we are NOT the Real Deal!!

[ALSGI]

I started that thread based on the performance that we put on against The Eels after being in the wilderness for years....it was meant to give hope to many of our supporters including myself...If you cared to dissect it you would have noticed that I never insinuated that we were a top 4 or 5 team and never indicated that we would be finals bound.....I simply stated and I will repeat again just for you that based on our performance particularly in the first half against Parra that if we could repeat that performance no team would hold any fears for us.....The Real Deal was to highlight that based on the performances at that time we were a more competitive outfit than I had seen for many years.....you can be the real deal purely for the fact that at the time we wernt the easy beats that everyone has become to expect of us and looked a more polished, competative, united and happy outfit.
Unfortunately because of the last 3 games we have taken a huge step backwards and a lot of the blame must go to the players for their inept performances in particular against The Tigers yesterday.....and for our new coach that imo has not had the players primed and ready it appeared on game day.
You also seemed focussed on your repeated comments to everyone on here re if McGregor was in charge still that we would be highly critical of him and yet are prepared to ignore Hooks failures of late.....that my friend is rubbish....I can assure you if he doesnt get results then in time he will be criticised as well...we are in a rebuilding phase under a new coach and unfortunately a lot of water has gone under the bridge and it will take time.... what you are failing to grasp is the difference between McGregor and Griffin is one had been here for 7 years the others been here for 7 months....

I’m still confident that thread will get a bump well before we prepare for the finals.

 

[Blood Shot Eyes]

I'm not sure how many other supporters are like me but here it goes.
I have been and always will be a "Saints/ Dragons" supporter (but Saints really).
I have never tipped against us in any tipping comp yet.
I never believe were going to lose a game.I always think we will win.
Every year I believe we are the real deal-never thought any different
Every year I always believe "this year will be it"-were going to do well
I always know when i go to Kogarah that its our home and were going to thrash the opposition.

Up till recently this wasnt such a hard ask. Now the Scum share our ground, our home ground advantage is mostly gone since we rarely train there. The players who used to dream of playing for St George now seem to be not so particular about who they play for, but more for how much they play for. The St George I remember doesnt seem to exist anymore. I know things change but damn it- I always want us to do well-I dont care about the rest-none of them have won 11 in a row.
I'll always believe we can win-but please fellas-how about trying a bit harder when you have that magic Red V jumper on.It means a lot to a lot of people

Well said

 

[Mjab]

4W - 4L , what I expected maybe a bit better
all is not lost but be realistic we might scrape into 8 at best
an 8-10 position finish , pass mark year based shit roster , passenger players , ingrained poor play, culture and attitude. That sh!t doesnt turn around quick.

Its better than the last 2 years under peanut

clearly we must offload some rubbish, Norman top list and plenty of other potential ones rid ourself of

Problems I see from here at least

Dufty terrible in defence still and still lets balls bounce , doesnt get involved or support the ball enough.
he just grabbed players by the waist and swung them around to make tackles, this is sh!t. He is not really improving enough for me and Im not sure we should keep him. Yes he scores us some points

Kerr , basically terrible terrible terrible last game and needs something done

Norman , what can I say , give someone else a go but maybe he has to stay to kick goals !!

Bird has been pretty good I think but terrible last week let in 2 trys terrible defence

Clune - terrible in defence as well

but plenty others as well playing shit but not enough players replace them with

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Hand on heart, don’t worry about last game. Not even the storm could have outrun than bad luck.

I think Mary spoke a lot about values and his corporate stuff, but don’t I recall him taking a lot of responsibility himself.

And the most telling aspect of his shortcomings for mine was the decline in individual performances, week after week.

And the litany of excuses and unusual justifications that followed.

Remember at the end, his press conferences were quieter than a morgue. Even the journos had given up.

It’s going to take a little while to climb out of this dark space. A lot of damage was done. Not on purpose.

And Mary was just symptomatic of the disfigured board and their mis-application of the old mates act.

All things considered, you having a pretty good season in all of the dysfunctional recent historic circumstances.

 

[Slippery Morris]

The Parra games was Saints playing at their peak. The Tigers was definitely their worst. We now know how good Saints can be at their best. I cannot see Saints playing any better than they did against Parra. If they play in between their best and worst, they should beat Dogs as they are awful. Scay thing is Manly and Cows have improved now so they can be thrown into the mix to overtake Saints.

