The St George Illawarra Dragons attack in season 2016 has been pathetic.
With the State of Origin series upon us, having no Josh Dugan presents an opportunity of sorts for coach Paul McGregor to perform a massive shake up. It would not only send a wake up call to some of the team’s more experienced players who haven’t been good enough this season, but also start to experiment with an attack and game plan that just isn’t working.
Even the most one-eyed Dragons supporter (like myself) can see the attack is fragile and simply not working.
From various Josh Dugan swaps to centre, failed attacking plays and Gareth Widdop’s kicking game looking like that of an under 20’s player – plus Benji Marshall being off the field more than he is on it – the Dragons have a forward pack that at times looks like it doesn’t want to be there.
It is easy to see why the Dragons are the second-lowest scoring team in the competition, only ahead of the hapless Newcastle Knights.
With the defence quite clearly not at the same sort of levels it was at last season, the Dragons are right under the pump. Yet somehow they have managed to win five games and sit just outside the top eight.
In saying that, when the team is released for their Round 12 clash against what is going to be a very understrength North Queensland Cowboys team, there needs to be a major shake up, and that then needs to translate onto the field.
Last week against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, who held the ball like a schoolboys team was the low point for the Dragons. While they had already suffered two losses in a row against last year’s grand finalists – the Brisbane Broncos and Cowboys – being held scoreless on both occasions, being beaten by a dysfunctional Rabbitohs team as badly as they were was simply not acceptable.
Defence was hardly a part of their game, and only scoring three tries with a mountain of possession made it look like a battle of men against boys.
So, what does McGregor need to do this weekend to get the Dragons back on track?
It is obviously worth noting straight away that there will be no Josh Dugan or Tyson Frizzel – who have both received a call up to the State of Origin arena, although for Dugan he may have been injured anyway after picking up a hyper extended elbow at the end of last Thursday’s match.
So, who should fill in at fullback? It may be more than a case of getting someone to fill in – based on the way the Dragons attacking structure is ran if they are to score a reasonable amount of points or actually look threatening on the opposition’s line.
Nonetheless, it could be time for a major change. Gareth Widdop has proved his ability to play at the back before, and this could be the Dragons golden opportunity to not only unlock his horrific form of late, but to get a ball playing fullback at the back. It would also allow him and Marshall to not step on each others toes so much.
If Widdop was to move to the back, the question would be who comes into the halves. Former Canberra Raiders player Josh McCrone has played solidly for the Dragons this year, but not brilliantly. More often than not he is able to provide important kicks to get the team out of trouble – however, his defence and creativity still leaves a lot to be desired.
For that reason, it is time to bring Drew Hutchinson back into the side for a prolonged shot at first grade. He is mightily talented and proved that playing for the Junior Australian Kangaroos last year but for one reason or another has almost been completely overlooked so far this season.
He has a strong kicking game, and his passing is more often than not on point plus he has a fantastic turn of speed. For someone who should be the future of the club the Dragons coaching staff aren’t doing a great job of making that clear.
Now, I can hear you all questioning why I used the word prolonged. That’s right, this shouldn’t be a one off switch. Josh Dugan in his own right is a fantastic fullback and many of you will point to his shocking performances in the centres this season as reasoning to why he should remain fullback.
I was his biggest advocate to be fullback in the lead up to the season, and again before the State of Origin teams were picked yesterday.
However, Dugan excelled during a run at centre during the 2014 season because he got quality ball. What he hasn’t had this year is the ball in positions where he can make things happen and that in effect was because of Widdop’s poor form. Shift him to the back and let Benji take over a little bit more, Dugan may be able to recapture that 2014 form in the centres, where he also had a wonderful combination with the Kiwi.
The next question that has to be answered is how McGregor is using his bench rotation. There has been plenty of criticism in the last few weeks about why players like Jacob Host are being picked, and then not being used until the last ten minutes of the game. With no Frizell, and Host being the talented youngster he is there should be plenty more minutes on the cards for him.
Other than that, it is hard to pick on the Dragons forward pack. They have had plenty of games this year where they dominated the middle, only to be left behind on the scoreline by an incompetent back line.
