Scott is not a centre and hasn't had a good game in the centres for years. Even when he was selected in the centres to handle Inglis in SOO he failed miserably. Over the past two years, each time he has been put in the centre position he has stifled the attack and on occasions demonstrated a lack of speed to take care of defence. Scott is a forward and not suited to the backline these days.
It is very apparent that the team was flat this week and did not turn up in the right frame of mind. I am convinced that the Dragons are far better than what we saw last night. The attitude shown against the Bulldogs reminded me very much of the attitude shown after Bennett's announcement to go to Newcastle and shortly after Gasnier's announcement to retire. Our team is so well balanced and the attitude of the players so dependent on each member of the team working for each other that if one key player lets the team down, the whole unit caves in.
I have said before on this forum that Hornby and Young are past their used by date and although in every way they are fantastic leaders within our club and great mentors and role models, they are just not up to standard for what is required these days. Young puts in a great effort and will do more than should be asked of him to lift the team however, his knee lets him down and he can only contribute for short periods of time. Hornby has lost pace and his defence has been in-effective on most occasions these days. We need some pace and variety in the halves and if we don't do something about it soon, it will be too late.
I have also said that Prior is a liability mainly because he gives away possession at critical times through lack of concentration and his inability to hold onto the ball when hit hard in a tackle. These traits have been part of his make up for the past two years as well however, they have been more prominent over the past twelve months. Prior needs to go back to NSW Cup to work on his skills and he should be monitored closely with a view to get him up to speed or let him go at the next opportunity.
I am of the opinion that over the past two years, most players agreed to play for less money for the good of team. 'It was important to get Gasnier' to solve our right hand backline problems. 'We needed an x factor on the right'. So everyone settled for less for the good of the team. When Bennett advised he was going to Newcastle and shortly after Gasnier announced his retirement, team moral went through the floor for obvious reasons and there was no attempt at the time to pacify players with contract upgrades. Even when Moltzen decided not to join the Dragons and even though this extra money was available, there was still no upgrades to some players that believed they are worth more. The fact is that with Scott moving on to a significant pay rise, other players believe they are being paid less than they are worth and an attitude similar to the one seen in the second half of last year is raising its ugly head again.
What to do now:
Scott back to the forwards and given a talking to by Price.
King to hooker to increase speed and variety.
Hornby to the bench.
Stanley to halfback.
Cummins to fullback.
Green to right centre.
Chase Stanley to prove himself in NSW Cup.
Young to NSW Cup.
Prior to NSW Cup until he proves he solves his problems.
Team to play the Tigers next week should be:
1. Commins
2. Morris
3. Green
4. Cooper
5. Nightingale
6. Soward
7. K Stanley
8. Weyman if available
9. King
10. Merrin
11. Creagh
12. Scott
13. De Belin
14. Hornby
15. Marketo
16. A Prop
17. A Prop
