The Rumours Thread

[Parko1310]

With all those marquee players latrell, Cameron, Cody, etc, it is obvious that Demetriou has lost the respect of the playing group. Otherwise South is a top 4 team under an average coach. Once that happens the club has to let the coach go. It has happened twice with us recently Mary and Hook.

I disagree that Souths are a top 4 team on paper. I said before the season started I wouldn't be shocked if they don't make the 8. Their roster is incredibly overrated. Not to mention JD is not a great coach. But Latrell has never set the world alight for more than one week in a row playing at fullback, add to that he's often out with injury and suspension. Damien Cook has been living off 1.5 good seasons in the NRL since 2019, when you watch his game, he's not that great a player. Walker has always been hot and cold, and they need a good halfback to steer this team around. They don't have that. They have no wingers suited to the modern game. All of their wing options can't bring the ball out of trouble well, and when you add to that that the other member of the back 3 doesn't take the hard carries, they have no way of wrestling back field position other than a get out of trouble penalty. Wighton is a good player but he's not going to change the game from centre. Add to all this that their forward pack is below average, and you have a team sitting where they should be. They have a lot of high paid players making a living off reputation, that don't actually have a lot going for them

 

[since77]

I disagree that Souths are a top 4 team on paper. I said before the season started I wouldn't be shocked if they don't make the 8. Their roster is incredibly overrated. Not to mention JD is not a great coach. But Latrell has never set the world alight for more than one week in a row playing at fullback, add to that he's often out with injury and suspension. Damien Cook has been living off 1.5 good seasons in the NRL since 2019, when you watch his game, he's not that great a player. Walker has always been hot and cold, and they need a good halfback to steer this team around. They don't have that. They have no wingers suited to the modern game. All of their wing options can't bring the ball out of trouble well, and when you add to that that the other member of the back 3 doesn't take the hard carries, they have no way of wrestling back field position other than a get out of trouble penalty. Wighton is a good player but he's not going to change the game from centre. Add to all this that their forward pack is below average, and you have a team sitting where they should be. They have a lot of high paid players making a living off reputation, that don't actually have a lot going for them

Souffs cooked their own goose when they made the monumentally stupid decision to prioritise keeping Walker over Reynolds and thinking Ilias was a first grade halfback.
Dumbest recruitment decision I’ve seen for ages. Have thoroughly enjoyed watching them reap what they’ve sown.

 

[Dragon the chain]

I think most would agree that it's a strong roster "on paper". Most honest judges would also agree that they are competing very strongly with Easts for the "Most over the Salary Cap" award. However, games aren't played on paper. You don't win games because you have more origin players than the other team. You win by playing better as a team. Souths' problem is that they are a soft team. Penrith want to crush the other team into the ground and bury them. They are prepared to spend 70 minutes doing it. Souths just want to score a try immediately.

 

[Illusion]

Souffs cooked their own goose when they made the monumentally stupid decision to prioritise keeping Walker over Reynolds and thinking Ilias was a first grade halfback.
Dumbest recruitment decision I’ve seen for ages. Have thoroughly enjoyed watching them reap what they’ve sown.

Latrell and Walker are the biggest problem at the club they have too much with what goes on ....... Loving it ........

 

[Dragon the chain]

Souffs cooked their own goose when they made the monumentally stupid decision to prioritise keeping Walker over Reynolds and thinking Ilias was a first grade halfback.
Dumbest recruitment decision I’ve seen for ages. Have thoroughly enjoyed watching them reap what they’ve sown.

I agree that they should have kept Reynolds. But he is going to be injury ridden for the rest of his career anyway.

On the other hand, Illias is a 1st grade halfback. Souths are not losing because of their halfback. Hawkins is also decent. They are soft team with no standards.

 

[since77]

On the other hand, Illias is a 1st grade halfback. Souths are not losing because of their halfback.

Last time I checked he was playing Reggies. He’s a dud.

 

[Dragon the chain]

Last time I checked he was playing Reggies. He’s a dud.

He was playing Reggies because his coach was looking for a scapegoat. A lot of very good footballers have been dropped to reserve grade.

 

[Parko1310]

He was playing Reggies because his coach was looking for a scapegoat. A lot of very good footballers have been dropped to reserve grade.

