Trial form cause for concern? Or just teething problems?

[Slippery Morris]

We will see this weekend if the trial form shows what's to come which I doubt, Looks like Hook was purely just using it to see who will be part of his main squad for 2021. A few blokes let them self down with their performances unfortunately but some also stood up like young Wishart.

 

[Dragon David]

Predictions for wooden spoon

 

[Dragon David]

Not able to post

 

[Dragon David]

Hi Guys

I found an article written by Liam O'Loughlin in nospam47.com saying that he predicts us getting the wooden spoon for the first time in the joint ventures history.

He says that our roster is very poor and adds that if you look across the 16 NRL clubs heading into 2021, the Dragons have one of the worst.

 

[possm]

Hi Guys

I found an article written by Liam O'Loughlin in nospam47.com saying that he predicts us getting the wooden spoon for the first time in the joint ventures history.

He says that our roster is very poor and adds that if you look across the 16 NRL clubs heading into 2021, the Dragons have one of the worst.

Well I beg to differ. And if this gentleman was fairdinkum, he could have advised a currently available replacement for Frizell and the name of a top grade prop.

We have some good young backs that will only get better each game. I am confident in their ability to match it with the best after about 5 rounds of first grade. But let's look at our likely 17 for round 1.

• 1. Dufty, arguably the best attacking fullback in the NRL. If he has improved his defenced and addressed his lack of confidence under the high ball, he can match it with the best.
• 2. Ramsey, as quick and skilful as most young wingers in the competition. Granted he is not as yet SOO material but I'm sure he will be up there with the best in the near future. He is fast, elusive and knows is way to the try line.
• 3. Lomax, I'm tipping Lomax to have a great seaon and contest a spot in the NSW team. The coaching staff need to address the problems with defensive structure and communications on the right edge.
• 4. Bird, a top class centre making his way back to top form.
• 5. Ravalawa, when he concentrates on his game, he can be devastating in defence and attack. I recall a game last year against the Eels where he greatly surprised me. Let's hope the coaching staff can have him up for this game.
• 6. Clune, this will be his best opportunity to shine and stake his claim for a first grade spot. Hopefully he will have a blinder.
• 7. Hunt, newly announced captain of the side. Now is the time for him to showcase his best skills and leadership. The coaching staff have sung his praises so, now it is time for him to deliver.
• 8. Kerr, I'm hoping Griffin resists the temptation to play him at 12. He is our second best prop behind Vaughan and we desperately need him in the engine room.
• 9. McCullough, hopefully he will bring a steady hand and the ability to initiate play that leads to the implementation of the coaching staff's game plan. I am counting on him to go 80min.
• 10. Vaughan, our best prop who needs badly to find his top form. If he and Kerr can fire up, we will match it with the Sharks pack on Sunday.
• 11. Sims, another player who needs to fire up. No injuries, no excuses, just go out there and aggressively ply your trade.
• 12. Ford, now we need to see the best from Ford if w hope to match it with the Sharks forward pack. He can run good lines at speed in attack but must become much more aggressive and effective in defence.
• 13. Lawrie, can run all day straight up the middle. But in Sunday we need him to be more acurate and effective in defence. As our lock we also need for him to deliver the occasional ACURATE off-load.

For me not such a bad top 13 but they all need to play to their potential; no slackening off.

I would have rather have selected JP at left wing and Ramsey at right wing with Ravalawa on the bench to rotate with Ford and be there in case of a backline injury. Being big, strong, robust and fast, Ravalawa would be my ideal utility player.

 

[Maddragon99]

During the trials the teams we watched showed no semblance to the Dragons NRL Team that Hook will prepare for the 2021 campaign. As previously mentioned the main players didn't feature. This week we will see closer to the NRL side the Charity Sheils is the first real hit out.

Well I think we all know the answer now, yes trial form was cause for concern. We looked very under done against the Sharks, far too many errors & disorganised at times. Letting in 32 points was a joke. Only positives;

Vaughan was huge
McCullough impressed me
Flash of brilliance from Dufty
Bird made it through a full game

Other than that very little to take away. A lot of work to be done before the trip to Townsville

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

Well I think we all know the answer now, yes trial form was cause for concern. We looked very under done against the Sharks, far too many errors & disorganised at times. Letting in 32 points was a joke. Only positives;

Vaughan was huge
McCullough impressed me
Flash of brilliance from Dufty
Bird made it through a full game

Other than that very little to take away. A lot of work to be done before the trip to Townsville

Hopefully it’s dry up there.

 

[The_Team_Won]

Saturday come and gone.... What are you thinking now?

After the win on Saturday over the Cowpokes, I see a bit of potential there if all those ex Broncos Gel under Hook and if Hook can use his genius in the other positions, I see a top 8 team.

 

[Dragon David]

After the win on Saturday over the Cowpokes, I see a bit of potential there if all those ex Broncos Gel under Hook and if Hook can use his genius in the other positions, I see a top 8 team.

All it takes for us to head towards a top 8 finish is to win the next couple of games at least. In that time and if there are no injuries to the current playing squad, the combinations of the players would have gelled a lot more and have much more belief in themselves and as a team. Let's hope so.

 

[Maddragon99]

After the win on Saturday over the Cowpokes, I see a bit of potential there if all those ex Broncos Gel under Hook and if Hook can use his genius in the other positions, I see a top 8 team.

Another win against Manly puts more distance from the bottom teams. With Broncos, Cows, Manly, Tigers & Bulldogs yet to win a game. At this stage that’s all I’m looking for. We can start to think about top 8 mid season assuming we continue to improve every week. We’re only firing on 2 or 3 cylinders at the moment.