because thats how I felt and still feel 24 hours later. Disgusted!

 

[monsterkev]

To be honest he didn't get the ball much. I honestly thought JDB was playing half in the first half the amount he was at first reciever.

Mary and Widdop were always going to play the game without Mann getting his hands on the ball
Mann should be 5/8 and Widdop to park footy

 

[Old Timer]

Sorry OT, I can't agree that McDonald is a complete dud. I do agree that he is playing soft and has little or no concept of urgency and needs some development time.
Dufty is not the answer on the wing, but I feel he should be given an opportunity and that would be at fullback. Dugan has been injured more times than playing in the last month or so. So, I would move him to centre and shift Aitken to wing (yes, Nene to reggies) and Dufty to fullback. Mann to stay at 7 as I thought he was ok yesterday, a little tense, but was working into it before Dugan went off.
Frizz needs a long rest, and wether he plays origin or not, I wouldn't want him back until at least rd 22 just to get him right. Packer, agree he's gone, don't think it's mental, just physical and maybe re-occurring injuries aka last year or just endurance (watched him closely in the NZ V Aust test and even then he was walking back).
Liked what I saw of young Lawrie, didn't shirk his task at all, shame he was HIA. Host to come in for Frizz.
McCrone will be #17, as he can cover hooker and half.
If Dugan is not fit, then I would consider I Thompson for a run, bit left field I know, but he is a big lad and has talent, but does have hands like feet sometimes. Otherwise we just go with Milne.
As far as McInnes, he needs a back-up, that's why McCrone suits as the #17. Giving him 10-15 min break would freshen him up I think if he needs it.

DS
Mc Donald came on good coin so he doesn't need development time he needs the flick.
Remember how people talked him up and said "what a great signing"
Well I have just been watching how hard the little men in the back 3 at Cronulla run back with a carry and it puts Mc Donald's efforts to shame.
His highlights reel show he got a lot of tries off intercepts or by out jumping people and other than that not a lot so he is an absolute dud and would be lucky to be in the top 12 wingers for pace.
Looks like he has taken over the Georgie Rose sponsorship by Donut King.
I think Dufty needs game time and needs to have Dugan there showing him so wing would be ideal.

 

[Dragsters]

The part of the game plan 'McInnes to send the ball to forwards and then to Widdop only' was a flawed idea. The Titans only had to defend the centre and then close Widdop down on the left side. This is not the first time McInnes has been instructed to do this when Mann is playing halfback.

I sure hope the feud between Millward and Mary is not spilling onto the field. Mary's actions all season appeared to show a distain for Mann. The recent extension of Mann may not have been what Mary wanted.

I was watching this all game and as soon as Mann was shifted to the wing, and McCrone came onto the field, the ball was sent to the left side for McCrone.

It was pretty obvious to me too and I don't get it either.

It reminded me of the second half of the Charity Shield when Mann and Field got a crack at playing 7.

In that case it McCrone they shifted to dummy half and he proceeded to pass only to Widdop, leaving Mann and Field with no ball.

At the time I thought it was just McCrone denying these players of the opportunity to unseat him from the halfback job.

Now I'm convinced it a coaching direction.

On both occasions this tactic proved child's play for the opposition to contain and on both occasions we were well beaten as a result.

The only reason I could forgive this tactic last night, would be if Mary is committed to giving Mann an extended run in the 7 and he wanted to take some pressure off him initially.

Of this I am yet to be convinced.

Time will tell.

 

[monsterkev]

Ma

It was pretty obvious to me too and I don't get it either.

It reminded me of the second half of the Charity Shield when Mann and Field got a crack at playing 7.

In that case it McCrone they shifted to dummy half and he proceeded to pass only to Widdop, leaving Mann and Field with no ball.

At the time I thought it was just McCrone denying these players of the opportunity to unseat him from the halfback job.

Now I'm convinced it a coaching direction.

On both occasions this tactic proved child's play for the opposition to contain and on both occasions we were well beaten as a result.

The only reason I could forgive this tactic last night, would be if Mary is committed to giving Mann an extended run in the 7 and he wanted to take some pressure off him.

Of this I am yet to be convinced.

Time will tell.

No wont change
Mary just dicking Mann around again
I honestly don't know why Mann stayed for 2 more years
Anywhere would be an improvement on this imposter of a team posing as the dragons