Indeed they have.. Illias is not one of them. He's not a good halfback at all. He's not to blame for Souths' predicament, but he certainly was one of the players in the team who weren't good enough.

 

[since77]

He was playing Reggies because his coach was looking for a scapegoat. A lot of very good footballers have been dropped to reserve grade.

Dude….. who would you prefer as your halfback? Ilias or Reynolds? It’s not even a question….
Was a dumb decision and Ilias is a dud.

 

[Parko1310]

NRL Early Mail round 6: Dragons coach Shane Flanagan considering swinging axe on veterans Blake Lawrie and Mikaele Ravalawa​

Shane Flanagan is losing patience with his underperforming players and is considering swinging the axe on a veteran Dragons duo. Check out the round six early mail.
Michael Carayannis and David Riccio

2 min read
April 7, 2024 - 9:43AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
https://archive.md/O8yCU/again?url=.../5d06545bf0f74d5b802d97397a9287a9#share-tools

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NRL: The Many Sea Eagles have stamped their mark on the NRL with a convincing win over the Penrith Panthers as they celebrate a Daly Cherry-Evans milestone.
St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan is considering swinging the axe with veterans Blake Lawrie and Mikaele Ravalawa on the chopping block.
Tyrell Sloan is expected to remain the no. 1 at least in the short-term despite an indifferent performance during St George Illawarra’s loss to the Knights on Friday night.
Flanagan has so far resisted the temptation to make significant changes.
But after the opening five games of the season, the Dragons coach is losing patience with some of his underperforming players.
It means Lawrie and Ravalawa’s spots are in question with the duo now facing an uphill battle to keep their positions ahead of an important game against the Wests Tigers next Sunday.
Flanagan hinted at potential moves post-game when he declared he was “not afraid” of making change.
“I need to make change at this club,” Flanagan said.
“That’s my job. I am going to make change.”

Blake Lawrie’s position in the forward pack could be in jeopardy. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images
That change could happen as early as Tuesday when the team’s are announced.
Jack Bird is also fighting to retain a starting spot provided he is cleared of a serious knee injury. Bird left the field in the second half and was having scans on Sunday afternoon to confirm any potential damage.
Hame Sele missed Friday’s game with a minor calf complaint but he will come back into the 17 man team which places Lawrie’s position in doubt.
Lawrie has been a mainstay for the Dragons in recent years.
He is part of the leadership squad but struggled with his hands on Friday night.
It would be Flanagan’s first big coaching call if he does opt to axe the 27-year-old.

Mikaele Ravalawa could see his spot taken by the likes of Christian Tuipulotu. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images
Ravalawa has also failed to take pressure off his forwards with strong carries while defensively he still rushes out of the line.
Manly recruit Christian Tuipulotu has impressed in NSW Cup and would be in line to play his first Dragons match.
The Dragons could be on the lookout for two wingers with Lomax an option to return back to centre if Bird misses the game. Mat or Max Feagai are other wing options.
Channel 9’s Phil Gould said Flanagan’s call to shift Sloan was “interesting”.

More Coverage​

Dragons roster upheaval: Players on the chopping block
SuperCoach NRL: 30 Winners and Losers from Super Saturday
“At halftime we highlighted Tyrell Sloan’s defensive error on the goal line, he was run over there,” Gould said post-game.
“Zac Lomax has asked for a release from the club, he doesn’t like playing on the wing and at halftime they make the switch and put him at fullback.
“Maybe the coach has run out of patience. Maybe he’s trying to convince Zac Lomax (to stay), I don’t know, but it was an interesting change at that stage of the game.”

 

[Hound of Dracula]

Dude….. who would you prefer as your halfback? Ilias or Reynolds? It’s not even a question….
Was a dumb decision and Ilias is a dud.

100% Reynolds
Rookie of the year in first season at 21, though throughout his career, pretty injury prone hence only two SOO appearances in 2016 first two games - NSW were beaten in both
Don't think Ilias @ 23yr is a total dud though but certainly not Reynolds quality

 

[AyiosYiorgos]

Christian Tuipulotu isn't an upgrade on Ravalawa, the wingers aren't our problem..
"Ravalawa has also failed to take pressure off his forwards with strong carries" and this comment is totally wrong..

