With a particularly tough draw this year, the Dragons will be looking to grab points early in the season rather than have to battle for them towards the end of the year.
St George Illawarra have an extended preseason planned, starting with the balance of the squad travelling to Brisbane the weekend of the Nines to play Wynnum-Manly Sea Eagles.
The Dragons have been drip feeding details of both squads.
Surprisingly, 130-kilogram Mose Masoe has been named alongside Jack De Belin as forwards in the Nines. Possibily coach Paul McGregor is looking to test their ball-playing skills.
New forwards Dunamis Lui, Tyrone McCarthy and Silivia Havili are all expected to be given their chance in the Nines.
The core of the Dragons pack, including Mike Cooper and Ben Creagh, are expected to play Wynnum-Manly in a more useful test for the Dragons forwards, particularly in defence.
The Dragon’s Nines squad is shaping to be the testing ground for backs, with Josh Dugan, Euan Aitken and Kurt Mann named, which gives Dugan and Mann a chance to switch between centre and fullback. Tim Lafai and Peter Mata’utia are also expected to be named.
With Gareth Widdop named against Wynnum-Manly, it is assumed Benji Marshall will captain the Nines squad in the absence of co-captains Widdop and Creagh.
The team for the Sea Eagles game, although including winger Jason Nightingale, looks certain to trial the less prominent contenders for the backline, such as Dragons junior Kiti Glymin and new recruits Kalifa Faifai Loa and Taane Milne.
In the forwards we can expect to see a front row of Rusell Packer, Mitch Rein and Lesson Ah Mau, and backrowers Joel Thompson, Mike Cooper, Creagh, as well as new forwards on the bench to impress.
The main two trials come against Souths, in the Charity Shield (where both sides will be missing players to the All Stars match), and a week later against the Warriors in New Zealand.
Both games should provide McGregor with a sound gauge on the makeup of his team.
Finally, they have one final trial against Central Queensland Capras, at Browne Park, Rockhampton.
The planned travel to Queensland and New Zealand seem to be part of McGregor’s pre-season plan to bring the squad closer together, as the trip to the World Club Challenge did last year.
The Dragons need all the help they can get this year, with only four true home games in the first 12 rounds, and the first three matches this season away against the Storm, Sharks and Roosters.
Draw Rounds 1-13
Round 1: Storm versus Dragons (Monday, March 7, 7pm at AAMI Park)
Round 2: Sharks versus Dragons (Sunday, March 13, 4pm at Shark Park)
Round 3: Dragons versus Rabbitohs (Sunday, March 20, 4pm at Sydney Cricket Ground)
Round 4: Dragons versus Panthers (Sunday, March 27, 4pm at WIN Stadium)
Round 5: Cowboys versus Dragons (Saturday, April 2, 7:30pm at 1300Smiles Stadium)
Round 6: Broncos versus Dragons (Thursday, April 7, 7:50pm at Suncorp Stadium)
Round 7: Titans versus Dragons (Saturday, April 16, 3pm at Cbus Super Stadium)
Round 8: Dragons versus Roosters (Monday, April 25, 4pm at Allianz Stadium)
Round 9: Warriors versus Dragons (Sunday, May 1, 12pm at Mt Smart Stadium)
Round 10: Dragons versus Raiders (Thursday, May 12, 7:50pm at Jubilee Oval)
Round 11: Rabbitohs versus Dragons (Thursday, May 19, 7:50pm at ANZ Stadium)
Round 12: Dragons versus Cowboys (Saturday, May 28, 7:30pm at WIN Stadium)
Round 13: Bye
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Roar Guru
The reason I have been quiet in the league section is because I have been covering the Australian Open tennis, but I'll get around to the league as soon as that finishes. However, I will be overseas for a month (I fly out of the country tomorrow) which means my presence on The Roar will be limited (if anything). Without a doubt season 2015 was a massive improvement on previous years as Paul McGregor enjoyed his first full season as an NRL coach, having had to step in midway through 2014 when Steve Price was sacked. I agree that the Dragons struggled under Steve Price as many of their premiership stars retired but I guess that's what every club has to go through, even the more successful ones. Most specifically, it happened to the Roosters in the middle part of the noughties (after their captain Brad Fittler retired). Had it not been for a long losing streak midway through last year the Dragons would have no doubt made the top six (or even better top four). And as for that heartbreaking golden point loss to the Bulldogs in the elimination final last year - the Dragons had their chances but either couldn't consolidate it or their inexperience told in the end. Hopefully 2016 will be a better year and perhaps the top four should be the goal for 2016. Gareth Widdop will prove a good team captain as he, Benji Marshall and Josh Dugan were mostly responsible for the climb up the ladder last year. It'll be interesting to see how things unfold this year.
