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When will the Saints come marching in? Not in 2015.
With Paul McGregor taking the reins from Steve Price in the early part of season 2014, last season was never going to be a fairy tale.
However the troops rallied, and for a while it looked like the eight was within reach. But after stumbling to the Broncos and getting a touch-up by the Knights they fell agonisingly short.
Two bright spots in their 2014 season were the undeniable class of Josh Dugan and Gareth Widdop, and an improving Benji Marshall.
Finishing on 26 points, with 11 wins and a for-and-against of -59, the Dragons turned over a massive number of players in the off season.
They lost superstar Brett Morris, the versatile Gerard Beale, and in what may prove the biggest blunder of all, failed to re-sign gun back-rower Jack Bird (interestingly it seems the Sharks intend to use him in the backline). You may as well add Trent Merrin to the list as he has unequivocally stated his intentions to look elsewhere.
Heath L’estrange and George Rose head the recruits, with Dane Nielsen, Beau Henry and Kris Keating also having tasted first grade. Jake Marketo also returns after a two-year stint with the Redcliffe Dolphins.
With Mitch Rein the likely starting hooker it remains to be seen how L’estrange will be utilised. The same is true for Henry and Keating, who will be playing second fiddle to established pair Marshall and Widdop.
Time will tell if any of these can provide the momentum required to challenge the leading teams.
Marshall and Widdop should only improve as a unit and may yet be the catalyst for a sneak assault on the 2015 premiership.
There are several positional questions still to be answered. Is Dugan a centre or fullback? Who will take over from Australian flyer Morris – I am hearing good things about youngster Yaw Kiti Glymin, who will likely shoot it out with Peter Mata’utia and Eto Nabuli. Jason Nightingale should be a walk-up start for the other wing. Adam Quinlan will be another option if Dugan is returned to fullback.
The centres again all hinge around Dugan, with Dylan Farrel, Nielsen and possibly even Mata’utia all options. Don’t put a rule through young Euan Aitken either, who is spending his first summer with the senior team after taking out the Dragons’ under-20 player of the year award. The young centre comes with huge raps and at just 19 could yet play a major role in 2015.
The engine room will be powered once more by Merrin, who will need to prove he still has some love left for the Red V. Joel Thomspon, Ben Creagh and Dan Hunt are all very capable players who should ensure the Dragons hold their own in the middle third.
Left field could be the as-yet-unconfirmed signing of jailbird Russell Packer. Whether or not you approve of his eligibility there are no doubts he can play and would add some, ahem, punch through the middle.
This will be a defining year for the Dragons coach. After plenty of trades in the offseason he should see himself with a team of his own choosing.
With a decent pack and enough strike power out wide, any success will come down to his ability to get his halves firing.
Additions
Eto Nabuli (Panthers) Shannon Wakeman, Rory O’Brien (Cutters) George Rose (Storm) Rulon Nutira (Gundagai Tigers) Jake Marketo (Redcliffe) Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard, Dane Nielsen (Warriors) Heath L’Estrange (Roosters) Beau Henry (Titans) Kris Keating (Hull KR)
Losses
Brett Morris (Bulldogs) Sam Williams (Raiders) Michael Witt (retired)
Jack Bird, Gerard Beale (Sharks) Josh Ailaomai, Bronson Harrison, Willie Mataka, Shane Pumipi , Matt Groat (Salford Red Devils), Jack Stockwell (Knights) Kyle Stanley, Gerard Beale (Sharks)
2014 finish: 11th
2015 prediction: 14th
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