Not since their premiership winning year 2010 have the Dragons opened a season with three successive wins, but that run ended when they were soundly beaten 36-20 by the resurgent Brisbane Broncos in a game the visitors always had under control.
For the Dragons, the next five weeks in which they face off against the Rabbitohs, Storm, Warriors, Roosters and Bulldogs will go a long way to establishing their true credentials.
The performance of Gareth Widdop for the Dragons since his transfer from the Storm has transformed the Dragons attack. He is providing a solid core to their attack which other Dragons players are relying on. The Dragons wingers, particularly Brett Morris who rarely saw the ball last year, are flourishing under Widdop’s direction.
The centres have been a problem for the Dragons so far this year. Former fullback Gerard Beale is performing strongly and ex-Souths centre Dylan Farrell is yet to fire, while both suffering from defensive lapses. The Dragons NSW Cup side has great backline depth, so good replacements are available but yet to be called upon by Steve Price.
With Widdop’s position at five-eighth secure, the question of who should partner him at halfback has yet to be resolved after the injury to Michael Witt in Round 1. Sam Williams has the position at the moment, but Witt has shown superior attack and utility Kyle Stanley is also an option.
All this has been done without the presence of injured fullback and playmaker Josh Dugan, who will offer further attacking options for the Dragons on his expected return against the Rabbitohs next week.
The Dragons young and mobile forward pack seem to be excelling under the new rules of the game and captain Ben Creach’s return to the second row has seen an attacking resurgence from him. If the Dragons forwards can match the opposition, their backs have the points in them to secure wins.
One of the lowest scoring sides of last year are averaging around 30 points a game, but their defence remains a concern. Against the Broncos, their poor goal-line defence decided the game.
Steve Price may be the Dragons head coach, but he is assisted by former Illawarra great Paul McGregor, who is also acting as on-field trainer. Maybe this new coaching combination is working or maybe it is Widdop’s influence which is the key factor. Either way, it now looks that Price is secure as coach for the moment and the Dragons will have to cope with what they have for 2014.
The team’s improvement may be limited by the strength and cohesion of a coaching team which is unproven at top level, though you could have said the same about the Roosters’ rookie coach last year.
I can see the Dragons making the eight, but cannot see them doing much more under the leadership of Steve Price.
Paul
Guest
The other Cameron Smith nearly got his head taken off. Have never seen a clearer penalty try in my life.
Charles NSW
Guest
It will be an interesting match against Souths, Walter The Dragons have their best side with perhaps one or two exceptions of concern South have Sutton back at 5/8 and will be geared up for a big one If the Dragons have done their homework in defence it will be a good test for them
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
The Dragons were robbed in the 1999 grandfinal with the penalty try.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Maybe you are right that I pick on Price. At least this week he has put Witt into half, and has the luxury of seeing how Duggan goes. Quinlan will hopefully get rewarded with the utility bench position. Then everything depends on the forwards.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
For some reason it got published twice.
Doug Graves
Guest
Dragons are pretenders until they prove otherwise. Just like they where chokers for 30+ years until they won the 2010 premiership.
Charles NSW
Guest
There are a number of issues facing the Dragons that need to be addressed They need to insure the positions of a centre, one 1/2 back and possibly a hooker if Rein gets injured The rest of the team are capable providing they fix up their defence which is non-existent at the moment The coach is on notice to fix these problems immediately if he wants to show the fans that he is capable as a coach
Renegade
Guest
Walter, Have you written the same article two days in a row?? My view on the dragons hasn't changed.... they got a dose of reality against the broncos and I suspect the will get bigger ones in the upcoming weeks.
Dragons Forever
Guest
They will make the 8.
The eye
Guest
You're too harsh on Price,Walter..Hes got them playing right up to their abilities,look good when throwing it around and are coming out hard and committed which is more than you can say for a number of clubs with stronger personnel.8th is possible if Dugan can stay healthy from here on in,be happy with that
JohnnoMcJohnno
Guest
Neither. You can't call them pretenders because no-one expects them to go well - I'm gobsmacked that they are leading the comp. Thrilled, but gobsmacked. But you can't call them contenders either because on current form it looks like the better/stronger/smarter teams will find a way through their defence (eg Souths in the charity shield, Bronco's on Friday). Solid mid-range team is my thinking, who can beat any side that's not on their game, but not serious finals material.
planko
Guest
I dont think they are either...I think they will probably play football in September and that is a start. From there anything can happen.
Sunshine
Guest
So if they are only making the 8, doesn't that make them pretenders?