 

[Hound of Dracula]

Christian Tuipulotu isn't an upgrade on Ravalawa, the wingers aren't our problem..
"Ravalawa has also failed to take pressure off his forwards with strong carries" and this comment is totally wrong..

Agree,

Watched Christian's 4 tries last weekend. Awesome but seriously, Blacktown played shite, gifting at least three of them.

Rava makes great meters

 

[R&WTILLIDIE]

Agree,

Watched Christian's 4 tries last weekend. Awesome but seriously, Blacktown played shite, gifting at least three of them.

Rava makes great meters

Rava hasn’t been bad, but hasn’t been great either (I recall his bone head play against the phins where he waited for Osaka to catch the ball over the try line and then attempt to tackle him.)

maybe this is the sort of thing that this bonehead team needs. If you aren’t performing at your best, then you will be dropped. Something that McFlop and Hook never did in the past. The players could be shit all season long and never have the fear of being dropped. I welcome these changes.

 

[maestro1]

I disagree that Souths are a top 4 team on paper. I said before the season started I wouldn't be shocked if they don't make the 8. Their roster is incredibly overrated. Not to mention JD is not a great coach. But Latrell has never set the world alight for more than one week in a row playing at fullback, add to that he's often out with injury and suspension. Damien Cook has been living off 1.5 good seasons in the NRL since 2019, when you watch his game, he's not that great a player. Walker has always been hot and cold, and they need a good halfback to steer this team around. They don't have that. They have no wingers suited to the modern game. All of their wing options can't bring the ball out of trouble well, and when you add to that that the other member of the back 3 doesn't take the hard carries, they have no way of wrestling back field position other than a get out of trouble penalty. Wighton is a good player but he's not going to change the game from centre. Add to all this that their forward pack is below average, and you have a team sitting where they should be. They have a lot of high paid players making a living off reputation, that don't actually have a lot going for them

They are really missing Campbell Graham. He is probably the best defensive centre in the game. He is that good that if he was playing injury free, they would be top 6 easy.

 

[Auntie.Gerald]

I disagree that Souths are a top 4 team on paper. I said before the season started I wouldn't be shocked if they don't make the 8. Their roster is incredibly overrated. Not to mention JD is not a great coach. But Latrell has never set the world alight for more than one week in a row playing at fullback, add to that he's often out with injury and suspension. Damien Cook has been living off 1.5 good seasons in the NRL since 2019, when you watch his game, he's not that great a player. Walker has always been hot and cold, and they need a good halfback to steer this team around. They don't have that. They have no wingers suited to the modern game. All of their wing options can't bring the ball out of trouble well, and when you add to that that the other member of the back 3 doesn't take the hard carries, they have no way of wrestling back field position other than a get out of trouble penalty. Wighton is a good player but he's not going to change the game from centre. Add to all this that their forward pack is below average, and you have a team sitting where they should be. They have a lot of high paid players making a living off reputation, that don't actually have a lot going for them

Hey PArko

Mate one of the ways I try to work how strong a team is at a baseline level (when going through an unexpected loosing streak)................ I simply take their 4 playmakers ie Walker, Cook, Latrell and Ilias and say if I dropped them in any other team could they make that team a top8 minimum?

Then going back to the team they came from and saying is there enough other players to be a true top4 team vs the other contenders?

Do they have two props that dominate?

A motivated and playing at their best Walker, Latrell and Cook are a serious trio. Ilias I feel can do a good enough job when they are at their peak.

Do Souths have the pack to beat the best? Tatola, Murray and Cook when humming are players I would have in our starting pack in a heart beat.

There appears to be a deep rot at Souths right now. A smelly, bottom sitting algae mindset. Two tribes going to war.

The talent is there.

The desire for peak performance is not.

When you bring in the messiah of coaches......................it leaves a big desolate, barren, infertile, sterile open wasteland.........60% of the time, all of the time .

Broncos post Wayne
Newcastle post Wayne
Dragons post Wayne
Souths post Wayne

The "chosen one" departing leaves a vortex in so many sports

 

[thebigredv]

We need to stop defending players that aren’t getting us results. Would I drop Lawrie - absolutely. Rava is less clear cut but if the coach is saying they aren’t up to standard then they aren’t up to standard. Could probably drop half the team and wouldn’t get a gripe from me. Standards. Standards. Standards.

the old coaches just persisted with it because it was easy and less uncomfortable. Feagai would still be first picked under the old regime.