Their form is down to mental not performance as they took so much confidence out of the Parra game that they thought they can just turn up and they will win against the lower sides. They showed arrogance last 3 weeks with a poor attitude. They read to much of the press and could see themselves in the finals already. The were terrible against the Warriors as they probably had 1 eye on beating the chooks.

They started excellent against the chooks then once they lost JP to the bin caved in and had 2 soft tries scored. Unlike the Parra game where they continued to play for each other. They also had some bad calls. They walked off that field thinking they were hard done by and not that they were terrible. I assumed that as they played against the Tigers like they played against the chooks in the 2nd half.

It looked like they thought the Tigers would be an easy game and showed no intensity. They just played as if a try would come. The Tigers played smart. Losing Lomax, they targeted that side and with great success. They also held the ball and defended well making Dragons lose the ball most of the time. Well done tigers. They should have won by more as they were that much the better side. Saints were lucky not to lose 20+.

I also feel the coaching staff became arrogant after the Parra game not sticking with the formula that won them that game. Putting Bird at 5/8 was crazy. Roosters backline is their strength. Manu & Jmoz against Ramsey and Lomax. Manu for me is one of the best centres ( I would take him at Saints ahead of any other centre) and we needed Bird out there to defend against him. The Roosters halves were Walker and Hutchison. I am sure Clune and Norman are capable to handle them 2. Then to start with Burns ahead of Kerr in the back row? Why? That would be a kick in the guts to Kerr as he was playing well up until then? Kerr has been bad since. The coaches looked like they picked a side showing no respect to the roosters true form. As if they thought they can make that many changes and try new combinations because the opposition was weak.

Interesting to see how they go this week. They have undone all their great work last week as a win against the Tigers would have put them 4pts ahead of 8th which is a great position to be in. If they can have that buffer leading into Origin that would be ideal.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

The Parra games was Saints playing at their peak. The Tigers was definitely their worst. We now know how good Saints can be at their best. I cannot see Saints playing any better than they did against Parra. If they play in between their best and worst, they should beat Dogs as they are awful. Scay thing is Manly and Cows have improved now so they can be thrown into the mix to overtake Saints.

Their form is down to mental not performance as they took so much confidence out of the Parra game that they thought they can just turn up and they will win against the lower sides. They showed arrogance last 3 weeks with a poor attitude. They read to much of the press and could see themselves in the finals already. The were terrible against the Warriors as they probably had 1 eye on beating the chooks.

They started excellent against the chooks then once they lost JP to the bin caved in and had 2 soft tries scored. Unlike the Parra game where they continued to play for each other. They also had some bad calls. They walked off that field thinking they were hard done by and not that they were terrible. I assumed that as they played against the Tigers like they played against the chooks in the 2nd half.

It looked like they thought the Tigers would be an easy game and showed no intensity. They just played as if a try would come. The Tigers played smart. Losing Lomax, they targeted that side and with great success. They also held the ball and defended well making Dragons lose the ball most of the time. Well done tigers. They should have won by more as they were that much the better side. Saints were lucky not to lose 20+.

I also feel the coaching staff became arrogant after the Parra game not sticking with the formula that won them that game. Putting Bird at 5/8 was crazy. Roosters backline is their strength. Manu & Jmoz against Ramsey and Lomax. Manu for me is one of the best centres ( I would take him at Saints ahead of any other centre) and we needed Bird out there to defend against him. The Roosters halves were Walker and Hutchison. I am sure Clune and Norman are capable to handle them 2. Then to start with Burns ahead of Kerr in the back row? Why? That would be a kick in the guts to Kerr as he was playing well up until then? Kerr has been bad since. The coaches looked like they picked a side showing no respect to the roosters true form. As if they thought they can make that many changes and try new combinations because the opposition was weak.

Interesting to see how they go this week. They have undone all their great work last week as a win against the Tigers would have put them 4pts ahead of 8th which is a great position to be in. If they can have that buffer leading into Origin that would be ideal.

Great post, lots to think about.