One way or another the Dragons need big, wholesale changes now while their season is still in tact or they go at risk of losing it completely in the next few weeks.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde
zim
Guest
Someone to replace Merrin would have been an obvious start. If you don't think your current roster needs more recruitment then more the power to you. Making the 8 is obviously not that important.
Ken
Guest
Actually quite a few pundits had the Dragons only missing the spoon because the Titans had a lock on it. As we approach halfway both are scrambling at the edge of the Top 8 and will like their chances of being there at the end.
The Barry
Roar Guru
NickF - bang on. They are a horrible side to watch in attack and it doesn't really matter who is playing where. They run their set plays so far out from the defensive line that they create no second thoughts in the defence's mind. Watch Melbourne run their decoys and second man plays - they start flat and do everything close to the defensive line so that if there's one bad read or missed tackle they're through the line. Against the Dragons three defenders could fall over and they'd still have time to re-adjust. Sorry Scott - I know you're a diehard and McGregor a favourite son but you can't point to the Dragons defence in 2015 when we're talking about their poor attack in 2016 as defence of why McGregor is a good coach. He's obviously good at the defensive side and at motivating the team - it's a credit to him and the team that they're so close to the eight after playing so badly for most of the season. But I haven't seen anything to suggest he has a clue in attack.
dynamitedave
Guest
At the start of the year many experts reckoned the dragons had the toughest draw So far they have lost 5 games, all to to the top teams (except for that disastrous trip across the ditch). NO one expected them to do better than 8th. They are going to be there or there abouts. Will miss the finals on for and against. So yes their attack needs a reboot. Need to give the kids a go, a young half beside widdup would benefit both of them
Fairdinkum
Roar Rookie
Hi Scott whilst Mary is coach there will not be any attacking structure.All he is concerned about is completion & defence.
MTT
Roar Rookie
Overall, the attack is abominable. To me the attacking kicking game sums up the whole problem. Confidence. I can't recall seeing as many attacking kicks hit the legs of opponents in my life as the Dragons have managed this year. Whether it's Widdop, Marshall or Rein (to a lesser extent McCrone), when inside the opposition 20, they attempt to roll the ball in to the in-goal with kicks that lack authority. The cross field bomb has been put on the shelf. I have barely seen it used all year from Saints. At least McCrone showed some prowess with an attacking kick that led to Fai Fai Loa's try against Souths. It's more than I can say for the other halves all year. I would persist with McCrone and Widdop. Marshall for me looks uninterested, lacking confidence, and it's translating to a shocking win/loss record for him this year. I would stick with the McCrone/Widdop partnership first to let it potentially develop. Drop Havili to reserve grade to get some gametime after riding the pine all year, and bring Hutch onto the bench. McCrone is a versatile player and could shift to hooker to relieve Rein, and Hutch could be eased into firsts.
Charles NSW
Guest
It is interesting that McGregor has put Nightingale as fullback next match I love Nightingale he has been brilliant for us all these years and one of the best wingers around He will do a great job at fullback but once again we are putting the same type of player as Dugan is We have to change that mindset we really do!
Charles NSW
Guest
The fact that the Dragons have is that there is no one as a ball distributer except for Widdop and Marshall Marshall is hardly there and Widdop is frustrated feeling all th pressure is on him Widdop at the back will take the pressure off him, he does have a lot of skills we can use there Dugan can go centre or wing it does not matter as long as he gets plenty of ball and room to move When you got a team all running like prop forwards to gain meters you are not going to go far This is why we need a ball playing fullback as well both halves doing there job This is where the Dragons have a problem and we have to change sooner or later if we want to go further
Ken
Guest
My reservation isn't that Dugan wouldn't be a good centre, his appearances this year were underwhelming but he has the ability and has shown it before. But he will be less influential, there's a reason we talk about the spine players as being the most important (attacking) positions on the field. At fullback he brings massive return metres, touches every set littered with tackle breaks and the best fullback defence in the comp. Even if he does well at centre, can he even provide half as much value in that position? I also agree that Widdop could be an attacking success at fullback, his defensive quality there is unknown. I doubt he would be better at the role than Dugan though. Also with Marshall seemingly constantly battling injury, I'd be concerned about having Hutchinson as the first-choice 5/8th. The guy has skills but he really could use a steady hand next to him in the halves. Considering Marshall is probably in his last year in the red V - there's no long-term partnership there. If McGregor were to take such risks as you suggest, I would watch them with interest and hope. To me they seem like a huge gamble though. Slickness comes from stability, not from changing positions every loss.
