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Setu Tu and David Fale have impressed Dragons coach Shane Flanagan during their first pre-season with the club, with the new recruits poised to claim starting positions in Sin City debut.
St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has laid down the challenge to some of his experienced players after declaring he is set to unleash two rookie wingers for their opening clash in Las Vegas.
Flanagan has been left impressed by new recruits – David Fale from Penrith and ex-Warriors flyer Setu Tu.
The pair have the inside running to start against the Bulldogs ahead of the more experienced Tyrell Sloan, Christian Tuipulotu and Mat Feagai.
“They have the jump on the others at the moment,” Flanagan said.
“Setu brings a bit of energy and is bouncing around and hard to tackle. David is really good in the air, athletic and something we haven’t had.
“(CT) Tuipulotu is a powerful winger at the back of the field and Sloan is fast. It gives us some options on the wing. It is going to be hard-fought.”
Fale and Tu – while inexperienced in terms of their NRL careers – they have played plenty of reserve grade in recent seasons.
Fale, 25, made his NRL debut for the Panthers in round 26 last year and has been a constant in their reserve grade team in recent years while Tu is 27 and has spent plenty of time playing NSW Cup for the Warriors.
TIME EXTENSION
Flanagan is now about to enter this third year in charge of the Dragons. He has a contract extension already done and said the side were better placed heading into this season.“I don’t know how to compare it back but this pre-season we’re a lot more advanced of where we were and we need to be,” Flanagan said.
“Coaching a lot of those boys for 12 months we can start at another level instead of going back to basics. We are ahead and touch wood, no injuries.”
STANDOUTS
Once again co-captain Clint Gutherson has been among the best at the club. But he has not been the only experienced face to impress.“Gutho has been leading the conditioning side of stuff,” Flanagan said.
“He just wins everything. Someone of his age it’s just amazing. He just throws everything at it.
“Josh Kerr has been good – he left a boy and has come back a man. So he has been really good from a middle forward and leadership position.”
TRANSFORMATION
Luciano Leilua was read the riot act at the end of last season: Get yourself into shape or face being moved on. He has lost about 10 kilograms as he looks to earn himself a new contract.“He is looking amazing,” Flanagan said. “He has taken upon himself to change his body composition and worked really hard. He is showing the benefits.
“He is not winning stuff at training but he is not at the back where he used to be. He is moving better. He needs to be congratulated on what he has done with himself.”
CHANGE OF STYLE
Flanagan hopes his side can play with a bit more free spirit this year with the football.“We were conservative last year,” Flanagan said.
“This year we will chance our arm a little bit more. We talk about risk but you have to practice risk. The more skills you have the higher risks you can take
“We will continue to do that. We aren’t going to be flamboyant and waste possession.
“I’m more of a defensive oriented coach and would rather defend our way to leads. I have to bite my tongue a bit sometimes with other coaches.”
The End..
might have to change our name to the St George Illawarra Devil's if he signs