 

[BLM01]

The Parra games was Saints playing at their peak. The Tigers was definitely their worst. We now know how good Saints can be at their best. I cannot see Saints playing any better than they did against Parra. If they play in between their best and worst, they should beat Dogs as they are awful. Scay thing is Manly and Cows have improved now so they can be thrown into the mix to overtake Saints.

Their form is down to mental not performance as they took so much confidence out of the Parra game that they thought they can just turn up and they will win against the lower sides. They showed arrogance last 3 weeks with a poor attitude. They read to much of the press and could see themselves in the finals already. The were terrible against the Warriors as they probably had 1 eye on beating the chooks.

They started excellent against the chooks then once they lost JP to the bin caved in and had 2 soft tries scored. Unlike the Parra game where they continued to play for each other. They also had some bad calls. They walked off that field thinking they were hard done by and not that they were terrible. I assumed that as they played against the Tigers like they played against the chooks in the 2nd half.

It looked like they thought the Tigers would be an easy game and showed no intensity. They just played as if a try would come. The Tigers played smart. Losing Lomax, they targeted that side and with great success. They also held the ball and defended well making Dragons lose the ball most of the time. Well done tigers. They should have won by more as they were that much the better side. Saints were lucky not to lose 20+.

I also feel the coaching staff became arrogant after the Parra game not sticking with the formula that won them that game. Putting Bird at 5/8 was crazy. Roosters backline is their strength. Manu & Jmoz against Ramsey and Lomax. Manu for me is one of the best centres ( I would take him at Saints ahead of any other centre) and we needed Bird out there to defend against him. The Roosters halves were Walker and Hutchison. I am sure Clune and Norman are capable to handle them 2. Then to start with Burns ahead of Kerr in the back row? Why? That would be a kick in the guts to Kerr as he was playing well up until then? Kerr has been bad since. The coaches looked like they picked a side showing no respect to the roosters true form. As if they thought they can make that many changes and try new combinations because the opposition was weak.

Interesting to see how they go this week. They have undone all their great work last week as a win against the Tigers would have put them 4pts ahead of 8th which is a great position to be in. If they can have that buffer leading into Origin that would be ideal.

I agree with paragraph 1 and 6
the 4 in between I can’t cop
I think you are way off the mark there saying there was arrogance and complacency from players and coaches
You and others are looking to deep when in fact all teams peek and trough and have flat periods without sinister underlying problems
I know it is frustrating losing to the Tigers the way we did because we attacked poor and were error riddled
but we never had the squad or depth to continue and be classed as a Top 4 or a regular Top 8 side.
We’re gonna see more and more of these peaks and troughs with our side until we improve the roster and depth . Yes there may have been some tactical and selection change errors in the past few weeks but least he is trying something at the right time.

As I have said countless times it’ll take a few years we can’t wave a magic wand and expect to just be a consistent good side all of a sudden when our core and culture was shot to pieces by 2020
just as I said you need to judge the way they lose(i.e. efforts) and I see an improved culture as a shining light
The right squad mix and depth are on the agenda but don’t expect it all to run smoothly this year.
Everyone had us for the spoon before around 1
We are currently 6th

 

[Dragonslayer]

I agree with paragraph 1 and 6
the 4 in between I can’t cop
I think you are way off the mark there saying there was arrogance and complacency from players and coaches
You and others are looking to deep when in fact all teams peek and trough and have flat periods without sinister underlying problems
I know it is frustrating losing to the Tigers the way we did because we attacked poor and were error riddled
but we never had the squad or depth to continue and be classed as a Top 4 or a regular Top 8 side.
We’re gonna see more and more of these peaks and troughs with our side until we improve the roster and depth . Yes there may have been some tactical and selection change errors in the past few weeks but least he is trying something at the right time.

As I have said countless times it’ll take a few years we can’t wave a magic wand and expect to just be a consistent good side all of a sudden when our core and culture was shot to pieces by 2020
just as I said you need to judge the way they lose(i.e. efforts) and I see an improved culture as a shining light
The right squad mix and depth are on the agenda but don’t expect it all to run smoothly this year.
Everyone had us for the spoon before around 1
We are currently 6th

Agree

Point in question here an example of the Panthers.

