It’s been a lean few seasons for Dragons fans, who have had to endure some strange decisions on and off the field.
I doubt any diehard fan or casual fan for that matter will miss Corey Norman, while the signing of the likes of Aaron Woods, Jack Gosiewski and Tautau Moga leaves a lot to be desired.
However, the emergence of a crop of promising young juniors, led by Jayden Sullivan, points to a brighter future for the Dragons, who haven’t played finals football since 2018.
Joining Sullivan are the Feagai twins, Max and Mat, who have impressed in limited opportunities, Junior Amone, who dazzled at the back end of 2021, and Tyrell Sloan, who burst into the NRL last season, scoring an impressive six tries in just five games.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
With Norman’s absence and with Adam Clune at the Newcastle Knights, the time is perfect for either Sullivan or Amone to establish a spot in the NRL alongside skipper Ben Hunt.
Sullivan recently inked a new three-year deal and possesses speed, agility and confidence, which hasn’t been seen in a Dragons playmaker in some time.
Amone impressed in the centres last year but is unlikely to remain there, with Zac Lomax on the right and new recruit Moses Suli forming the likely centre pairing.
He will most likely battle new recruit Moses Mbye for the utility role off the bench. No disrespect to Mbye, but Amone offers more.
The Feagai twins are highly rated and have both come through the Dragons’ pathways system and need to be given more opportunities in order to showcase their obvious talents.
Max may find it tough to break into first grade but should be next cab off the rank if either Lomax or Suli go down, while Mat should be selected on the flank ahead of the enigmatic Cody Ramsay.
Sloan’s stunning rise and the ease with which he transitioned into an NRL fullback must have the Dragons’ hierarchy salivating at their prospects.
Matt Dufty was great in attack but was very poor defensively and was reluctant to put his body on the line.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Combined with his poor positional play, which didn’t improve over five seasons, he left the club little choice. The Dragons have definitely traded up by letting Dufty go and promoting Sloan.
Only 17 players can be picked each week, plus one reserve for concussion protocols.
But if Anthony Griffin bloods these players from Round 1, they will develop nicely throughout the season and give Dragons fans reason to believe a return to September football is not too far away.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
I'd agree, but he does have a reputation as a no-nonsense hard man so he might put some spine in a few players and selectors..
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Billy Burns.....
kumarangk
Roar Rookie
Not really, how about Coric,Muhleisen,Shereb,Antrobus & Molo's younger brother ? Forwards take longer to mature to the grind of NRL.
Blue
Guest
Hi John and Arcturus Yes agreed all very good players with a good understanding between them Hopefully they get a fair go ... If they get some consistent game time and link with Lomax and Ramsay into space .. fingers crossed we might be on to something good this year.
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
You're right there. Still a jobs for the boys vibe at th club which is fine for minor roles such as helping out at training, running the water, etc but that's where it should stop. Craig Young's appointment as club chairman leaves a lot to be desired. Not sure what qualifications he has apart from being a former player
John Shaw
Roar Rookie
Sloan, Sullivan and Amone are all potential superstars.
Arcturus
Roar Rookie
Me too. Amone looks like a gun player, and the pick of the new players.
Damien Calgaro
Roar Rookie
Nrl clubs are run like a business these days.All the good clubs have learnt this and are run accordingly. Sadly Illawarra and the other bottom of the table clubs haven't and will continue to fail until they change their management etc.
Tony
Roar Guru
:shocked:
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
And Tautau Moga.
Blue
Guest
I like the look of Amone he gave stability and a sense of purpose to a rudderless team at the end of last year ..
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I'll be keeping a keen eye on Suli's progress and have a peep at Gosiewski as well. Turn back the clock to the finals series a couple of years back and they both looked like the real thing and I still think Suli is a matchwinner. Gosiewski seemed to be constantly injured and he doesn't seem to have the carcass which can handle such a brutal game. After last season's early form, I'm prepared to cut Hook a lot of slack, his ramshackle and maligned outfit were doing very well.
Phil
Roar Rookie
It's all OK to have these young guns coming through, but they need to have good coaching which I'm not confident they will get it. Griffin doesn't do my excitement levels any good by recruiting plodders like the moose, and Woods, not to mention a broken down crock in Burgess. One point in his favour is letting Norman slip gracefully into retirement, so there is hope.
Nat
Roar Guru
I think Kerr can be very good if used and motivated correctly. If he was playing under Bennett he would have a bigger profile by now.
Nat
Roar Guru
I can appreciate your enthusiasm for the young brigade but Hook needs to manage and balance their intro carefully. Like Dufty, they need to be good in attack as well as D so dropping them all in may not be as fruitful for them or the team as you'd hope.
Nat
Roar Guru
I read that as well. What a sad story. TBH I don't like her chances but I hope they can reach some type of settlement.
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
And Mary before him it's been very frustrating when players player every game regardless of form. I'm thinking guys like Tim Lafai and Corey Norman
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
We had Eddie Blacker coming through but he went to Penrith but you're right I don't know of any promising forwards at the moment
andrew
Roar Rookie
I like Bird, but i don't think he has the speed to play in the backs anymore. Those knee injuries have definitely slowed him down so I'd keep him in the forwards.
andrew
Roar Rookie
Reading this morning Tony that one of Saints new signings, Frank Molo, is being sued.