The Dragons showed in their 18-12 World Club Series win over Warrington Wolves that they have a new defensive structure that can withstand sustained pressure to complement their new-found confidence in attack.
Key to the Dragons in the Nines, Charity Shield and WCS was the resurgence of Benji Marshall, who at five kilos lighter seems to have regained speed and confidence, and is developing some nice combinations.
Returning to fullback against Warrington, Josh Dugan was man of the match with some strong defensive and attacking work, including one try from a Marshall reverse kick.
The loss of Brett Morris has seemingly been resolved with the introduction of big Fijian Eto Nabuli, who has had spectacular performances in the Nines, Charity Shield and WCS.
Paul McGregor is having problems with finalising his centres and seems to be keen to use Dylan Farrell somewhere in his team. I cannot understand this when he has two better attacking and defensive centres in Peter Mata’utai and Charly Runciman available.
Farrell was used in the Nines without impressing and dropped a Benji Marshall pass which led directly to a Souths try in the Charity Shield. In the WCS Farrell could not get over the line, and went for an intercept which led directly to a Warrington try. For mine that is three strikes and you are out.
Last year the Dragons’ light, young, ‘soft’ pack received much criticism, but they are a year older and tougher and have been bolstered with the addition of two big prop forwards in George Rose (128 kilograms) and the local junior Rory O’Brien (125 kilos), who is very mobile for a big man. Both played well against Warrington and should add some go forward in attack. With Rose likely to see limited time from the bench, McGregor may use Mitch Rein as an 80-minute hooker and have four big forwards share the bench rotation.
Most pleasing this year is the depth that the Dragons have across all positions in both experienced NRL players and exciting juniors. Despite this the bookies have the Dragons doing worse or no better than their 11th place last year.
The Dragons go into their first-round home game against the Storm with confidence from a good preseason. For their part, the Storm come into the match off a trial win over the Bulldogs. The Red V will be keen to get a good start to the season and win first up in front of a home crowd against a Storm side that stole two vital points from them last year.
I tip the Dragons to go better than last year and make the eight.
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