Season Preview: St George Illawarra

Off-season moves Ins Daniel Alvaro (New Zealand Warriors, 2022), Junior Amone (2023), Jack Bird (Brisbane Broncos, 2022), Kaide Ellis (Penrith Panthers, 2021), Poasa Faamausili (New Zealand Warriors, 2022), Andrew McCullough (Brisbane Broncos, 2023), Tyrell Sloan (2023) [caption id="attachment_43789" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 22: Andrew McCullough of the Broncos passes the ball during the round two NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium on March 22, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Outs Euan Aitken (New Zealand Warriors), Tyson Frizell (Newcastle Knights), James Graham (retired), Jacob Host (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Tim Lafai (released), Joe Lovodua (released), Issac Luke, Jason Saab (Manly Sea Eagles), Tristan Sailor (released), Korbin Sims (Hull Kingston Rovers) 2020 Season Despite moments of brilliance, the Dragons' 2020 can be summed up as "poor". Seven wins from 20 games, with a points differential of -74 makes for pretty dire reading. They had their moments; they bounced rivals the Sharks in round five with absolute ease, they ran riot in a 30-point win over the Sea Eagles, and they managed to upset the high flying Eels in Round 14, but unfortunately these highlights were too few and far between. [caption id="attachment_55974" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Issac Luke of the Dragons looks on during the round four NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Bankwest Stadium on June 08, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] The Hunt/Norman combination struggled mightily, with the former routinely shifted into the number nine jersey. Zac Lomax has a marvelous season while Cam McInnes absolutely nailed his audition in the lock position. It took far too long but the Dragons finally realised Matt Dufty is their best option at one. Recruitment Impact The Dragons were fairly active in the player market, with Jack Bird the marquee signing. His horror recent run of injuries in Brisbane seem to have washed over the brilliant form he enjoyed whilst the Sharks. If Bird can re-find his 2016 form then the Dragons have an absolute steal here. Andrew McCullough is the other big inclusion with the former Origin regular slotting in for the injured Cam McInnes. Kaide Ellis should see plenty of first grade and will be key for Anthony Griffin. https://twitter.com/NRL_Dragons/status/1368788571360952325 In terms of outs, Tyson Frizell and Euan Aitken are the regular first graders who have made way. The Dragons seemingly refused to match Newcastle's offer for Frizell. I don't hate that decision but there isn't a stand out replacement either. Aitken is easily replaced by Jack Bird. It all depends on Bird's ability to stay fit but this looks a big upgrade. Saab and Sims (Korbin) also move on however their departures won't rock the boat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hOCfzJAPio&t=71s SEE ZT's own Dan Nichols in This Week's RLO Episode: Round One Celebration! Talking Points New Coach, New Mentality?: For years now the Dragons faithful have been calling for a new coach. Paul McGregor probably outstayed his welcome by at least two seasons, so there was a huge celebration on the hill when news broke that he would be moved on. Then the celebrations where somewhat stifled when Anthony Griffin was named as his successor. I don't think the Dragons got this right BUT it's an opportunity for a new lease of life for many players and fans under a new coach. He's said all the right things in the pre-season and fans seem excited. My guess is we'll know what kind of season the Dragons will have by Round 5. The Hunt/Norman Combo: It's been two seasons yet the Dragons seem no closer to answering the question of what to do with Ben Hunt and Corey Norman. Seemingly both have been locked in as halves partners, with Griffin even handing the under pressure Hunt the captaincy. I love the show of support although I still believe Hunt is an elite number nine. Simply put, if the Dragons are any chance of playing finals footy this year it HAS to come on the back of the Hunt/Norman combination. [caption id="attachment_42152" align="alignnone" width="696"] TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 16: Corey Norman and Ben Hunt of the Dragons stand in goal waiting for a conversion attempt during the round 1 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the St George Illawarra Dragons at 1300SMILES Stadium on March 16, 2019 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)[/caption] If they can't fire then the Dragons season will go nowhere and fast. It's that simple. Seems obvious to suggest that if the halves don't fire, the side won't succeed, but the fact these two are on a (reported) combined $2 million a season, they simply HAVE to work. Cam McInnes departure pre-season: It's not often that a team enters a season knowing its club captain will be leaving for their most bitter of rivals at the end of the year. That is exactly the situation the Dragons find themselves in as captain, and back to back player of the year, Cam McInnes was allowed to walk across the Shire to sign for the Sharks. Dragons fans, rightfully, threw their hands up in disbelief after McInnes stated he wanted a deal but the Dragons stalled. The fact he was replaced by Andrew McCullough seemed to only further annoy fans. This one doesn't make sense at all. Unfortunately for McInnes, his season is over before it starts thanks to an awful ACL injury that will rob him of a well earned goodbye in the Red V. Prediction 15th The Dragons shape as one of the more difficult to place. On paper they have a side very capable of playing finals footy, however a side just as capable of finishing last. That sounds ridiculous to type but if Hunt, Norman, Bird, Dufty and Lomax all fire, who knows? If Ravalawa and Pereira can overcome their deficiencies whilst continuing to improve, then who knows? [caption id="attachment_46156" align="alignnone" width="696"] WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 23: Jordan Pereira of the Dragons is tackled during the NRL trail match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Newcastle Knights at WIN Stadium on February 23, 2019 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] If, if, if. WAAAY too many questions and overreliance on players coming off horror seasons to confidently predict anything even close to a finals position in my mind. The McInnes injury is absolutely brutal to their season, whilst the fact his next game will be played at the Sharks has left a really bad taste in mouths of Dragons fans. Anthony Griffin needs to bring with him a change in game plan and set up the likes we've never seen before to see the Dragons return to the top eight in 2021.