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Dragons continue their dream run
John Davidson
Roar Guru
23rd March, 2014
10
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Dragons coach Steve Price is running out of time. (AAP Image/Action Photographics, Colin Whelan)
John Davidson
Roar Guru
23rd March, 2014
10

“Thank God for Gareth Widdop” may well be the foremost thought in Steve Price’s mind following the St George Illawarra Dragons’ unbeaten start to the season.

Three wins on the trot is a fantastic start to the 2014 season for the Dragons, especially given many had tipped Price as the first NRL coach to be axed this year. But Price and his Dragons have certainly bought themselves some time with impressive displays in the first three weeks, and a lot of that has to do with the arrival of the English five-eighth.

Round 1 saw the Dragons fight back from an early deficit to absolutely pummel Wests Tigers, putting 44 points on them. Widdop was at the heart of it, directing play, creating attacking opportunities and leading from the front. He also kicked eight from eight, showing his class as a goal-kicker.

The Dragons next travelled across the Tasman to face the Warriors in Round 2. The Kiwis had been soundly beaten by Parramatta and were keen for their first win of the season, but the Dragons demonstrated their fighting qualities. They again came from behind to put 25 unanswered points on the opposition in the second half, running out comfortable 31-12 winners in the end.

Widdop again kicked perfectly with five from five, and even nailed a left-footed field goal attempt while off balance.

In Round 3 the Dragons faced rivals Cronulla in a local derby and managed to edge home 14-12. In a very close affair, featuring a miraculous try by Brett Morris, Widdop again was one of the joint venture’s best.

Considering St George Illawarra finished 14th out of 16 teams last year and won just seven from 24 all season, three from three is a great start. Yes, they have beaten the Tigers and Warriors, teams that finished 13th and 11th last year, while Cronulla were missing a host of big names. But you can only beat who is in front of you and the Dragons will be full of confidence with their electric opening so far.

If Widdop wanted to get out of the shadow of the Storm’s ‘big three’, he is certainly doing that – and how. But it’s not just the Englishman who has been putting in good performances.

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Hooker Mitch Rein is talented yet underrated, wingers Morris and Jason Nightingale are both internationals, while centre Gerard Beale is in great form.

In Dan Hunt, Trent Merrin, Joel Thompson, Matt Groat and Jack de Belin they have a young and mobile pack. And in their other Englishman, Mike Cooper – a recent arrival from Super League – they have a tough prop out to make a name for himself.

They also have Josh Dugan to come back from injury.

This is a very new and young Dragons squad. Matt Cooper and Nathan Fien retired at the end of 2013, while club stalwarts Michael Weyman, Jamie Soward, Matt Prior and Chase Stanley all left. Most would have thought it would take the Dragons a season or two before they started to fire, but already the signs are promising.

The Wayne Bennett era is well and truly over. This is Steve Price’s team now, and more importantly, Gareth Widdop’s.

Bigger tests in the form of the Roosters, Manly, Melbourne and Souths are still to come for St George Illawarra. But already the Red V has laid down a challenge to the rest of the comp.

Follow John Davidson on Twitter: @johnnyddavidson

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