Boom youngsters Matt and Max Feagai have both further extended their contracts with St George Illawarra to the end of 2022 and been promoted to the top 30.
I’m generally pretty critical of list manager Ian Millward, but he’s done a good job locking up the current crop of elite juniors – as well as the Feagai boys, Jayden Sullivan, Adam Clune and Cody Ramsey are all tied up for the next few years.
After an entertaining game last week against the Broncos and a confidence-building first-up win for Dean Young, I saw a spark of extra enthusiasm, as evidenced by the deep kick-chase at the end of the game that secured the win. Even Corey Norman played well.
With a match against the improving Titans this week, our forward pack will be tested again with both Paul Vaughan (suspension) and Korbin Sims (injury) unavailable, but Jackson Ford makes a timely return to the bench along with Billy Brittian.
Another win will get the true believers on the finals calculator.
Jacob Host looked the goods on the left edge against Brisbane – perhaps he’s found a position where he can get some consistent game time rather than moving around the pack.
Players need stability and clearly defined roles, which was one of Paul McGregor’s weaknesses, as his players were constantly moving around. Host suffered more than most under McGregor. Come on Millward! News of Host’s contract extension can’t be far away? He’s off contract this year!
Ben Hunt has said he’d prefer an experienced coach over Dean Young. Interesting time to make those comments, he’s clearly looking for a path back to the 7 jersey and is not shy saying so. Hunt has another three years to go on his deal, so getting him to buy into the style of game we play under our new coach is going to be key.
The head coaching role at the Dragons is appealing, with the fundamentals of a good team already in place, and even with Hunt and Norman, there’s still plenty of room in the cap for 2021.
There’s an excellent ‘farm’ system in place, with exciting juniors coming through every year, great training facilities in Wollongong and a great lifestyle to attract signings.
Plus, of course, a loyal and passionate fan-base.
My first preference is Anthony Griffin on a three-year deal with an option in the club’s favour for another two years, but the more I see of Dean Young, the more impressive he looks.
Whether this is his time or not, I’m sure he’ll be a great coach one day.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Well and good for Ian Millward to sign these young blokes but perhaps he should have waited until the new coach was signed. He may have other ideas.
Tony
Roar Guru
I'll get Gus to sort all the planning out
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Make sure you take in an updated 10 year Plan to augment the existing 10 year plan, that appears to be working so well.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
I don’t think Young is ready to be a head coach. Remember Nathan Brown and Freddy Fittler’s first coaching gigs? Too early from retiring and too close to the current playing group. I’d go for Griffin or Green with Young as assistant For about 3-4 years.
Sammy Sparrow
Guest
I Think Matty Head should have been the interim Coach. He was our cleverest footballer in decades (although his bad knees would not get him through the chosen gaps, as a player) and he has a genuine track record in coaching at the Dragons whereas young (highly valued) has zip in his own right.
Tony
Roar Guru
Does that make him Head Coach?
Tony
Roar Guru
You're going to need Gould in there somewhere and Mary with the magic sponge
Andrew
Roar Pro
Matty Head is the Canterbury Cup coach I think he’ll be good bringing the young guys through
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
I'd be more than happy with that. Just make sure we have someone on the coaching staff who can connect and bring along the young guys. This clubs could be in the top 4 for years after 2021 with the juniors we have.
Andrew
Roar Pro
I’ve been rallying on here for a number weeks to appoint Griffen he’s the best coach on the market. He had a 53% win percentage at the Broncos & a 58% win percentage at the Panthers. He lost his position at Brisbane because Bennett wanted to come back & he lost the gig at Penrith in bazaar circumstances only a month out from the finals & the Panthers in the top floor Gould chopped him. He’s a clean skin doesn’t bring any baggage. He’s the man for the job. Deano will stay on as assistant & Flanagan moves on.
Tony
Roar Guru
Well that's one vote. 12,000 plus to go!
Harry
Guest
Presumably also any new coach they brought in at the moment would have to do a 14-day quarantine before joining the club's bubble? Seems like a lot of hassle to then end up coaching (most likely) only three games before their season ends. In that context it makes more sense I think for the club to have a thorough, careful off-season recruitment process and hope that things will be back to normal next season.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Agree, but maybe because the others are forwards and Brittain can fit in so a backs spot is filled.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
When do you join the board BB?? You got my vote.
Andrew
Roar Pro
Did everyone notice both Max Feagai & Jayden Sullivan are both on the extended bench to give them some experience? Nice work from Deano. Billy Brittian picked as 17? What’s going on there? Eddie Blacker would have been a better choice I think.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
I suggest a four man coaching team of all the ones sacked so far: Kearney, Pay, Green, and Seibold.
Tony
Roar Guru
I see in the Telegraph that Corey Norman is advocating Griffin as Dragons coach. Be careful what you wish for Corey, particularly if the new coach gets a bigger say than Mary in team selections and recruitment.
Andrew
Roar Pro
With Seibold sacked the search for a new coach is more urgent now I don’t want to miss out on the right person because Brisbane got him first
Tony
Roar Guru
Agree. More work to be done!
Tony
Roar Guru
100% Retaining the juniors must be a priority. There's a lot of talent there. The coach must have a plan to give them a run in first grade, otherwise they'll leave like Garrick, Herbert, Robson and Leilua. If JDB has a good day in court, he needs to be retained as the Dragons forward leader. Picking up Christian Welch should also be a priority.