GCRV
SGI NSW Cup
He has a reputation as a big hitter but I can't remember him ever doing that. But he was good last year. One of the best. I'd rate him 3rd after Lomax and JDB.
2025 Round 1 vs Canterbury
- Thread starter Chris M
- Start date
Mailroomsgi
SGI Jersey Flegg
Sua was next to Hunt who was a part time defender, I think he’ll be fine. It was a worry seeing them 2 (Sua/Illias) defending like they did against south’s but they’ll fix up I’m sure. It’s good that it was evident in a trial so it can be corrected over the next 2 weeks
jodragon40
Staff
I hope your right because the opposition will be targeting Illias. He was only slightly better than Hunt in missed tackles in the 23 season so between Su'a and Illias on avg if not improved will miss an avg of 6 tackles per game this season. Not a good sign, that is definitely our weak edge in defence.
jodragon40
Staff
In attack I agree but looking back on my comments last season I pointed out that Su'a was poor defensively.
Ryan
SGI NSW Cup
You have a good eye. I never realised his defence was even the slightest issue. Kyle Flanno was up to his usual tricks as in taking the obviously wrong option several times but at least his extra bulk has so far meant he isn't getting trampled. Though he was better than Illias in the Roosters game.
As for Illias, I guess he's safe for this year but next year Reed's development might have to be brought forward if Illias isn't good enough.
Ryan
SGI NSW Cup
For real? After JDB, they are the best middle forwards the club has. They might even go past JDB this year.
Still 9 days until the team is announced. I might be among those flipping out if Eisenhuth and/or RFM is picked but not both Couchmans but lets hold fire until then.
jodragon40
Staff
Old coach old eyes you don't lose your senses even though they get old and blurred nowadays
jodragon40
Staff
Not both together thats what I meant. Unless injuries or sudden loss of form moving forwards they will be regulars one hopes
Ryan
SGI NSW Cup
I hope both are in the 17 for round 1.
Chris M
SGI NSW Cup
FLANNO’S REALITY CHECK FOR STAR
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has given his best indication yet on his round one side and the key information is to not lock in boom winger Sione Finau just yet. Finau scored four tries in 30 minutes in Saturday’s Charity Shield.However, Flanagan says he hasn’t settled on one vacant wing spot and will choose between Finau, Tyrell Sloan or Christian Tuipulotu (who missed the trials with a hamstring issue). Matt Feagai has likely locked down the other wing position.
I think this is wrong. Why would Feagai have locked down one wing position?
Flanagan named three rising stars he claims will battle for a bench spot – Hamish Stewart, Loko Pasifika Tonga or Dylan Egan.
Surely this means both the Couchmans are in the 17 and at least one of Eisenhuth and RFM aren't. If not both. Because why would one of those 3 be in but not both Couchmans? I don't often bag RFM or Tom E and I'm not now. It's just that I think the 5, 2 Couchmans and 3 mentioned above have gone past them. I think Latu has as well.
Dummy half Jacob Liddle is likely to pinch a bench for a one-two rotation with starting hooker Damien Cook.
Edward
SGI Jersey Flegg
Seems RFM and Tom are edge forwards but they are behind Su'A, Leilua and maybe Egan judging by what Flanno said above.
I read somewhere the end of first grade careers for these type often come quite suddenly. One day they are solid and the next they are off the pace and not as strong as the new generation. Those weren't the exact words but I think I can paraphrase it like that.
But either way, they are good for depth. And might be In the 17 yet.
Chris M
SGI NSW Cup
Don't know how both Couchmans, one of those 3 and both of RFM and Tom E could fit in the 17.
1. Saint Gutho
2. Finau
3. Holmes
4. Suli
5. Feagai
6. Kyle
7. Illias
8. Guler
9. Cook
10. T. Couchman
11. Leilua
12. Su'a
13. JDB
14. Liddle
15. R. Couchman
16. RFM
17. Loko
Imo CT/Sele don't have match fitness yet & don't need to risk them. Our lack of size & fwd punch from the bench was an issue against Souths, Loko is the best bet to help address it. Assume Liddle is only the infection rather than any other injury.
2. Finau
3. Holmes
4. Suli
5. Feagai
6. Kyle
7. Illias
8. Guler
9. Cook
10. T. Couchman
11. Leilua
12. Su'a
13. JDB
14. Liddle
15. R. Couchman
16. RFM
17. Loko
Imo CT/Sele don't have match fitness yet & don't need to risk them. Our lack of size & fwd punch from the bench was an issue against Souths, Loko is the best bet to help address it. Assume Liddle is only the infection rather than any other injury.
Matt Feagai would be my 4th pick of those candidates.
Chris M
SGI NSW Cup
That's what I think too unless Klemmer is signed this week.
Chris M
SGI NSW Cup
As a player, Sloan is much better. As a winger, I think Feagai shades him. But my pick would be Finau and CT.
RedV01
SGI NSW Cup
I think Hamish Stewart might be 17. Got more minutes than LPT in the trails and was 18th man last year. Other than that, this will be it. I'd bet the house on it. If I owned one.
Yep, that's true. I hope it's Loko though, maybe against a smaller pack Stewart would be effective but the 2nd half lack of fwd punch was alarming. I hope it's not Sele, he needs another run in nsw cup. That was like a 2/10 performance from him.
jodragon40
Staff
Round 1 officially sold out. We won't be lacking the support when the team runs out. Make the doggies wait, run out, savour the moment, breath in the atmosphere then leave it all out on the paddock. Important to start off on a good note as I think apart from Storm, Brisbane and Sharks the other 5 spots in the semis will be up for grabs. Just my personal views.
Still a few available on ticketek but should be a sell out soon