max
Guest
I think not only make changes to the team, I think its time Dragons started to look for a name coach and stop giving the coaching job to x players from the boys club . Its clear McGregor is in way over his head the same as Price was. Mary seems to be sticking to the same coaching principals as Price was doing as nothing has changed. Team selections are non existence as it doesn't matter if they win or lose the same 17 chosen every week .Mary is to frightened to try some one new for team or just too stupid I don't know which. Its clear what ever he's doing is not working but we keep doing the same stuff every week. We need a coaching change for the better of the team now, and if Doust cannot see this than he needs to stand down because every comment you read from supporters they all say same thing.
Charles NSW
Guest
McGregor got bagged for putting Dugan in the centres yet he is being chosen to represent in the State and National side Like all teams it is up to the coach who and how they select their teams and for what reason Dugan can play full back providing tactics are their to utilise what he brings forward with his skills I disagree with putting a coach down unless I feel they are not up to the task McGregor is still learning so as a Dragon fan I am prepared to wait longer for results Despite the problems there are a lot of positives We now have a number who are representative players
Scott Pryde
Expert
Dugan has the ability to be one of the best centres in the comp under McGregor if he can get some quality ball. You saw what happened in 2014 when he and Benji had the combo running.
Scott Pryde
Expert
For mine, bringing in an almost rookie half, moving you half captain to fullback and having last year's New South Wales fullback playing out of the centres is a pretty major shake up to the way a side plays. What would you suggest is a major shake up? Changing the whole 17? Change half the spine of a team and things will change. I'm not sure Saints recruited poorly - I mean Masoe has been injured and Packer is good but hasn't been consistent. Considering the Dragons had one of the best defences in the comp last year i'm not exactly sure where the recruitment you talk about should have happened.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Hutchinson needs a prolonged run in first grade to prove himself - and really? I thought McCrone had been going alright for the most part - of course that is relative to the rubbish Widdop has been serving up. If Kurt Mann is in the side it as centre - despite him being named on the wing this week. And you're right, Dufty deserves a run.
Scott Pryde
Expert
I've been the biggest advocate of Dugan at fullback because he is getting no quality ball in the centres - I've also said he has to play at fullback in origin but that is another issue. Not sure about Quinlan - he could work but I think Hutchinson should have the first crack.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Dugan will win you a comp if a team has a solid attacking strategy.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Hi Nick, Thanks for the comment but I disagree with you about McGregor's coaching ability - did you see how he turned the team around last year in defence?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yep Doust needs to get outta there.
Dodgydragons
Guest
Our only play so far this season is the sweep that gets to Dugan and ends there. We need to get deeper and run onto the ball harder when in opposition 20. The ball players need to play more direct, less across field, and use more than the Dugan option, but they need blokes running options for them Earlier ball in Aitken or Lafai's hands with a bit of space for footwork would be handy, but it never happens. We don't need complicated set moves, just the old basic ones like run arounds and good hard line running, but in numbers so widdop has options other than Dugan. It is very frustrating watching us in opp 20, because all we do is crab across field with support players giving little options to playmakers and we keep getting smashed because it is the same set after set with a rushed and usually ordinary kick on the end of it!!! Aaaarghh
Charles NSW
Guest
We both agree that Dugan is a dynamic player We both disagree as to where place him to get the best for his team Sure he makes metres but he is using his body like a prop forward and often getting injured as well Find the holes and we will start finding some tries from him but he is not the only player that will be able to do that With a ball playiing fullback we will see less pressure on the 5/8 giving more ball distribution to players like the centres With a few changes McGregor will create more opportunities giving the players more confidence to do well