Register a free account today to become a member of the world's largest Rugby League discussion forum! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
I prefer Reynolds to Illias (especially in 2022). But 2024 Reynolds does not have many games left in his body, so letting him go was a mistake, but more of a loss for last year and the year before last.
The problem with Rava this year is he has not been up with the play (or in position) in certain attacking moves and / or hesitating in contesting kicks. He is mis-reading or not concentrating.
I haven't checked the stats but I wouldn't be surprised if we have given up the most 20 metre 7 tackle sets so far this season. This might be a pointer as to why we have given up so much field position, so quickly. The 20 metre restarts are like a rocket booster to the oppositions roll on upfield. We haven't faired well from these 20 metre restarts and this swings momentum over to our opposition and usually for large periods of time. We don't have the alpha big dog prop who can regularly wrestle momentum back. JDB is the best we have for this, especially if he puts on one of his beast hits and joltsvthe ball loose. We have struggled whenever JDB is interchanged.
Lets hope its more than a consideration, Bird should definitely be in that mix as well regardless of injury.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
Loaded: 0%
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 0:00
Fullscreen
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.”
But wasn't Mary comfortable being uncomfortable
This!
Why is Feagai captain of the cup side?
www.zerotackle.com
Because he's played a lot of first grade and they are a young, inexperienced team. He's been playing very well at fullback in Cup.
Exactly.Bro, Reynolds is top tier, agreed.
Ilias is a scapegoat for a protected few at souths. On the last play in reggies yesterday, he broke his leg.
Scans return devastating result on leg injury for Ilias
Ilias was taken from the field during Saturday's NSW Cup game.
Reynolds was a Souths junior and should have been given the extra year he wanted, but it seems all the dirty laundry at the bunnies is now coming out. Burgess called it when he left.
Ilias was the easy out for Demetriou.
Probably for consistency as he will be there the longest.
It is interesting.
Fulton was also one of the prime reasons many of the Polynesian players joined Manly.
I'd say he would have some players up he's sleeve to dangle infront of us...
I find it real ironic how many on here probably including me were jealous of Souths in terms of their roster, rich owners and BOD investing in the clubs and how they are a powerhouse.Bro, Reynolds is top tier, agreed.
Ilias is a scapegoat for a protected few at souths. On the last play in reggies yesterday, he broke his leg.
Scans return devastating result on leg injury for Ilias
Ilias was taken from the field during Saturday's NSW Cup game.
Reynolds was a Souths junior and should have been given the extra year he wanted, but it seems all the dirty laundry at the bunnies is now coming out. Burgess called it when he left.
Ilias was the easy out for Demetriou.
I totally agree but i think it is because our fist contact in defence is close to the worst in the comp we then get pinged for laying on them in ruck and holding them down.
Yes Ayios, Fulton would have a deep knowledge of not only first grade talent, but the junior nurseries of both Manly and the Tigers, and plenty of contacts around the game.