 

[RedVee]

If Bird is out wouldn’t Rava be the first choice right winger?

 

[Auntie.Gerald]

NRL Early Mail round 6: Dragons coach Shane Flanagan considering swinging axe on veterans Blake Lawrie and Mikaele Ravalawa​

Shane Flanagan is losing patience with his underperforming players and is considering swinging the axe on a veteran Dragons duo. Check out the round six early mail.
Michael Carayannis and David Riccio

2 min read
April 7, 2024 - 9:43AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
https://archive.md/O8yCU/again?url=.../5d06545bf0f74d5b802d97397a9287a9#share-tools

Play
Mute
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Loaded: 0%
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Current Time 0:00
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Duration 0:00
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NRL: The Many Sea Eagles have stamped their mark on the NRL with a convincing win over the Penrith Panthers as they celebrate a Daly Cherry-Evans milestone.
St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan is considering swinging the axe with veterans Blake Lawrie and Mikaele Ravalawa on the chopping block.
Tyrell Sloan is expected to remain the no. 1 at least in the short-term despite an indifferent performance during St George Illawarra’s loss to the Knights on Friday night.
Flanagan has so far resisted the temptation to make significant changes.
But after the opening five games of the season, the Dragons coach is losing patience with some of his underperforming players.
It means Lawrie and Ravalawa’s spots are in question with the duo now facing an uphill battle to keep their positions ahead of an important game against the Wests Tigers next Sunday.
Flanagan hinted at potential moves post-game when he declared he was “not afraid” of making change.
“I need to make change at this club,” Flanagan said.
“That’s my job. I am going to make change.”

Blake Lawrie’s position in the forward pack could be in jeopardy. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images
That change could happen as early as Tuesday when the team’s are announced.
Jack Bird is also fighting to retain a starting spot provided he is cleared of a serious knee injury. Bird left the field in the second half and was having scans on Sunday afternoon to confirm any potential damage.
Hame Sele missed Friday’s game with a minor calf complaint but he will come back into the 17 man team which places Lawrie’s position in doubt.
Lawrie has been a mainstay for the Dragons in recent years.
He is part of the leadership squad but struggled with his hands on Friday night.
It would be Flanagan’s first big coaching call if he does opt to axe the 27-year-old.

Mikaele Ravalawa could see his spot taken by the likes of Christian Tuipulotu. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images
Ravalawa has also failed to take pressure off his forwards with strong carries while defensively he still rushes out of the line.
Manly recruit Christian Tuipulotu has impressed in NSW Cup and would be in line to play his first Dragons match.
The Dragons could be on the lookout for two wingers with Lomax an option to return back to centre if Bird misses the game. Mat or Max Feagai are other wing options.
Channel 9’s Phil Gould said Flanagan’s call to shift Sloan was “interesting”.

More Coverage​

Dragons roster upheaval: Players on the chopping block
SuperCoach NRL: 30 Winners and Losers from Super Saturday
“At halftime we highlighted Tyrell Sloan’s defensive error on the goal line, he was run over there,” Gould said post-game.
“Zac Lomax has asked for a release from the club, he doesn’t like playing on the wing and at halftime they make the switch and put him at fullback.
“Maybe the coach has run out of patience. Maybe he’s trying to convince Zac Lomax (to stay), I don’t know, but it was an interesting change at that stage of the game.”

Rava did 18 runs and 213 metres on the weekend. Interesting shot at Rava in the media?

no missed tackles !

only one error made vs Bird 3 errors (who only played 49mins thank god) and Lomax 6 errors

bit of research might help some commentary !

Our no9 having to make 53 tackles ................ teams are still rolling us through the middle.

Teams still have strong field position against us and are kicking smarter and deeper for our kick returns.

The basics !!!!!!

Bird is still taking 4 seconds plus for a play of the ball.

My understanding was it is mandatory to have your legs chopped off in the NRL and NSW comp if are above 3 seconds for a play of the ball !!!!!!

 

[Gold_Coast Dragon]

If Bird is out wouldn’t Rava be the first choice right winger?

And Tuipalatu scored his 4 tries on the left wing. Lomax and Rav back together. Kinda hope Bird is injured.