The Rumours Thread

[Dragon David]

Even if we sign RCG and maybe another middle, will we have a squad of forwards that would really put the fear in other sides? Will they say, "shit we play the Dragons this week and shit their forwards especially the middle ones will be hard to contain. They will run all over us like a stampede"? I don't bloody think so!!

I want our forwards to be powerful, fast and fearsome and speedy backs to follow them all over the ground just itching to get an off load to score under the posts. Yes, that is my wish. Not just to bash and barge for 5 tackles and gain 30 metres followed up by the bomb on the 6th and hope that they don't give away too much territory when they defend like what happened against the Sharks.

We have so much improvement to gain in both attack and defence. Our defence is very poor and we just don't have the attack that allows us to score readily. Sometimes we just look like headless chooks not knowing where to go and we fumble a lot as if we are panicking.

Our squad needs an overhaul badly is what I think.

 

[baggygreen man]

Lawrie will predominantly play NSW Cup.

Not if Dan Lawson puts him thru a tortuous training/gym regime in the off season. Blocka has lost his impact because he is carrying excess baggage, mostly round the gut. He has not lost his passion or determination.

 

[baggygreen man]

Even if we sign RCG and maybe another middle, will we have a squad of forwards that would really put the fear in other sides? Will they say, "shit we play the Dragons this week and shit their forwards especially the middle ones will be hard to contain. They will run all over us like a stampede"? I don't bloody think so!!

DD you sound as pissed off and frustrated as I do mate. In several years yes we may have sides trembling in their boots having to face the likes of the skillful and powerful trio of Loko Jr, Finai Latu, Jake H and hopefully others like Corey Ackers and Daniel Mefou. But as you clearly state how do we cope pushing to be a finals contender till these kids mature.

 

[since77]

Even if we sign RCG and maybe another middle, will we have a squad of forwards that would really put the fear in other sides? Will they say, "shit we play the Dragons this week and shit their forwards especially the middle ones will be hard to contain. They will run all over us like a stampede"? I don't bloody think so!!

I want our forwards to be powerful, fast and fearsome and speedy backs to follow them all over the ground just itching to get an off load to score under the posts. Yes, that is my wish. Not just to bash and barge for 5 tackles and gain 30 metres followed up by the bomb on the 6th and hope that they don't give away too much territory when they defend like what happened against the Sharks.

We have so much improvement to gain in both attack and defence. Our defence is very poor and we just don't have the attack that allows us to score readily. Sometimes we just look like headless chooks not knowing where to go and we fumble a lot as if we are panicking.

Our squad needs an overhaul badly is what I think.

Unfortunately we're going to have to settle for incremental upgrades as opportunities become available. Just remember our board got us to this position with its incompetence for well over a decade. Poor Flanno is just going to have to keep chipping away in the player market for the time being.
Just on your first sentence - the only problem in our forward pack is the front row. Back row and lock is fine. We get one and then two big aggressive front rowers and we're a much better team.

 

[baggygreen man]

He made one hit and didn't even complete the tackle. I've also seen him rush out and completely miss then get lazy returning to the defensive line causing others to cover for him. They're as bad as each other.

That is Molo as saw the same. Lawrie may miss a tackle but will always go back and try to complete it. I'd have him over Molo for one specific reason, his passion, as he always gives 100% even tho that is not sufficient for him these days as he is carrying too much flab, is slow and unfit.

 

[baggygreen man]

Lawrie cops a lot of shit but Frank Molo has been worse imo. He's meant to kick on & push for rep honours but should be playing NSW cup.

Ditto.

 

[JubileeJeffro]

Even if we sign RCG and maybe another middle, will we have a squad of forwards that would really put the fear in other sides? Will they say, "shit we play the Dragons this week and shit their forwards especially the middle ones will be hard to contain. They will run all over us like a stampede"? I don't bloody think so!!

I want our forwards to be powerful, fast and fearsome and speedy backs to follow them all over the ground just itching to get an off load to score under the posts. Yes, that is my wish. Not just to bash and barge for 5 tackles and gain 30 metres followed up by the bomb on the 6th and hope that they don't give away too much territory when they defend like what happened against the Sharks.

We have so much improvement to gain in both attack and defence. Our defence is very poor and we just don't have the attack that allows us to score readily. Sometimes we just look like headless chooks not knowing where to go and we fumble a lot as if we are panicking.

Our squad needs an overhaul badly is what I think.

Couchman boys are still 20. Over the next two years they will fill out another 5-10kgs depending on how they are conditioned. They will be part of our big mobile pack solution. With SuA and 2 new front rowers.
Personally a big focus would be to take 5kgs off Leilua and turn him into a ball playing 13. He looks unfit to me.

 

[possm]

Not heard anything about bringing back Wishart. His season stats are more than passable. What position did he play.

I believe he filled in at 6 and 7. He would get a start at either sport with Flanno as his partner in the halves. We have a young gun 6 coming through so if he is not up to it, there is some backup.

 

[possm]

Ditto.

Lawrie is not just ordinary, he gives away far to many penalties and six agains at the wrong time of the game.