The Koomz
Guest
I would like to see Widdop playing half and Benji at 5/8. Just to see if Benji can still run around and Mann scooping out the back. If their attack doesnt kick then throw Dugan back at fullback. Aitken should be other starting centre.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
The real question is whether McGregor can handle the squad not only in terms of selection but incentives for the non selected players. McGregor was not particularly inclined to give fringe players a chance last year and his attitude in this regard contrasts with Bennett who always seems to be giving a fringe player a chance.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
I do not think that the Dragons can get less trial without ending with the wooden spoon. The first thing I want to see with the Dragons is defence which should be bolstered with the new forwards. I have doubts about Dugans defence in the centres and his winger is going to be starving for the ball. Aitken should get the other centre position on defence alone but I expect him to have a good year in attack.If Dugan wants to give centre a try let him and we can switch back if it does not work. Benji alone can get the attack moving with short passes to the forwards and the cut out ball out wide. Whether Benji or Widdop are still able to make a break of their own may be dependant on whether other teams are prepared to take dumies to the bigger Dragons forwards. Last year when George Rose came on from the bench there was room to be made through the middle for the time he lasted and I expect Masoe and maybe Packer to take this role. Cooper will be in the starting side probably in the second row.
Charles NSW
Guest
Fair comments! In regards to Dugan he is best at centre providing they get the right player to take over the fullback and that is the question It will take a few weeks to work out each player best position what is best for the team but at least there is more competition for each role. The fullback role needs to be the most urgent for attention!
The eye
Guest
Apologies,wasn't talking about trials.. To be honest I think the side becomes weaker when you take one of the elite form fullbacks in the NRL (best Blue award,Sportsal best fullback at midseason)where replacements look risky and put him in the centers where the club is quite healthy.. Tries were,however, few and far between by the three quarter main contenders in '15: Mann 4 Lafai 5 Nightingale 5 Aiken 6 Mann,ideally, is a 5/8,he was exposed a few times in online positional defence last year and from memory (which is bad) spent a few games in reserves over it..he will probably play there in the nines and go very well..as good as Widdop is,the Dragons just arent scoring enough and could use Mann's dynamism to linebreak.. The best backs in the club are Dugan Nightingale Aiken Lafai Mann Widdop and Benji...on '15 form Lafai and Mann need sensational trials to displace Aiken .. Forwards..basically same as you..pray that Frizelle is right..throw Packer straight in with Ah Mau,Rein plays 80,Frizell with Thompson,Cooper....bench De Bellin (who plays the last 60 mins a la Merrin),Mose,Creagh and Will Mathews.. If they dont get more tries this year they wont make the 8.
Charles NSW
Guest
I was talking about the start of the competition providing all these players fare well The four I had on reserves was Packer, Cooper, McCarthy and Creagh Creagh will do well so no problem while Frizell get over his injuries It also depends if someone if the coach wants Rein not to do the full match Someone like McCrone who can do both hooker and half can be looked Rein could do whole match but the coach may need to have players to fill in when needed Where is The eye with his team?