In 2019, after 8 rounds, they were 15th with 2 wins and 6 losses. They ended the 2019 season 10th with 11 wins 13 losses.
In 2020, after 8 rounds, they were 2nd with 6 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss. They finished the 2020 season 1st (went on to the GF), 18 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss.

Significant turn around in 1 season, and that has continued into this year.

Yes, its a big difference between us and the Panthers, however, it can be done, We have some issues around our ageing pack (imo) and around our halves. Just some tweaking of our roster for 2022, and we will become more consistent and challenge for the 8 on an expectation rather than a want.

 

[LINESPEED]

Agree

Point in question here an example of the Panthers.

In 2019, after 8 rounds, they were 15th with 2 wins and 6 losses. They ended the 2019 season 10th with 11 wins 13 losses.
In 2020, after 8 rounds, they were 2nd with 6 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss. They finished the 2020 season 1st (went on to the GF), 18 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss.

Significant turn around in 1 season, and that has continued into this year.

Yes, its a big difference between us and the Panthers, however, it can be done, We have some issues around our ageing pack (imo) and around our halves. Just some tweaking of our roster for 2022, and we will become more consistent and challenge for the 8 on an expectation rather than a want.

And the catalyst will be the axing of Norman

& the culture of inconsistency & pea-heartedness he brings

Arthur recognised it long ago - Hook has yet to

Improvement in attack & consistency will flow from whenever his exit happens.

Hook’s rather blind support has given him a swaggering air of entitlement that is the opposite of the intensity required of Top 4 halves

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

I agree with paragraph 1 and 6
the 4 in between I can’t cop
I think you are way off the mark there saying there was arrogance and complacency from players and coaches
You and others are looking to deep when in fact all teams peek and trough and have flat periods without sinister underlying problems
I know it is frustrating losing to the Tigers the way we did because we attacked poor and were error riddled
but we never had the squad or depth to continue and be classed as a Top 4 or a regular Top 8 side.
We’re gonna see more and more of these peaks and troughs with our side until we improve the roster and depth . Yes there may have been some tactical and selection change errors in the past few weeks but least he is trying something at the right time.

As I have said countless times it’ll take a few years we can’t wave a magic wand and expect to just be a consistent good side all of a sudden when our core and culture was shot to pieces by 2020
just as I said you need to judge the way they lose(i.e. efforts) and I see an improved culture as a shining light
The right squad mix and depth are on the agenda but don’t expect it all to run smoothly this year.
Everyone had us for the spoon before around 1
We are currently 6th

Another good effort and some home truths as well.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Agree

Point in question here an example of the Panthers.

In 2019, after 8 rounds, they were 15th with 2 wins and 6 losses. They ended the 2019 season 10th with 11 wins 13 losses.
In 2020, after 8 rounds, they were 2nd with 6 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss. They finished the 2020 season 1st (went on to the GF), 18 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss.

Significant turn around in 1 season, and that has continued into this year.

Yes, its a big difference between us and the Panthers, however, it can be done, We have some issues around our ageing pack (imo) and around our halves. Just some tweaking of our roster for 2022, and we will become more consistent and challenge for the 8 on an expectation rather than a want.

The Sharks are blowing everything up and going for youth. Plenty of meat for the sgi bbq there if you can get the choice cuts. Cheap and cheerful.

 

[betcats]

And the catalyst will be the axing of Norman

& the culture of inconsistency & pea-heartedness he brings

Arthur recognised it long ago - Hook has yet to

Improvement in attack & consistency will flow from whenever his exit happens.

Hook’s rather blind support has given him a swaggering air of entitlement that is the opposite of the intensity required of Top 4 halves

Yep he is a problem to have in a playing group. The type of loud personality that infects everyone with his laid back "i dont give a f**k" attitude. In all his years losing and playing like shit for Parra and then you guys I cannot remember one game where he wasn't smiling and laughing and taking the piss.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Yep he is a problem to have in a playing group. The type of loud personality that infects everyone with his laid back "i dont give a f**k" attitude. In all his years losing and playing like shit for Parra and then you guys I cannot remember one game where he wasn't smiling and laughing and taking the piss.

