The Rumours Thread

[Dragon David]

Dudes, I think we're being a bit optimistic about our wingers. Pereira is honest, but a reserve grader at a proper team, Ravalawa is a mistakefest and also a reserve grader pretty much anywhere else, Ramsay has no first grade sample to assess and could be good or could be another Evander Cummins level talent. Once Saab goes, who are our wingers? From 2 to 5 we've got one player, Lomax, who you could imagine playing in a winning Grand Final team.

Our forwards are rubbish, but our backline is rubbish too. We've got a lot of work to do, across the squad, and we need someone other than Millward doing it. He was as much of a problem as McGregor.

We aren't out of the woods.

We need players like B Morris and J Nightingale in their prime as our wingers. I can still see B Morris swooping onto a loose ball and running the length of the field to score. Neither Pereira nor Ravalawa has this ability - not fast enough. J Nightingale was great at taking bombs and finishing off movements to score many times for us - 2010 grand final and in the final against the Tigers in 2010 also are highlights.

 

[Willow]

Dudes, I think we're being a bit optimistic about our wingers. Pereira is honest, but a reserve grader at a proper team, Ravalawa is a mistakefest and also a reserve grader pretty much anywhere else, Ramsay has no first grade sample to assess and could be good or could be another Evander Cummins level talent. Once Saab goes, who are our wingers? From 2 to 5 we've got one player, Lomax, who you could imagine playing in a winning Grand Final team.

Our forwards are rubbish, but our backline is rubbish too. We've got a lot of work to do, across the squad, and we need someone other than Millward doing it. He was as much of a problem as McGregor.

We aren't out of the woods.

Good post but I think Ravalawa has a lot to offer. I'd like to see more of him without McGregor. He has a lot of bulk and does a lot of forward work close to the ruck. Potential, methinks.

Lomax is a star in the making. A keeper.

Jason Saab's situation is unique, I suppose there's only so much the Club can do. Family comes first and according to reports he wants to be based in the western suburbs. IMO, he'll be a great loss. Let's just hope there's no player manager shenanigans taking place.

 

[ALSGI]

Good post but I think Ravalawa has a lot to offer. I'd like to see more of him without McGregor. He has a lot of bulk and does a lot of forward work close to the ruck. Potential, methinks.

Lomax is a star in the making. A keeper.

Jason Saab's situation is unique, I suppose there's only so much the Club can do. Family comes first and according to reports he wants to be based in the western suburbs. IMO, he'll be a great loss. Let's just hope there's no player manager shenanigans taking place.

Agree re Rava, and he’s quicker than people think. Definite potential to go next level.

 

[Adolf_Spritzer]

Agree re Rava, and he’s quicker than people think. Definite potential to go next level.

He’s pretty much been playing on one leg these past few weeks too, and showed real strength last week despite this. I’m a fan

 

[getsmarty]

Rugby League news: NRL club target Tom Johnstone, latest on Toronto takeover, World Cup ticket details released
All the major stories and transfer news from Super League and the NRL

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Tom Johnstone celebrates a try against Warrington (Image: Dean Williams/News Images)
Hello and welcome along to today's live rugby league blog where we will be bringing you all the latest news and rumours all day long.

There's no Super League this weekend, with only two teams in action as Catalans Dragons take on Wakefield Trinity in the Challenge Cup.

Clubs have got a bit more clarity after Super League released the fixture details up to round 12, with dates and venues now firmed up.

The results of the retests at St Helens should be made public at some point in the coming days and we'll bring you the news as soon as we get it.

We'll be keeping you across all the top stories elsewhere in the sport, as well as score updates from the NRL, with Penrith Panthers taking on Cronulla Sharks and Brisbane Broncos hosting St George Illawarra Dragons.

Sport Telegraph in Australia has linked St George Illawarra Dragons with a move for Wakefield Trinity winger Tom Johnstone.