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
If we are talking about the charity shield then: Cannot see Aitken missing out even if it is on the wing. It also looks like Frizell will now miss most of the trial matches so I can see Creagh starting in the second row. I can see Packer as starting with Masoe an impact player from the bench. Charles who do you see on the bench? Havili at 104kgs has the ability to play hooker or second row so I would like to see him have a chance. Unknown quantity is the irish man McCarthy. A bit light but maybe a utility forward? The trials will be critical for a lot of players in the forwards as well as backs.
Charles NSW
Guest
I was asked what was my first choice so this is the team to start with I would like to see what they are capable of. Like you I was concerned with players like Aitken and Cooper but we know what they can do Without changing too much we need to see if we gain more in our attack which was missing last year Players like Mann, Lafai and Masoe should be interesting what they can add What is your solution or do have none?
The eye
Guest
No Aiken is criminal ..I think he was tremendous last year in his first season and ditto Mike Cooper. Do you have any ball players in that pack ? Good luck to them..
Charles NSW
Guest
Interesting as it is hard when you do not have all the information on the table. Fullback Kurt Mann Wingers Jason Nightingale - Peter Mata'Utia Centers Josh Dugan - Tim Lafai 1/2 back Gareth Widdop 5/8 Benji Marshall Lock Jack DeBellin 2nd Row Tyson Frizell - Joel Thompson Hooker Mitch Rein Front Row Leeson Ah Mau - Mose Masoe This team should be interesting to start of with
The eye
Guest
Give us your first choice team Charles..
Charles NSW
Guest
Providing Coach McGregor chooses the best team available and injuries aside the Dragons will push all the way in this competition. I think a tough draw will be good for the Dragons as it will lift them up. They have competition in each position and believe in each other so that will help them a lot.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Beg to differ, since the Dragons dumped Steve Price as coach I have been pushing their barrow and wrote this article last preseason tipping them to make the 8. http://www.theroar.com.au/2015/02/24/warrington-win-shows-dragons-will-make-eight/ I also remember getting greatly rediculed for making the prediction.
Dragons Forever
Guest
Walter, if I remember correctly you didn't give Saints a chance at all pre season last year
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Last year the Dragons just reached the 8 and no one included myself gave them any chance of advancing into the second week. This year I expect the Dragons to be able to match any team week to week given a share of luck and any team that is complacent better watch out.
Julian King
Roar Guru
The draw is merely one element in a whole series of uncontrollables throughout the year. We may be lucky and meet certain teams without their big stars for example, so it's neither here nor here. You have to be good enough, bottom line. My preference is for Dugan to remain at fullback but it won't start like that. I'm of the opinion that your best ball runner should have the ball in his hands as often as he can, and Dugan is best placed to do that in the number 1. Having said that, I'm excited as to what Mann will bring to the table, and I'm tipping Peter Mat. to have a big year. We have a better roster than last year. Top 8 is not unreasonable.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
mastermind5991, you have been very quiet this year. I know you are a Dragons supporter, what do you think about last year and the new team? I had no hope with Steve Price as coach but McGregor has yet to prove himself although the signs seem good. Tough Draw this year but the Dragons go in with the Nines and four trial matches which is more than any other team, but McGregor will need to handle the squad better than last year if the depth is to be fully utilised.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Sorry about that. You are right in fact they play South twice in the first half of the competition. Tom Carr a 20 year old centre has been named in Brisbane so it looks to me that the plan is to give to Dragons forwards a good work out and give fringe backline players time on the park to impress. Drew Hutchinson could slot into the Nines and at 95Kgs and still growing must be one of the bigger halves going arround these days but they could give him more time on the park in Brisbane.
Avatar
Roar Guru
"The Dragons need all the help they can get this year, with only four true home games in the first 12 rounds, and the first three matches this season away against the Storm, Sharks and Roosters." I'm sure you meant the Rabbitohs for Round 3. By the way, 2016 is indeed a tough draw for the Dragons and they'll also spend three weeks inside Queensland taking on the Cowboys, Broncos and Titans back-to-back-to-back. Will be interesting to see how they fare in the first half of the season at the very least.