- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Paul McGregor’s St George Illawarra Dragons will be hoping they can find a solid performer at the back following Kurt Mann’s nightmare performance against the Sharks in the local derby on Sunday afternoon.
Mann struggled as he continually churned out errors in the Dragons’ 30-2 hammering at the hands of Cronulla, sparking questions as to who will wear the No.1 jersey in Round 3.
To add to the Red V’s woes, New South Wales Blues fullback Josh Dugan came from the field with an injury to his right hamstring in the 52nd minute.
Coach Paul McGregor has a big decision to make with a number of contenders for the gig.
Jason Nightingale leads the field having previously spent time at fullback for the Dragons following the departure of Darius Boyd in 2012.
The Kiwi international shared the duties with Brett Morris before Josh Dugan arrived at Kogarah midway through 2013.
Nightingale can make some great kick returns, however he would need to lift defensively especially considering he will be coming up against the likes of Greg Inglis and Sam Burgess next week against the Rabbitohs.
Timoteo Lafai arrived at the Bulldogs over the off-season and has so far been one of their best performers in the backline.
The Samoan international has contributed well to the Dragons’ tackle count in recent weeks and like Nightingale possesses impressive running skills.
He also boasts impressive ball handling skills and would make a great fit at the back.
Adam Quinlan is another option and helped to lift the Dragons to a 44-4 trial win over the Central Queensland Capras.
Quinlan is now in his second stint at the Dragons where he played 25 games between 2013 and 2014 before departing for St Helens by way of the Eels.
Gareth Widdop has experience at fullback having previously filled in for Billy Slater during his time at the Melbourne Storm.
The skipper is strong on defence and could act as a third half to either Josh McCrone or Drew Hutchison on attack, and lead from the back.
Another player who could be in line for a positional switch is Joel Thompson. The Indigenous All Stars representative is able to pump out big minutes and was one of the Dragons’ best forwards playing a full match against the Sharks.
Thompson would fit in at centre and help to solidify the Dragons’ defence on the flank against a strong Souths attack.
Peter Mata’utia also has a strong case to make although, like Mann, he made a couple of handling errors and isn’t the best option on defence.
Other options include Yaw Kiti Glymin, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Tom Carr and Euan Aitken while rookie Matthew Dufty could be in line to make his NRL debut.
Dufty was one of the Dragons’ best performers in the Holden Cup last year and is currently in the midst of his third season in the NYC.
Dufty played in the pre-season NRL Auckland Nines scoring a bonus point in their 28-20 loss to the Raiders.
The Red V have some interesting options as they look for their first win of the season in their Round 3 clash with the undefeated South Sydney Rabbitohs when rugby league returns to the SCG on Sunday.
Roarers, should Paul McGregor stick with Mann or put in another player at fullback?
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.