The 25-year-old is widely regarded as the best finisher in Super League and has scored six tries in as many games this year.

He is currently sidelined with an elbow injury and has previously suffered with knee issues.

The Dragons are said to face competition for his signature.

When Andy Last said it might take up to 10 wins for Hull FC to reach the play-offs he undoubtedly set the bar high.

He knew it would be a challenge with just 13 games remaining, but it was a signal of intent as he prepared to begin his tenure in charge of the Black and Whites.

Expectations are high at the club, but none are higher than Last’s who believes this side are still more than capable of hunting down a play-off spot over the course of the next few months.

Of course, those ambitions were laid out prior to their hammering at the hands of Salford, a day before 12 players and staff tested positive for coronavirus.

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/rugby-league-live-transfer-news-4444750

 

[muzby]

Chatting with a mate of mine who’s in the GWS camp, he’s saying Lomax has attracted the attention of a few AFL scouts due to his aerial prowess & strength running the ball.

The word is he could be the next Dustin Martin & the AFL is looking to get one up on the NRL by making him switch codes.

I told him that Lomax is with us for the next 5 years, but apparently that contract only stops him signing with another NRL club, not a rival code.

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

Rugby League news: NRL club target Tom Johnstone, latest on Toronto takeover, World Cup ticket details released
All the major stories and transfer news from Super League and the NRL

• Share

Tom Johnstone celebrates a try against Warrington (Image: Dean Williams/News Images)
Hello and welcome along to today's live rugby league blog where we will be bringing you all the latest news and rumours all day long.

There's no Super League this weekend, with only two teams in action as Catalans Dragons take on Wakefield Trinity in the Challenge Cup.

Clubs have got a bit more clarity after Super League released the fixture details up to round 12, with dates and venues now firmed up.

The results of the retests at St Helens should be made public at some point in the coming days and we'll bring you the news as soon as we get it.

We'll be keeping you across all the top stories elsewhere in the sport, as well as score updates from the NRL, with Penrith Panthers taking on Cronulla Sharks and Brisbane Broncos hosting St George Illawarra Dragons.

Sport Telegraph in Australia has linked St George Illawarra Dragons with a move for Wakefield Trinity winger Tom Johnstone.

The 25-year-old is widely regarded as the best finisher in Super League and has scored six tries in as many games this year.

He is currently sidelined with an elbow injury and has previously suffered with knee issues.

The Dragons are said to face competition for his signature.

When Andy Last said it might take up to 10 wins for Hull FC to reach the play-offs he undoubtedly set the bar high.

He knew it would be a challenge with just 13 games remaining, but it was a signal of intent as he prepared to begin his tenure in charge of the Black and Whites.

Expectations are high at the club, but none are higher than Last’s who believes this side are still more than capable of hunting down a play-off spot over the course of the next few months.

Of course, those ambitions were laid out prior to their hammering at the hands of Salford, a day before 12 players and staff tested positive for coronavirus.

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/rugby-league-live-transfer-news-4444750

I would love Johnstone he’s a super finisher, fast and decent sized too. He’d be a game changer for me.

 

[RedVDave]

Rava is starting to make me eat my words, he's really growing on me. JP is good for giving the forwards a rest with some nice hit ups but he hasn't got the toe, poor hands and error prone. I'd be happy to sign the pome fella in his place.

 

[Dragon Revival]

Tom Johnstone is lightning quick like Martin Offiah or Brett Morris. A great buy if he is fit.

 

[The Clan]

Welsh would be the best signing for a while, but at 350k that would be amatuer hour. More like double that seeing he played SSO last year.

If we are seriously looking at the Pommy winger then it proves its amatuer hour.

AJ would be the right call if we are looking at a winger, which I dont think we would be.

At this time we need forwards not backs.

Have you seen Tom Johnstone play, he’s one of the best wingers in the world at the moment and will push Ado Carr as the fastest player in the NRL. He’s also an athlete, he has great footwork and is possibly the best finisher in the world of Rugby.

