Dragons still feeling NRL pressure
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Beating Cronulla has done nothing to ease the pressure on St George Illawarra heading into Saturday’s clash with South Sydney.
If anything, the win has added to the expectations on the Dragons with a berth in the NRL finals suddenly back within reach.
“Our season was on the line last weekend. We had to win, and it’s the same this weekend – we have to win,” winger Brett Morris said of their position just two points out of eighth spot.
“If we want to be a part of this top eight, we’re going to have to beat top-eight sides.”
The Dragons will have every chance to do just that with games against Melbourne, Wests Tigers and the Warriors to follow Souths.
The Bunnies are flying after their thrilling come-from-the-dead win over Sydney Roosters on Monday night, their hopes buoyed by the availability of Greg Inglis (knee) and Adam Reynolds (ankle).
“We know it’s going be a big challenge,” Morris said.
“They’ve played some great footy over the last three months. The coach has really instilled into them how to grind out victories.”
Dragons coach Steve Price has himself been in the news after a bizarre outburst attacking his critics after last week’s win over the Sharks.
Veteran centre Matt Cooper said he hadn’t noted any change in Price’s demeanour throughout the club’s struggles, with the Dragons on track to miss the finals for the first time since 2007.
“I’ve been impressed with the way Pricey’s handled it,” Cooper said.
“Usually, coaches get a bit of pressure on them and they start doing weird things.
“Pricey’s doing the same things – he’s the same bloke. It doesn’t look like it has affected him.”
© AAP 2013
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The Crowd Says (3) | Page 1 of Comments
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July 21st 2012 @ 3:32am
Dogs Of War said | July 21st 2012 @ 3:32am | Report comment
How much longer can the Dragons attack suck before Price gets a tap on the shoulder? I wonder if they grabbed Steve Folkes onto the payroll to maybe have a backup plan at the ready in case they need to move the bloke on.
July 21st 2012 @ 12:49pm
gronna gruntus said | July 21st 2012 @ 12:49pm | Report comment
can someone tell dragons to straighten attack and stop running sideways putting pressure on outside backs by leaving them with no room to move might make the eight but have to agree not the easiest run home some hot teams in there
July 24th 2012 @ 12:03am
Devout Saint said | July 24th 2012 @ 12:03am | Report comment
Yes we have to get rid of our Claytens 5/8 Jamie Soward. He will not straighten the attack up, he will not take on the line, he will not draw and commit defenders, everything he does (pass and kick) is far enough away from the defensive line to make sure he doesn’t get hit after he passes or kicks the ball, he won’t even throw a dummy and go himself because it the defense doesn’t fall for it he will get hit and he won’t even put a grubber in goal for a repete set as you have to be close to the defensive line to put a grubber in goal and possibly get hit after you kick it and getting hit isn’t a part of Soward’s game. This is tackle footy we are talking about.