 

[justadragon]

DD you sound as pissed off and frustrated as I do mate. In several years yes we may have sides trembling in their boots having to face the likes of the skillful and powerful trio of Loko Jr, Finai Latu, Jake H and hopefully others like Corey Ackers and Daniel Mefou. But as you clearly state how do we cope pushing to be a finals contender till these kids mature.

In all seriousness how far away are the youngsters, especially Loko, I see a lot of 19 year olds making NRL at other clubs.

 

[Gareth67]

If I have said it once , I have said a hundred times - widen the search .

There must be a couple of big mongrels overseas , the Islanders , Pommy land ( even bloody Ireland - they all have broken noses over there so they must be tough ? ) each of whom who only require a bit of a polish by Flanagan , I am sure that they would add some bite to our pig-pack .

Thats my 2 bobs worth .

 

[possm]

Unfortunately we're going to have to settle for incremental upgrades as opportunities become available. Just remember our board got us to this position with its incompetence for well over a decade. Poor Flanno is just going to have to keep chipping away in the player market for the time being.
Just on your first sentence - the only problem in our forward pack is the front row. Back row and lock is fine. We get one and then two big aggressive front rowers and we're a much better team.

We have the cash and can have the cap space to do more. We should not postpone the transition for another season.

I say, do what you can Flanno and don't give up.

 

[Dragon David]

Unfortunately we're going to have to settle for incremental upgrades as opportunities become available. Just remember our board got us to this position with its incompetence for well over a decade. Poor Flanno is just going to have to keep chipping away in the player market for the time being.
Just on your first sentence - the only problem in our forward pack is the front row. Back row and lock is fine. We get one and then two big aggressive front rowers and we're a much better team.

Yes you are right since77. I'm looking forward to 2025 as I think that who we will have in our squad will get us many more wins than this year.

 

[baggygreen man]

take 5kgs off Leilua

Make that 10kgs. Yes utilise his ball skills

 

[baggygreen man]

I'm looking forward to 2025

For starters, Holmes adds both pace and quality to the centres. All he has to do is demand the leather and we will see his benefits. RCG will add size, experience and a renewed hunger to the front row and will play a dual role with the other as a mentor to our crop of emerging forwards. Like us to pick up an organizing half too, doesnt have to be a superstar, only someone that can do a better managing job than Hunt so we can send him back north after '25.

 

[TruSaint]

Even if we sign RCG and maybe another middle, will we have a squad of forwards that would really put the fear in other sides? Will they say, "shit we play the Dragons this week and shit their forwards especially the middle ones will be hard to contain. They will run all over us like a stampede"? I don't bloody think so!!

I want our forwards to be powerful, fast and fearsome and speedy backs to follow them all over the ground just itching to get an off load to score under the posts. Yes, that is my wish. Not just to bash and barge for 5 tackles and gain 30 metres followed up by the bomb on the 6th and hope that they don't give away too much territory when they defend like what happened against the Sharks.

We have so much improvement to gain in both attack and defence. Our defence is very poor and we just don't have the attack that allows us to score readily. Sometimes we just look like headless chooks not knowing where to go and we fumble a lot as if we are panicking.

Our squad needs an overhaul badly is what I think.

Love your passion bro, but in reality what @since77 says is right. Building will take time. RCG will be an improvement in my view. Played over 200 games inc. State and Country and is still 31.

We are not yet in a position to make plays for prime superstars without doing what we did with Hunt. Long term, and overs.

Flanno knows this surely. Once we can become a solid top 8 contender, we may get out of this rut.

 

[Auntie.Gerald]

Raiders veteran knocks back extension to sign elsewhere; Tigers circling Shark — Transfer Whispers

Raiders veteran knocks back extension to sign elsewhere; Tigers circling Shark — Transfer Whispers

www.foxsports.com.au

Hmm

 

[Auntie.Gerald]

Couchman boys are still 20. Over the next two years they will fill out another 5-10kgs depending on how they are conditioned. They will be part of our big mobile pack solution. With SuA and 2 new front rowers.
Personally a big focus would be to take 5kgs off Leilua and turn him into a ball playing 13. He looks unfit to me.

Fisher Harris similar trajectory starting at 19yrs of age from memory ?

pretty much same height as Couchman boys and fisher Harris only 104kg vs Couchmens supposedly 100kg each and maybe even a little heavier this season

I remember last season Ryan saying they wanted the two boys to get over 100kg in preseason and they were varying between 98-100kg

 

[Dragon David]

A big priority besides getting some decent players which is happening is to strengthen our defence. Great defence wins matches. We need to be so much better next year. I cannot think of anything worse than to see us lose by a motza next year. Work on it Dean Young if you can. No more blow out scores. "Good defence equals Great results". Put that on your notice board young son.

 

[possm]

For starters, Holmes adds both pace and quality to the centres. All he has to do is demand the leather and we will see his benefits. RCG will add size, experience and a renewed hunger to the front row and will play a dual role with the other as a mentor to our crop of emerging forwards. Like us to pick up an organizing half too, doesnt have to be a superstar, only someone that can do a better managing job than Hunt so we can send him back north after '25.

Would Wishart be the type of half you are looking for. Rumour is that he wants to be in the run-on side however, at the Storm he is on the bench or a substitute for injured players.