4. 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.

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)

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.