Round 2 Discussion

[Sproj]

His physique illustrates that he’s already checked out.

He'll end up looking like Meninga looks now by the end of next year.

 

[I bleed Maroon]

We REALLY need to win well tomorrow and start building some form because if we do, these Dragons are in for a long night at Lang Park next week, especially after the finals last year.

 

[Battler]

Hunt gone for that tackle, surely.

 

[Alec]

Hunt gone for that tackle, surely.

Let's hope not, lol.

 

[Dexter]

Saints stinking it up in the second half.
They have too much cap tied up in their backline like us and not getting a return on it.

 

[Horseheadsup]

We REALLY need to win well tomorrow and start building some form because if we do, these Dragons are in for a long night at Lang Park next week, especially after the finals last year.

Hope so, with Pangi to iron out Tariq Sims.

 

[winslow_wong]

Widdop doesn’t even want to be there anymore. Should just release him

 

[Big Pete]

It's easy to forget, but St George Illawarra came within a whisker of ending South Sydney's 2018 campaign and match up well against the Rabbits. It's the type of game where whoever draws first blood will go a long way to winning the contest.

I've backed Souths because they're a more potent side, but I'd be surprise if it turned out to be a walk-over.

So much for that.

Bennett has done a tremendous job of building on the foundation that was left before him. Souths are sticking to the systems that worked last season, but the tweaks Bennett has made has only improved the side. Braidon Burns has been a tremendous asset on the left side of the field. His ability to beat defenders with his fend and step constantly allows him to put together quick play the balls and Souths are playing beautifully off the back of it.

Burgess has done a wonderful job of filling in Crichton's fringe and Bennett is actually getting some mileage out of his bench. You can add Liam Knight to the list of players Bennett has resurrected. He's provided tremendous value off the bench and Souths are staying in contests a lot longer than they have been.

It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows for Souths. Their defence was loose in certain sections of the field and they look very vulnerable off the ball. They've started the season well, but unless they address that deficiency, they could find themselves in a hole at some point.

At least they'll have some company. The Dragons are a classic case of too many chefs in the kitchen. They've got three playmakers on the field and none of them seem to be sure what the play is or where the ball needs to go. Too often they're playing in slow motion or playing off the back-foot which makes it easy for the opposition. The other issue is that their defence is extremely soft. This is where they're really missing De Belin and Frizell and the urgency they bring. A couple of those Souths tries shouldn't have been scored tonight, but one of the inexperienced defenders - Luciano and Lawrie in particular - got it wrong.

What concerns me most about the Dragons is Ben Hunt. Teams have identified him as a weak link in defence and he's beginning to make some awful decisions on the fringes.

 

[Broncos Maestro]

What concerns me most about the Dragons is Ben Hunt. Teams have identified him as a weak link in defence and he's beginning to make some awful decisions on the fringes.

They’re only finding that out now?!? Lol at the Dragons forking out $$$ on what is basically a semi-high talented halfback that kicks 99% high bombs.

 

[Big Pete]

They’re only finding that out now?!? Lol at the Dragons forking out $$$ on what is basically a semi-high talented halfback that kicks 99% high bombs.

It's becoming readily apparent in defence now that he doesn't have an international backrow alongside him.

 

[Unbreakable]

No matter what happens at the Broncos, us dodging that $1.2m Ben Hunt bullet was one of the best things the club has done, Paul White earned himself another 10 years with that decision.

 

[winslow_wong]

No matter what happens at the Broncos, us dodging that $1.2m Ben Hunt bullet was one of the best things the club has done, Paul White earned himself another 10 years with that decision.

Now if we can just find a replacement at half back..

 

[broncsgoat]

Now if we can just find a replacement at half back..

They still wanted to pay him handsomely, the dragons just shit the bed and as a result it’s completely skewed the player values of halves.

 

[broncsgoat]

I quoted the wrong person then.

 

[Big Pete]

I quoted the wrong person then.

Getting started early mate?

 

[broncsgoat]

Getting started early mate?

Well it is game day

 

[Big Pete]

One talking point I should have highlighted last night was the performance of young gun of Mikaele Ravalawa. South Sydney targetted the up and coming winger relentlessly through out the second half and were able to post four tries off the back of their strategy. Granted on two of those occasions, I thought Ravalawa was unlucky. Campbell Graham should have been penalised for denying Ravalawa a fair challenge and Cook's pass to Cody Walker was at least a metre forward. Regardless, Ravalawa's situational awareness was not up to first grade standard and it cost the Dragons dearly.

Mary McGregor shocked a lot of fans when he selected Ravalawa over boom rookie Zac Lomax, and so far the selection isn't panning out. You would have to think between Ravalawa and Dufty, those will be the first changes Mary will make heading into their Round 3 clash against Brisbane.

 

[Super Freak]

One talking point I should have highlighted last night was the performance of young gun of Mikaele Ravalawa. South Sydney targetted the up and coming winger relentlessly through out the second half and were able to post four tries off the back of their strategy. Granted on two of those occasions, I thought Ravalawa was unlucky. Campbell Graham should have been penalised for denying Ravalawa a fair challenge and Cook's pass to Cody Walker was at least a metre forward. Regardless, Ravalawa's situational awareness was not up to first grade standard and it cost the Dragons dearly.

Mary McGregor shocked a lot of fans when he selected Ravalawa over boom rookie Zac Lomax, and so far the selection isn't panning out. You would have to think between Ravalawa and Dufty, those will be the first changes Mary will make heading into their Round 3 clash against Brisbane.

Not sure why McGregor wouldn't give Lomax first crack. I thought his performances last year warranted selection in the side.

Perhaps he didn't impress during pre-season training.