The Rumours Thread

[The Word]

That seems to be a popular perception about Kerr and Fui but if you look back at their games this year and the inexplicable changes Hook started making after round 5 when were winning and more after our round 7 loss to the rorters it paints a different picture.
Rounds 1-5 Kerr started in the 2nd row playing 70-80 minutes and Fui starting lock and we had 4 wins and were competing really well.
Rounds 6,7,8 Hooks cuts Kerr's minutes back and even benches him - we lose all 3 games. About round 6-7 we lose Merrin, sign B.Burns and throw him straight into 2nd row or on the bench but big minutes and Hook makes weird changes to our pack. So Suddenly from round 6 Kerr's getting less minutes and from rnd 8 Fui's on the bench or playing at centre. I couldn't understand Hook's logic at the time and still don't get it. It had a big effect on our season.
Kerr ended up playing 11 games in the 2nd row at 70-80minute and we win 7 of those games. His other games are a mix of 2nd row, prop or bench and all much less time on the park.
Compare that to B.Burns - 9 starts in the 2nd row, most between 60-80 minutes ( 1 x 33 mns ) for 0 wins, zero.
6 games off the bench for 3 wins - I think a few were at Centre.
I know Fui and Kerr made some errors but so did all our players, overall though they played well when we showed confidence and some faith in them. Changing their positions and minutes didn't improve the teams fortunes, quite the opposite. And for all the Burns fans, Kerr's better all round.

Tackle efficiency ; Kerr 92.6% / Fui 91.8& / B.Burns 89% / Sims 92.8% in case you were wondering.

I'm not saying we can't do better, we'll see how the new guys go, I'm just saying they did their job, quite well and Hook pulled the rug from under them. I want Kerr to get another shot at least, telling him he needs to play like he did against Storm in round 10 this year, 171 mtrs, 28 tackles no misses, 5 off-loads, 3 tackle breaks, 1 try assist, really fast play the balls and smashed Solomona a couple of times.

Agree re: Fui. Personally I don't understand the level of criticism that got thrown at him in the second half of the season. The level of aggression and power in his tackling was one of the main reasons we started the season so well. Yes he made a couple of errors and his tackling style got caught out by the ridiculous mid season change in interpretation of high and dangerous tackles, but I reckon these things can be coached into him off season (Hopefully same for Rava).

You just can't train that kind of intensity and natural strength. It reminded me a bit of Neville Costigan in 2010. A long way from being the biggest bloke in the team, but hit opposition forwards so hard they just didn't fancy it anymore. I was really pleased when he got his extension. He's a young bloke with a good future, and I would love it if they find a place for him in the 17.

 

[Como Connection]

Agree re: Fui. Personally I don't understand the level of criticism that got thrown at him in the second half of the season. The level of aggression and power in his tackling was one of the main reasons we started the season so well. Yes he made a couple of errors and his tackling style got caught out by the ridiculous mid season change in interpretation of high and dangerous tackles, but I reckon these things can be coached into him off season (Hopefully same for Rava).

You just can't train that kind of intensity and natural strength. It reminded me a bit of Neville Costigan in 2010. A long way from being the biggest bloke in the team, but hit opposition forwards so hard they just didn't fancy it anymore. I was really pleased when he got his extension. He's a young bloke with a good future, and I would love it if they find a place for him in the 17.

Agree, McGuire and Fui were the tough guys.
CC

 

[possm]

$500K isn't a lot for a prop, we recently let a very experienced $850K SOO and Australian prop walk out the door. He played 2 SOO's off the bench but might be lucky to be there next year if others are fit. He's a good defender but not big on making metres. Do you want Lawrie, Burgess or Woods playing reserves to make way for F.Molo. If Lawrie doesn't perform, fine give Molo or McGuire a shot. If Francis kills it in 2nds he'll earn a call up (his younger brother might even surprise us). There's only 17 (or 18 now ) jerseys available. Also, fk u, don't call me names.

RCG is going to the market now for the 2023 season. I'd say Parra will let him go in 2022 if he wants out.

I'd love the Dragons to buy RCG. Woods, Burgess, Lawrie, and Motol can fight it our but RCG would have a smooth run for a first-grade run on prop position.

 

[The Word]

RCG is going to the market now for the 2023 season. I'd say Parra will let him go in 2022 if he wants out.

I'd love the Dragons to buy RCG. Woods, Burgess, Lawrie, and Motol can fight it our but RCG would have a smooth run for a first-grade run on prop position.

His manager has said he would like to go to the Dolphins. I mean he'll be 30 in 2023, so probably still a decent player but not at his peak. Not sure why Parra would let him go a year early?

 

[possm]

His manager has said he would like to go to the Dolphins. I mean he'll be 30 in 2023, so probably still a decent player but not at his peak. Not sure why Parra would let him go a year early?

Parra will find it tough to keep all the players they want to keep so, if he does not want to stay, then better he goes for 2022 and this would allow for them to keep some players that want to stay.

He would be a great signing if we could offer him a 3 year deal from 2022 on.

 

[jak]

when is the bidding war for corry norman due to start ?

 

[Trifili13]

when is the bidding war for corry norman due to start ?

Just waiting for 1 November so Bennett can snap him for the Dolphins. Munster will be his understudy.

 

[be55]

when is the bidding war for corry norman due to start ?

I think it would go something like this...



I think Kramer would take the line on more

 

[Dragon David]

We should try and get Marika Koroibete to play on the wing. He has said goodbye to rugby as per https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/...k/news-story/dfefc19555472fde56858d549df0b5e8.

More likely would end up at the Storm again though as his wife and kids are in Melbourne. He will be 30 next July so still has a couple of years left in him.

What do you guys reckon?

