With St George Illawarra winger Jordan Pereira being slapped with a grade-three careless high tackle charge on Titans fullback Corey Thompson, Jason Saab has a chance to show if he lives up to the hype in first grade.
Even with a early guilty plea, the charge carries a two-match suspension. Should the Dragons roll the dice and fight the charge, they would be risking a three-match suspension if Pereira is found guilty.
Pereira a strong runner of the ball, particularly from kick returns.
He averages 168 run metres per game but he certainly can not be called a prolific try-scorer with a meagre return of only nine tries from 26 appearances.
He’s also had some struggles under the high ball. His height of 182 centimetres means he can be out-jumped by taller wingers.
Jason Saab, on the other hand, is one of the most exciting prospects in the NRL.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
At 19 years old, he towers at 199 centimetres and weighs in at 101 kilograms. In three appearances in 2019, he scored three tries, including a double on debut.
It’s been widely reported that Saab has been very frustrated with the lack of opportunities given to him by Paul McGregor and has twice asked for an immediate release.
This comes after Saab signed a three-year contract extension last year, meaning he’s contracted to Saints until the end of 2022.
Saab’s non-selection during 2020 has been a mystery to many, particularly when you consider what a 199-centimetre outside threat would be for a team that’s struggled to score points.
Pereira’s suspension will now force Paul McGregor to give Jason Saab a chance and then it’ll be up to Saab to make the position his own.
Andrew
Roar Pro
I think Jason has a attitude problem resulting from denied release requests, I thought his effort & enthusiasm was down in the Roosters & Raiders games. Shame. Lost opportunity for the young man. He still managed to run 248 meters without really trying. This kid could be anything once his head gets back into the game.
Andrew
Roar Pro
Well Saab will finally get his chance against the Roosters, no better test in the NRL the the reigning premiers. I really hope he has a great game & makes the position his own for the next decade. While I have mixed feelings about Graham quitting mid season I’m thrilled to see Jackson Ford get a chance. I have a feeling with the injection of youth & enthusiasm we’ll give the chooks a run for their money.
Paul
Roar Guru
I'd love to see Saab up against either Morris or Tupou, DP. For a 19 year old,he's been making plenty of noise about missing out on game time, well go on son,play against two guys in pretty rare form and see if your talent matches your desire.
Paul
Roar Guru
Nah, remember "Mary's Law" all too well, Soda. Unfortunately for Mr MacGregor, he's got 3 chances to pull off an upset over the next 3 weeks and if he does, our Board are likely to make him coach for life,given their decision about that extension last year.
Soda
Roar Rookie
You guys are completely forgetting about rule one of a thing called "McGregor's law" it's a theory that a poor team on the verge of sacking a coach will inexplicably win enough games to cause the clubs board of directors to extend contracts rather than terminate them". Based on this dragons should beat rooster so as only to frustrate their own fans further. For extra credit, rule 2 of McGregor's law states that tries conceded off kicks do not count.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
There’s a dilemma, who do you keep and who do you lose?? Personally, I’d think about benching Rava until his error rate drops.
Albo
Roar Rookie
No. Both will be left wingers. But what about Tristian Sailor ? Won't he also be in the mix for that wing spot ?
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Would that put him on Tupou's wing??
Paul
Roar Guru
The predictor needs to be re-programmed DP. We've already had 59 of course from the Broncos, I hope our boys can defend better than that. If not, ugly doesn't begin to describe what might happen.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
I looked at the predictor and there can be no cricket scores... Only goes up to 48...
Paul
Roar Guru
Saab will certainly be tested if he gets a call up, with the Dragons up against Easts, Canberra & Manly. I hope he accepts the challenge and players 2 or 3 outstanding games, because the Dragons are going to need huge efforts from everyone if they're to avoid having a cricket score put on them.