I would love to know what St George Illawarra Dragons coach Paul McGregor said to his troops at half time during the game against the Canberra Raiders in Round 3.
After watching the Charity Shield against the Rabbitohs and the World Club Series game against Warrington Wolves in the pre-season, I was confident about the Dragons making the top eight for the first time in four seasons.
However that did not last long, as the Dragons started the seasons with two horrible losses at the hands of the Melbourne Storm and the Wests Tigers.
After watching those two games I told everyone who cared to listen the Dragons were odds-on favourite for the wooden spoon. Their attack was horrible and it looked like they were forever defending with a man in the sin bin.
The preseason calls of ‘soft’ and wondering where points were going to be scored were coming true, and it was hard to watch.
In Round 3 the Dragons went to the Nation’s Capital, where a 14-year hoodoo had been broken the year before and Canberra were keen to re-assert their dominance.
After the first half I thought I knew which way it was going, but in the second 40 the Dragons mounted a come-from-behind win in awesome circumstances, after losing Josh Dugan to the sin bin for 10 minutes. The Red V’s defence came to life, and their attack was as promising as it had been since Wayne Bennett left the club.
Since the start of that second half against the Canberra Raiders, the Dragons have only conceded one try in 220 minutes of football. While they still have the worst attacking record in the comp, they also have the best defensive record. McGregor clearly wants to build the club from a defensive mindset, and is hoping the attack will come – and with players like Gareth Widdop, Benji Marshal and Josh Dugan linking up with wingers Jason Nightingale and Eto Nabuli, it will.
In the Round 4 clash against the Manly Sea Eagles, the Dragons forwards displayed something that I haven’t seen since the 2010 premiership win: aggression, and lots of it. The Dragons were up in the Sea Eagles’ faces all day, bolting off their line and running the ball hard.
Then came the game against the Knights, where the Dragons set a new record for most tackles defended in their own 20 without a point being conceded. Defending 50 tackles in their own 20 was an incredible feat, however their defence right up and down the field was something else – they were quick off their line and a couple of players featured in every tackle.
I am convinced the attack will come for the Dragons, but their defence reminds me of 2010. Following games against the Canterbury Bulldogs, Brisbane Broncos, Sydney Roosters and the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the coming weeks we will know a lot more about which side of the ladder the Dragons are going to finish on in 2015, but for the time being it is looking positive for the Red V faithful.
Charles NSW
Guest
The Dragons clash with the Bulldogs will be interesting. It is their best chance as the Bulldogs have some of their star players missing. In particular Brett Morris who would have loved to be against his old club. I think the Dragons can win this and if they do it will add a lot of confidence in them. The halves have a great chance to shine against the SOO halves!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Most certainly should be!
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
Yes boys beware the wounded Doggies,we still have a pretty handy side on paper but your mob are going really well-should be a good game.
Scott Pryde
Expert
That last point is an interesting one there Ken. As a Dragons fan, can't wait to have him back though!
Ken
Guest
I always tip the Dragons, and I'm really encouraged by the way they are playing, but a wounded Dogs side worries me. The Dragons defence has been a pleasant surprised, I kind of expected this side to find a bit of attacking form as the season went on. There was a lot of talk about new structures and that often takes a while to settle down.... still hoping for this really to improve really. The defensive attitude has really come from the blue though and is such a confidence builder for the side/ Paradoxically I think losing Creagh has helped, he's normally such a rock that with him missing I think the rest of the pack has realised they have to do it themselves.
Scott Pryde
Expert
That's a good point Simon.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Exactly, But I think Mary has a good thing going here. Build the club with defence and get the right attitude going and then work on the attack.. As Benji said, easier to work on attack than defence. The Bulldogs game, with so many of their top players out is going to be a very interesting game... I'll be tipping the Dragons.
Simon Baker
Guest
Dean Young is the Dragons defensive coach. He may know a thing or two about that Dragons side of 2010....
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Good article, but this weekend could be explosive with the Dragons sure to bait the Bulldogs. We may also see the emergence of a Dragons attack, which I think is just inches from clicking.