 

[mickeylane]

We should try and get Marika Koroibete to play on the wing. He has said goodbye to rugby as per https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/...k/news-story/dfefc19555472fde56858d549df0b5e8.

More likely would end up at the Storm again though as his wife and kids are in Melbourne. He will be 30 next July so still has a couple of years left in him.

What do you guys reckon?

he's a gun....which means only one thing - he wont be coming here

 

[Jeremy Dragon]

We should try and get Marika Koroibete to play on the wing. He has said goodbye to rugby as per https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/...k/news-story/dfefc19555472fde56858d549df0b5e8.

More likely would end up at the Storm again though as his wife and kids are in Melbourne. He will be 30 next July so still has a couple of years left in him.

What do you guys reckon?

Said goodbye to Oz rugby as in playing in Japan

 

[OneEyedDragon]

Said goodbye to Oz rugby as in playing in Japan

True. He is a great winger, but Japanese Rugby is paying him a LOT more than the Dragons could afford. Besides, we have Rava!

 

[Maddragon99]

It also seems like some of the people on this forum just can’t seem to be happy about anyone coming to this club

Like I could imagine someone like Tom Trbojevic rocking up at the club and merkins on here would still find a negative about it

Lile bloody hell some people on here were complaining about the Suli signing acting like we had sign f**king Issac Luke again

I don’t think the club is entirely sold on Suli’s ability to play at a high level for an entire season which is why they signed Moga as a back up.

 

[Saints Forever]

Moga is another high risk/high reward play.

Most likely a depth signing who could fit into the side if injuries strike down Lomax and Suli.

We have Bird and the Fegai’s and possibly Ramsey if he were to bulk up.

 

[Dragonslayer]

Moga is another high risk/high reward play.

Most likely a depth signing who could fit into the side if injuries strike down Lomax and Suli.

We have Bird and the Fegai’s and possibly Ramsey if he were to bulk up.

Depth is one thing we've been lacking in recent years. Last year was a prime example. When Lomax was out and to a lesser extent Williame, who was a specialist (using the term loosly) left centre, we had no back-up, hence we opted for Beale. Bird, although starting the year strong, the toll of a full comp and a few years out of the game took its toll. Although some of our young guns would jump at the opportunity, and some did, their inexperience at the top level showed at times.

Bu my reckoning we now have 7 wing options and 8 centre options, including a specialist left centre. With several being able to mix and match.

Pre-season will be interesting for these guys.

 

[Brutalitops]

After our complete and utter lack of depth being exposed for all to see this season, I am certainly not so negative about recent signings as others. Our full strength team is decent, and can on a good day beat most teams in the comp. But as we saw this season, all it takes is an injury or two in positions we aren't suited to cover and it can spiral from there. We were already in trouble with this before the BBQ and that just solidified it really.

Aaron Woods has become something of a victim of narrative. Early in his career he was overrated by selectors, which in turn has made the public underrate certain aspects of him. He's a relatively reliable player who is no worse than the majority of our forward pack this year, at bottom dollar. I don't think we've overpaid for any of the players we've signed next year, yes some may turn out to be duds but it's a low risk signing at their prices.

At least we are without our highly paid dud in Corey Norman!

 

[thebigredv]

After our complete and utter lack of depth being exposed for all to see this season, I am certainly not so negative about recent signings as others. Our full strength team is decent, and can on a good day beat most teams in the comp. But as we saw this season, all it takes is an injury or two in positions we aren't suited to cover and it can spiral from there. We were already in trouble with this before the BBQ and that just solidified it really.

Aaron Woods has become something of a victim of narrative. Early in his career he was overrated by selectors, which in turn has made the public underrate certain aspects of him. He's a relatively reliable player who is no worse than the majority of our forward pack this year, at bottom dollar. I don't think we've overpaid for any of the players we've signed next year, yes some may turn out to be duds but it's a low risk signing at their prices.

At least we are without our highly paid dud in Corey Norman!

Excellent post. As someone who has been quite critical, you've put forward some truthful claims and reasons for us to hold a little hope. We must get the forwards right then we can see what this team is capable of - fingers crossed Woods lifts the way Vaughan did when he joined the club.

 

[denis preston]

Excellent post. As someone who has been quite critical, you've put forward some truthful claims and reasons for us to hold a little hope. We must get the forwards right then we can see what this team is capable of - fingers crossed Woods lifts the way Vaughan did when he joined the club.

Also these forwards will be great mentors for the 3 or 4 emerging forwards coming through JF/Reserve grade.

 

[redandwhite4evr]

We should try and get Marika Koroibete to play on the wing. He has said goodbye to rugby as per https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/...k/news-story/dfefc19555472fde56858d549df0b5e8.

More likely would end up at the Storm again though as his wife and kids are in Melbourne. He will be 30 next July so still has a couple of years left in him.

What do you guys reckon?

Rugby players, particularly outside backs, are overpaid and underskilled these days. Japan and France have basically siphoned off the better ones for their domestic competitions and inflated the asking prices. Koroibete is a dynamic runner of the ball but imo, struggles with defence and catching the high ball- and would still want close to a 7 figure annual fee.

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

We should try and get Marika Koroibete to play on the wing. He has said goodbye to rugby as per https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/...k/news-story/dfefc19555472fde56858d549df0b5e8.

More likely would end up at the Storm again though as his wife and kids are in Melbourne. He will be 30 next July so still has a couple of years left in him.

What do you guys reckon?

He’s playing in Japan, good coin, good place and an easier game. Nice way to wind into retirement if you ask me. Also as awesome as he’s been for the Wallabies I honestly think there is a gulf in class between rugby and NRL. If you put any of the top 10-15 wingers in the NRL in Rugby and give them the time and resources I reckon they would also be stand outs. I really hope Ferguson goes across, even at his age I reckon he could make an impact.