Wow, this Dragons team seems to be the real deal. They keep turning up in defence and have clever halves who are able to utilise their electric backs to good effect.
Even though they were beaten by an under-strength New Zealand Warriors team last week, they look to be the team to beat in 2018.
Surely the Melbourne Storm will have something to say about that, but for the moment, lets focus on the Dragons smashing of the Roosters today – a fierce match that was played in the trenches for most of the proceedings.
Not surprisingly, if you were to pick the top five players of the day, the Dragons would dominate. Here are mine.
1. Tariq Sims
Sims’ clear job was to hustle and bustle Cooper Cronk out of the game. He was relentless and contributed to Cronk having a game he’d probably rather forget. Every time Cronk had the ball in hand, his timing was limited by the dominant performance of Sims. He looked under pressure for the entire game, whether kicking or passing. And to add salt into the wound, he crashed over the top of Cronk to score a try from close range.
2. Ben Hunt
What a buy for the St. George Illawarra Dragons! He has zip and has combined brilliantly with Gareth Widdop to create an attack that we’re not used to seeing from the Dragon sides of previous years.
Even when they won the grand final, ironically against the Roosters in 2010, their game was based around tackling rather than spreading the ball. This conservative approach has given way to razzle dazzle from Ben Hunt, helped by endless offloads from the forwards.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
3. Gareth Widdop
Despite the fact that he missed two relatively easy penalty kicks, Widdop showed the Rooster halves how to control a team. He organised and schemed his way through the game, giving Hunt the time to play his natural running game.
4. Nene McDonald
The Dragons winger is 111kg, so he’s literally like having another forward in the backs. He often requires three defenders to halt his progress in the middle. Plus he is a great finisher, even though one of his tries today was awarded after a very dubious decision from the video referee.
McDonald definitely dropped the ball after being hit by Cooper Cronk, but the adjudicator believed he had a finger on the ball as it released from his grasp. Nene is a former Rooster, so he was surely primed for a big game.
5. James Tedesco
In a beaten side, Teddy stood up and didn’t stop trying all day. He was extremely safe under the numerous high balls and was constantly looking to win the game on his own with individual brilliance.
He made a few half breaks, but was not supported by his teammates. He’s looking good to retain his spot in the Blues Origin team. Meanwhile, it looks like he going to have to wait patiently for the Rooster combinations to click.
Do you agree with my picks?
Charles NSW
Guest
Good comments Ray and how I feel too! I have chosen Euan Aitken and Jarrod Croker in the centers. I looked at Roberts but I feel Jarrod is an old steady hand who know the tryline and can kick goals as well. We need experience as well as youth in the team.
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
Ok, DP but I still wouldn't pick Dugan, if Latrell was all that was left, I'd pick him instead. If they're selecting on form, those Dragons boys are a walk in! And i have agree, there could be a few surprises and Dugan, Woods and Jackson could make the team because they've played well before and already have that valuable origin experience..
DP. Schaefer
Guest
Ray, that could be a fair call on Latrell, but Aitken is no closer. Roberts would be a good pick though. before you think of discarding Dugan - he'll be there. consider; of the backs 2017 Tedesco is struggling on form, Ferguson is in some danger, Morris has retired, Pearce is out, Hayne is out. Only Maloney is a lock. Outside of Teddy almost all that backline will be replaced, Freddie will need some experience and like him or not, Dugan has experience and hasn't let down state or country and is one of Sharks best players week in- week out this year. Jackson gone - yes, Woods I'd say gone but some people high still find something in him (when he's in the mood) so should be replaced by Vaughan but may survive. Klemmer making good yards in a losing team and young. He'll keep his spot I expect. Like Woods, some influential people like Wade Graham so while I'd be looking for spots for both Jack Deb and Sims I fear they'll be fighting for one spot and the loser gets 18th man.
Geo
Guest
The red and whites were lucky that the human headline left this year, to be replaced by a very fine player at the back. Funny how the Sharks have looked a bit weak since he got there too.
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
DP, it worked in 2003, 2004, 2005. when NSW dominated origin. all those Dragon boys were in great form in 2010, they just didn't translate that into victories that series. I wouldn't pick Latrell Mitchell, still needs to work hard on his defense and are you serious? Dugan???!!! He is done for, regarding rep football, his best days are behind him and he'll get injured before he finds any sort of form. Campbell-Gillard will be there, Klemmer is struggling to retain his spot, Cordner wil be there, Jake T will be there, Frizell will be there, Sims will be there, DeBelin will be there and Vaughan will be there. I've got Euan Aitken and James Roberts as the centers. Woods, Graham and Jackson are GONE!
