They’re the statistics which highlight just how far St George Illawarra have come in just one pre-season.
On Sunday, the Dragons brought up their 100th point of the season in their 26-12 win over the Warriors at Kogarah.
In doing so, they became the first team to reach triple figures this season – a stark contrast to last year when it took them 10 matches and they were the last to reach the mark.
But the point-scoring figures are just one of a number of key statistical attacking categories the Dragons have improved on this year as they have flown to third on the ladder with three wins and one loss.
The Dragons are breaking through 34 tackles per match this year, the best in the league, and well up on the 25.6 they busted through on average last year.
They’re also running an extra 35 metres per match, while the pressure they’re putting on opposition defences is telling as well.
The Saints have been awarded the most penalties this year, at an average of eight per match, as opposition defensive lines struggle to come to terms with their fast-moving forward pack, which is now led by recruit Paul Vaughan.
Dragons captain Gareth Widdop said the change in the team’s attack had come about from some frank, tough and honest discussions directed by coach Paul McGregor in the off-season.
“Things had to change, there’s no doubt about that,” Widdop said.
“We’re blokes, we need to be honest with each other for a club to improve.
“Everyone is accountable for their actions and roles within the team and it’s working well for us at the moment.”
Widdop has benefited more than most with the change in the Dragons’ attacking structures.
Attackers have been directed to worry much more about playing what’s in front of them, rather than continually trying to set up for the next play.
Along with new halfback Josh McCrone, he has helped the Dragons become the fourth most potent team inside the opposition’s 20-metre zone, well up on the 15th they ranked last year.
The Dragons are now averaging one try from every 10.1 play-the-balls inside the 20, far more prolific than the 18.7 it took them for each try last year.
It’s resulted in the Red V averaging 25 points per game over the opening month, well up on last year’s 14.2.
“We certainly simplified things a lot,” Widdop said.
“When you’ve got a forward pack like we do we would be silly not to use them.
“And then as backs and halves we’ve got a bit more space which is good. It’s enjoyable but we can improve as well.”
How the Dragons attack has changed
Points: 2016 – 14.2 (15th), 2017 – 25 (1st)
Tries: 2016 – 2.4 (15th), 2017 – 4 (4th)
Metres: 2016 – 1447 (8th), 2017 – 1482 (2nd)
Linebreaks: 2016 – 3.3 (15th), 2017 – 3.8 (11th)
Tackle busts: 2016 – 25.6 (6th), 2017 – 34 (1st)
Offloads: 2016 – 11 (4th), 2017 – 10.3 (6th)
Errors: 2016 – 10.7 (12th), 2017 – 10.5 (3rd)
Penalties awarded: 2016 – 6.6 (10th), 2017 – 8 (1st)
Red-zone ratio: 2016 – 18.7 (15th), 2017 – 10.1 (4th)
*Stats courtesy Fox Sports Stats
Whites
Guest
If not stats then how about omens? In the finals to the 2009/10 NBL season the Perth Wildcats beat the Wollongong Hawks. Dragons win the 2010 NRL Grand Final. In the finals to the 2016/17 NBL season the Perth Wildcats beat the Illawarra Hawks. Dragons....
Dutski
Roar Guru
I don't reckon josh mccrone is getting enough credit for the way the dragons are playing. He is calmly steering the team around and letting Widdop run. His kicking game is hot and cold but overall he has added a whole lot to the way the dragons have gone about it.
Charles NSW
Guest
Thanks Barry! Most important is that it is not a Qld team that wins the grand final That goes for the State of Origin as well, I hate them with a passion
The Barry
Roar Guru
They're looking good so far Charles. Good luck for the season ahead.
Charles NSW
Guest
The Dragons have a team that the coach is happy with and he has selected them each week bar injury This gives him the opportunity to work as a team and give the players time to work on their individual skills Hopefully the halfback can improve on his kicking skills to add another dimension in our attack Josh Dugan has been working on improving his fullback skills with coach Ben Hornby and it is showing improvement With this team McGregor has something to work on to get in the top eight which is pleasing for the Dragon fans
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
If the club keeps on its winning ways,the oust Doust banners will be tucked away in the attic for another "rainy" day.
KenW
Guest
Nene has struggled but maybe gets the benefit of the doubt because I think he is being hung out to dry a little by Aitken. He's a great tackler but he is being constantly caught out in positioning and leaving his winger with no good options. McCrone saved that side of the field a number of times last week from the inside. As a Dragons fan I was very happy with the first 20mins last week, coming off the win against the Sharks they may have been complacent in a game they were expected to win, but they came out firing and looking really sharp. Once they had built a lead though they dropped intensity alarmingly and allowed the opposition to set the level of the game. On the couple of occasions the Warriors looked to make a game of it the Dragons seemed to lift but I really would have liked to see some killer instinct. Against a team not so out of touch as the Warriors are currently, they may have paid for not keeping the energy up.
The Koomz
Guest
Geez, its round 5 man. Stop putting the bonkers on them!
The Barry
Roar Guru
What's encouraging for the Dragons is they haven't had an easy start. Panthers, Eels, Sharks is a tough first three rounds. Warriors last week and Tigers this week are a bit easier. Their stats are boosted by the big score against the Panthers - jury is still out on whether that is an anomaly or not. But overall impressive start to the season for the Dragons.
The Barry
Roar Guru
...and McInnes - he's been very good.
PatchMan
Guest
Yes it's early to say'..But some Teams have to lead the Comp at one point or another'.. It's good to see the Dragon's up there with other good Teams' competing'. It's great to see! :) & Nene McDonald is great in attack' & hits hard when he does tackle' but he's got to stop coming in' in defence'. As long as Dragon's have key players healthy' they could be the Surprise Packets!
Pedro the Saint
Roar Rookie
I think Mary is quietly confident that the longer the playing group sticks together the better they become. There were a few moments in the last 20 where Saints dropped their guard and it could have been different for the Warriors. Nene is pretty solid in attack but he' had some bad defensive reads. I hope that this doesn't continue. Saints fans - Keep Believing....
Rob
Guest
Getting rid of Benji has made a huge difference. They have also made some good additions with Vaughan and Nene Macdonald.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Hi Scott, With only 4 Rounds dusted it is pointless putting much weight into any stats at this point, but we can say "encouraging".