The Dragons need to consider the way forward now that Origin second rower Jack de Belin has been suspended on full pay for the duration of his criminal trial, which could take as long as two years until a verdict.
The Dragons immediate concern is what options they have within the squad and limited options outside the squad to replace De Belin in 2019.
To an extent, their first trial game against the Knights has already tested ex-Broncos prop Korbin Sims as lock, who performed well but not with the minutes required and he will again be in that position for this weekend’s Dragons final trial against South Sydney.
But Sims is suspended for rounds one and two due to a dangerous throw last season, which has come back to bite him.
This leaves the Dragons lock position open for the first two rounds, with the option of elevating specialist rookie lock Hayden Lomax looking unlikely, as he is not named to trial this weekend.
A likely option will be Origin second rower Tyson Frizzell, who is very mobile and capable of big minutes, which may open up a starting second row spot for big second rower Luciano Leilua.
This option will not weaken the middle and introduces additional attack in the second row.
Another possibility is young bench front rower Blake Lawrie, who has also performed well last year and in the trials in the front row. That would leave a bench spot open for the impressive Josh Kerr, who has managed to score two tries already in the preseason and cross for another disallowed try.
This is a solid option for the middle but not quite up to De Belin standards.
Finally, but less likely and more disruptive, Cameron McInnes could shift from hooker to lock with Ben Hunt moving to hooker, Gareth Widdop moving to the halves and Matt Dufty taking the fullback position. This solves the problem of what to do with Dufty and adds additional attack to the Dragons, but will not be McInnes’ preferred option.
Early success in tough opening games against the Cowboys and Souths with any of these combinations could leave Korbin Sims scrambling to find a bench position in Round 3.
Bringing a new player into the Dragons squad at this late stage of the preseason seems unlikely. It would require quick clarification of salary cap exemptions available for De Belin’s suspension as well as spare cash in the budget as the Dragons will still be paying De Belin’s full package.
Sam Kasiano, currently bench prop for the Storm, has been suggested as a possibility but is hardly a lock forward replacement. At 126kg, he may be worth considering, but only with a substantial subsidy from the Storm.
Paul McGregor is also looking to sort out other positions this weekend. In the backs he is looking closely at whether he can fit in two-try Knights trial hero, the 106kg Fijian centre-wing Mikaele Ravalawa – with him capable of displacing any of the other wingers and centres if he scores against Souths on the weekend.
McGregor is also looking closely at bench props Josh Kerr and Lachlan Timm, who both played well last weekend and will be looking to possibly displace veteran Jeremy Latimore from the bench.
Finally, where can McGregor fit Matt Duffty into the mix?
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
I really haven’t been that impressed with Widdop’s defence at fullback in the two trials quite frankly. I think it’ll take him some time to get confidence back after his shoulder injury last year. I like the idea of Hunt running at 9 sometimes and McInnes dropping to lock. Mary has an embarrassment of riches and options this year. 4 first grade fullbacks, 3 quality hookers, 4 good-exceptional halves, a very strong pack right to the bench and outstanding centres if they are keeping Lomax out. He could run out several variations of the team on a ‘horses for course’ strategy and do well.
Dan
Guest
Lawrie yet to be tested? He smashed the broncos and bunnies forward pack in the finals last year. I'd say that's pretty well tested.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Nat ,the depth is there mostly in the front row but apart from Blake Lawie yet to be tested at NRL level.
Nat
Roar Guru
You got quite a few good, young and old props stockpiling at the Dragons. So much so they drop a backrower and depth in that role is immediately tested. Sims isn't the answer there short or long term. What about the old stooger, Graham? His job wouldn't change as a middle and let the young props have more game time up front. Leaves Frizell and Sims on the edge/s.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
I like Blake Lawrie as well but I prefer the option of playing Frizell at lock defensively and he can always wander to the edge I attack. In an interview after I had written this article McGregor also mentioned Frizzell at lock and Leilua in the second row as something he was considering.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I wouldn’t be keen to move Frizell in off the edge…he’s certainly capable but I think it blunts his attack. No doubt he’s not as good in the middle third as JDB and whoever the Dragons play on the edge won’t be as good as Frizell so you’re effectively weakening two positions. Three if it also disrupts the bench. I liked Blake Lawrie last year…he looks like a bit of a barrel though so not sure what his minutes are like. Would the Dragons get 60 minutes out of him…? I think that minimises disruption to the lineup and he’s got a bit of ballplaying about him so could fill that part of JDBs role.