DP. Schaefer
Guest
Some good thoughts Ray, but around 2010 they loaded Origin with Dragons and it didn't pay off, can't see it happening again. Aitken I like, but he won't be there ahead of Latrell Mitchell or Dugan (who is playing quite well for the Sharks). SOO pack will have Campbell-Gillard, Klemmer, Cordner, Jake T and Frizell so Sims, Vaughan and Jack fighting for a couple of spots with incumbents Woods, Graham, Jackson and a host of other enthusiasts. I reckon they end up with 4/5 in the SOO game 1.
MaryMac
Guest
Dragons all the way in 2018
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
those 7 players did well 6 games in a row before that loss (that could've easily been a win) against the warriors. bounced back in emphatic fashion against the chooks. and the warriors allegedly on high from that victory against the dragons go and have a shocker against the storm. it would've been a little bit close if they replicated that defensive effort against the storm, they were 'ordinary' and the storm made them pay dearly. you've named some names; none of them play for the DRAGONS, the discussion is about the Dragons players and their chances of playing origin. What happened to the warriors won't happen to the dragons, they'll be ready and it'll be close. Dragons to WIN
Charles NSW
Guest
They will do me any day! We need players that will take it up to QLD and these will.
Albo
Guest
Wow ! Looks like it will have to be a huge NSW squad then, once you add in incumbent international forwards like Jake T, Woods, Klemmer, Jackson, Cordner, Campbell-Gillard, Graham & now possibly Cook. I'm sure there would a few other fprward contenders like James, Finucane, Paulo, and few young guns like Fitzgibbon, Matterson & Murray that would be of interest to the NSW selectors. Might be best to give it a few more games before the selection is due and we will see how all contenders are performing then. Those 7 you've got selected couldn't beat an undermanned Warriors team a week ago and they now face another test against the Storm next week who just demolished the Warriors.
Jay Ross
Roar Guru
Taukeiaho is a mouthful and a handful for opposition teams. He 101kg compared to Taumalolo who is 117kg's, so there's one reason why he isn't as dominant.
Joe
Roar Rookie
On the Roosters I think Taukeiaho is the key forward. When he came on the Roosters looked a different team. His body type, speed and skills he could be a Taumalolo clone but somehow doesn't have the same impact on a consistent basis.
Joe
Roar Rookie
No way Klemmer misses out. He has been outstanding so far this season, just playing in a team devoid of attack! Woods as well will get in as the incumbent who hasn't really done anything wrong....or right.
RandyM
Guest
the bunker should never even get something like that so wrong. It begs the question if the video ref has money on the game or something, the call was that blatantly incorrect.
Jay Ross
Roar Guru
MonkeyMayes you're spot on. JWH was offloading like bird-feeder a few years back, but after a few shockers he's been told to stop. The Roosters look too predictable and rushed in attack - their only chance is to start having second phase play. Then they'll be dangerous. I think coach Robinson will sort it out, but as for Friend, he's got an issue as apparently King Politis loves him. With regards to Origin, the Dragons' players deserve to have plenty.
Jay Ross
Roar Guru
Good assessment spruce moose. Free flowing game - it was refereed like a State Of origin.
Charles NSW
Guest
Exactly the players I have and yes Cook on the bench
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
I've got these guys playing origin; 1. Euan Aitken 2. Ben Hunt 3. Paul Vaughan 4. Cameron McInness 5. Tyson Frizell 6. Tariq Sims 7. Jack DeBelin
Remo Shankar
Roar Pro
If the Dragons don't get the following players in the Origin team then Freddie Fittler's name is Laurie Daley: Jack De Belin Tyson Frizell Tariq Sims Paul Vaughn Cameron McInnes and you can throw Ewen Aitken in as a roughie. Ben Hunt has surely got to get the nod as half. The players who should miss out on form? Cordner (but being the captain will save him) Jackson Klemmer Graham Woods (though in his last two games he seems to have come good). As far as the Roosters are concerned, some of Trent Robinson's coaching deficiencies are coming to light. He'll be under pressure to persist with Jake Friend. Friend's service out of dummy half is rubbish. A couple of years ago he was the Rooster's best player. Now it looks as though he's suffering a case of the 'Aiden Guerras' - and he's taken over the mantle of the tiredest looking man in the world...and the rush ups out of the line (twice!) on Hunt was just dumb. If the Roosters don't drop their outdated structured form of attack they'll finish the year around 6th or 7th at best and be out of the finals after Week 1. Trent, it's not that hard. Let JWH offload the ball and develop and encourage Matterson and Taukeiaho to offload and create some 2nd phase and have Teddy and Lattrell trailing up the middle.
jimmmy
Guest
Mmm Slater, Smith, Munster and whoever might just be slightly better.