Any club in the world would have him if they could fit him into their wage structure

 

[The Clan]

Here’s one highlights reel, you could make three more and not show the same play twice

 

[ChocOConnor]

Impressive highlights package this winger. But can he DEFEND.

Chariots Offiah could beat time but at times had suspect defence. But I wouldn’t say no to this Johnstone or give him a go at least

 

[Dragonslayer]

Have you seen Tom Johnstone play, he’s one of the best wingers in the world at the moment and will push Ado Carr as the fastest player in the NRL. He’s also an athlete, he has great footwork and is possibly the best finisher in the world of Rugby.

Any club in the world would have him if they could fit him into their wage structure

A couple of concerns:

1. 2 ACL's
2. Transfer fee on top of whatever we would sign him for
3. Defense
4. Being 'loaned out' to a second tier team

He's got some toe and can score a try, so too Ryan Hall. Have to say some of the trys he scored on the highlights reel there was some pretty flimsy defense.

Massive risk imo.

I'd rather us develop Feagai, Ramsey or Sloane and taking a line through Staines and Chrighon (and several others), as examples, would be a better way to go.

Sloane is a very exciting youngster.

 

[Gareth67]

Impressive highlights package this winger. But can he DEFEND.

Chariots Offiah could beat time but at times had suspect defence. But I wouldn’t say no to this Johnstone or give him a go at least

As you have said Choc , Offiah was lighting quick and his defense unfortunately was not up to par . However the fact that he scored so many tries for the Dragons ( and Tigers ? ) made up for that deficiency , that plus the Dragons at that time had some great defensive players who could cover for him .

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

A couple of concerns:

1. 2 ACL's
2. Transfer fee on top of whatever we would sign him for
3. Defense
4. Being 'loaned out' to a second tier team

He's got some toe and can score a try, so too Ryan Hall. Have to say some of the trys he scored on the highlights reel there was some pretty flimsy defense.

Massive risk imo.

I'd rather us develop Feagai, Ramsey or Sloane and taking a line through Staines and Chrighon (and several others), as examples, would be a better way to go.

Sloane is a very exciting youngster.

Agree but the fact we have those youngsters sort of negates point 1 somewhat. If he was to get injured we can use Ramsey if fit I reckon he would be a cracker. So long as we pick a centre that can pass.

 

[TomRedVRiver]

A couple of concerns:

1. 2 ACL's
2. Transfer fee on top of whatever we would sign him for
3. Defense
4. Being 'loaned out' to a second tier team

He's got some toe and can score a try, so too Ryan Hall. Have to say some of the trys he scored on the highlights reel there was some pretty flimsy defense.

Massive risk imo.

I'd rather us develop Feagai, Ramsey or Sloane and taking a line through Staines and Chrighon (and several others), as examples, would be a better way to go.

Sloane is a very exciting youngster.

Fair concerns, but Wakefield fans worship Johnstone. Just from a general sweep of their forum and asking fans a few questions, they think he's actually come back better than he was before the ACL injuries.

I think he'll go well and if he doesn't, Ramsey isn't too far off.

 

[Gareth67]

Here’s one highlights reel, you could make three more and not show the same play twice

WOW !

He is the X factor that the Dragons need to turn a game around and he has speed to burn .

 

[Mjab]

Chatting with a mate of mine who’s in the GWS camp, he’s saying Lomax has attracted the attention of a few AFL scouts due to his aerial prowess & strength running the ball.

The word is he could be the next Dustin Martin & the AFL is looking to get one up on the NRL by making him switch codes.

I told him that Lomax is with us for the next 5 years, but apparently that contract only stops him signing with another NRL club, not a rival code.

Not sure why they would bother
Surely the Hunt and Folau experience wasn’t a raging success

 

[Dragonslayer]

Fair concerns, but Wakefield fans worship Johnstone. Just from a general sweep of their forum and asking fans a few questions, they think he's actually come back better than he was before the ACL injuries.