Plus he’s inconsistent, that’s my beef with him. Very talented when he’s on, but you don’t know which Norman is going to run out.

 

[betcats]

Plus he’s inconsistent, that’s my beef with him.

Agree, he is very inconsistent. He dead set reminds me of one of those guys who thinks its not cool to try to hard at anything or care to much about anything other than getting shitfaced with his mates.

 

[redv13]

The Parra games was Saints playing at their peak. The Tigers was definitely their worst. We now know how good Saints can be at their best. I cannot see Saints playing any better than they did against Parra. If they play in between their best and worst, they should beat Dogs as they are awful. Scay thing is Manly and Cows have improved now so they can be thrown into the mix to overtake Saints.

Their form is down to mental not performance as they took so much confidence out of the Parra game that they thought they can just turn up and they will win against the lower sides. They showed arrogance last 3 weeks with a poor attitude. They read to much of the press and could see themselves in the finals already. The were terrible against the Warriors as they probably had 1 eye on beating the chooks.

They started excellent against the chooks then once they lost JP to the bin caved in and had 2 soft tries scored. Unlike the Parra game where they continued to play for each other. They also had some bad calls. They walked off that field thinking they were hard done by and not that they were terrible. I assumed that as they played against the Tigers like they played against the chooks in the 2nd half.

It looked like they thought the Tigers would be an easy game and showed no intensity. They just played as if a try would come. The Tigers played smart. Losing Lomax, they targeted that side and with great success. They also held the ball and defended well making Dragons lose the ball most of the time. Well done tigers. They should have won by more as they were that much the better side. Saints were lucky not to lose 20+.

I also feel the coaching staff became arrogant after the Parra game not sticking with the formula that won them that game. Putting Bird at 5/8 was crazy. Roosters backline is their strength. Manu & Jmoz against Ramsey and Lomax. Manu for me is one of the best centres ( I would take him at Saints ahead of any other centre) and we needed Bird out there to defend against him. The Roosters halves were Walker and Hutchison. I am sure Clune and Norman are capable to handle them 2. Then to start with Burns ahead of Kerr in the back row? Why? That would be a kick in the guts to Kerr as he was playing well up until then? Kerr has been bad since. The coaches looked like they picked a side showing no respect to the roosters true form. As if they thought they can make that many changes and try new combinations because the opposition was weak.

Interesting to see how they go this week. They have undone all their great work last week as a win against the Tigers would have put them 4pts ahead of 8th which is a great position to be in. If they can have that buffer leading into Origin that would be ideal.

You’re damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t. The ex peanut did the same thing ( no changes )over and over picking the same players and this place was in meltdown for 2 years.

Hook makes changes ( Bird to 5/8 ) was a good one, Kerr to the bench ( justified, playing poorly the last 3 weeks ) and people blow up that he makes “ unnecessary changes “. Can’t win!! I’d rather lose trying new things and combos than to lose playing the same thing week after week, loss after loss.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Agree, he is very inconsistent. He dead set reminds me of one of those guys who thinks its not cool to try to hard at anything or care to much about anything other than getting shitfaced with his mates.

We have the same issue with BJ.

Bj was very lucky to play last weekend and Madge keeps picking him and no one knows why.

It’s all about him.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

You’re damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t. The ex peanut did the same thing ( no changes )over and over picking the same players and this place was in meltdown for 2 years.

Hook makes changes ( Bird to 5/8 ) was a good one, Kerr to the bench ( justified, playing poorly the last 3 weeks ) and people blow up that he makes “ unnecessary changes “. Can’t win!! I’d rather lose trying new things and combos than to lose playing the same thing week after week, loss after loss.

Agree totally.

Sims is another under achiever.

 

[redv13]

Agree totally.

Sims is another under achiever.

Sims has been much better this year, a little off vs you guys but he had another 12 or so teammates off too. He’ll bounce back don’t you worry

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Sims has been much better this year, a little off vs you guys but he had another 12 or so teammates off too. He’ll bounce back don’t you worry

Sure, I just hate to see the talent wasted.

Lots of visitors here from other clubs, much external interest in your post-Mary fortunes.

Can’t be a bad thing.

 

[betcats]

Agree totally.

Sims is another under achiever.

I cant lump him in with Norman though