I think he'll go well and if he doesn't, Ramsey isn't too far off.

Ok so lets assume he goes well and is signed for 2 or 3 years.
With Rava on one side and he on the other when does the likes of Ramsey, Feagai or maybe the best of the lot in Sloane get their chance?

 

[getsmarty]

Former Raiders coach Furner on Dragons coaching shortlist
Adrian Proszenko
August 22, 2020 — 2.07pm
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David Furner has emerged as a candidate for the vacant St George Illawarra coaching job as officials prepare a shortlist to replace long-time mentor Paul McGregor.

The Dragons began discussing the type of qualities they want from their next coach during a board meeting last week, with discipline and a strong defensive focus among the desired characteristics. Caretaker coach Dean Young is in the mix for the job on a full-time basis, his cause helped by a 28-24 win over Brisbane in his first game at the helm.
Young’s team has two winnable games coming up against the Titans and Cowboys, which could further boost his prospects if they keep their slim finals hopes alive.

At the pointy end of the Red V’s wishlist is Craig Fitzgibbon, the former Steelers and Dragons player who is now assisting Trent Robinson at the Roosters. The former NSW and Australian back-rower is considered the best credentialled of the options yet to hold a head coaching role, but has turned down all previous approaches and is expected to do so again because he wants to fulfil the final year of his contract.

While the Dragons are bracing for disappointment because of Fitzgibbon’s loyalty to Robinson and Nick Politis, they will still ask the question about his availability as part of their due diligence. Ditto Wayne Bennett, who has indicated he will see out the final year of his Rabbitohs contract before handing over to Jason Demetriou.

Other names on the Dragons list include Anthony Griffin, Kevin Walters, Laurie Daley and Furner. Current assistant Shane Flanagan would be a contender, but the NRL has indicated it will uphold his ban from head coaching positions next season. Former Cowboys coach Paul Green could also come into the mix, although it is believed he is watching events at Brisbane closely.

Furner, however, is an option the club is keen to explore. The former Kangaroos forward is one of the few potential candidates with NRL head coaching experience, having overseen 121 games at Canberra between 2009 and 2013 for a win percentage of 44 per cent.

The 49-year-old assisted Green when they won their inaugural premiership in 2015. He would have taken over as head coach at South Sydney, where he was an assistant, when Anthony Seibold left, but had already committed to Leeds.

Former Raiders coach David Furner is a person of interest to the Dragons.Credit:Jeffrey Chan

Now an assistant to Adam O’Brien at Newcastle, he will become a genuine contender for the Dragons job if it interests him.

The Dragons are expected to take between four and six weeks to make an appointment.

North Queensland is also working through the contenders for Green’s old job. Interim coach Josh Hannay, Warriors fill-in Todd Payten, John Carwright, Griffin and Shaun Wane are among the final candidates.

Already this season there have been four coaches sacked or "let go": McGregor, Dean Pay, Stephen Kearney and Green. Brisbane’s Anthony Seibold is no sure thing to make it to the end of the season despite having a further three years to run on his contract.


However, some clubs are moving to re-sign their clipboard holders to end speculation about their future. The Titans have opened negotiations to extend the tenure of Justin Holbrook, whose contract expires at the end of next season. Gold Coast head of culture Mal Meninga last month predicted Holbrook would be considered one of the NRL’s greatest coaches by the time his career has finished.

“Justin is a really good coach at the start of his career and, by the time he finishes, I believe he will be talked about as one of the better ones that has gone around in the NRL over history,” he told the Herald at the time.

And Cronulla have opened negotiations to keep John Morris beyond next year. Morris was under pressure after the Sharks won just one of their first five games to open the season, however, they are now likely to contest the finals, despite a disappointing 38-12 loss to the Panthers on Friday night.


https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/fo...agons-coaching-shortlist-20200822-p55oaj.html