Round 6 v Titans

[Edward]

Love those changes too. The only issue I have is that there needs to be more. The idea they are 'close' as Flanno keeps saying and as he has Gutho saying is clearly delusional. That game against Parra looked like the two worst teams in the comp by a mile but they were the better team and they were missing their best player. You might say I'm negative. It would be true. How can any Dragons fan watch that abomination of a game last Sat and not be negative?

Honestly, it's a bit silly to blame the losses to Parramatta and Souths on the last 20min. With the way they were playing, I doubt anyone had a lot of confidence those games were done and dusted with 20min left. The ONLY thing that gave me confidence was the quality of the opposition.

Sorry to say, but I am really starting to doubt Flanno. His instinct a few weeks ago regarding Ilias was right. He should have gone much further. Not retreated and now be smiling in post game press conference and talking about how they are "close" and saying it's no use making any significant changes.

 

[jodragon40]

Honestly, it's a bit silly to blame the losses to Parramatta and Souths on the last 20min. With the way they were playing, I doubt anyone had a lot of confidence those games were done and dusted with 20min left. The ONLY thing that gave me confidence was the quality of the opposition.

Sorry to say, but I am really starting to doubt Flanno. His instinct a few weeks ago regarding Ilias was right. He should have gone much further. Not retreated and now be smiling in post game press conference and talking about how they are "close" and saying it's no use making any significant changes.

Have faith

 

[GCRV]

Have faith

I think you deal with it by drinking a lot.

Honestly, it's a bit silly to blame the losses to Parramatta and Souths on the last 20min. With the way they were playing, I doubt anyone had a lot of confidence those games were done and dusted with 20min left. The ONLY thing that gave me confidence was the quality of the opposition.

Sorry to say, but I am really starting to doubt Flanno. His instinct a few weeks ago regarding Ilias was right. He should have gone much further. Not retreated and now be smiling in post game press conference and talking about how they are "close" and saying it's no use making any significant changes.

He seemed strangely optimistic. Anyway cheer up. Things are quickly coming to a head. One way or another, there is going to be big changes. Big changes in performance or big changes in personnel.

 

[jodragon40]

I think you deal with it by drinking a lot.

He seemed strangely optimistic. Anyway cheer up. Things are quickly coming to a head. One way or another, there is going to be big changes. Big changes in performance or big changes in personnel.

I dont mind a quiet one every now and then now that I'm retired but mark my words the Dragons will win Friday night at the Gong.

 

[Dragons Chris]

Dragons team:​

1. Clinton Gutherson
2. Tyrell Sloan
3. Moses Suli
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Christian Tuipulotu
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Toby Couchman
9. Damien Cook
10. David Klemmer
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Jack de Belin
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Blake Lawrie
16. Hamish Stewart
17. Dylan Egan

---

No changes

 

[jodragon40]

Dragons team:​

1. Clinton Gutherson
2. Tyrell Sloan
3. Moses Suli
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Christian Tuipulotu
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Toby Couchman
9. Damien Cook
10. David Klemmer
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Jack de Belin
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Blake Lawrie
16. Hamish Stewart
17. Dylan Egan

---

No changes

Can't believe Lawrie is still there hope he has a good one

 

[Ryan]

Can't believe Lawrie is still there hope he has a good one

Sloan, Lawrie, Flanagan, Ilias.

 

[Eric]

Sloan, Lawrie, Flanagan, Ilias.

Sloan is probably the best of them but the one I'm most surprised wasn't dropped. Because there are a few options banging on the door to replace Sloan.

 

[Morgan]

Can't believe Lawrie is still there hope he has a good one

I just think with his subtle dig at Ilias he's painted himself into a corner. If he drops Ilias he's going to have you and many others screaming nepotism. If he drops Kyle he's going to have a lot of fans screaming that Ilias has been worse. As for Blocker, Fifita, Sele, BMM all out. He sees it as too big a risk to go into the game with so many young forwards.

I don't know what he's thinking with Sloan. He's a talented player who isn't suited to wing.

 

[Dragons Chris]

I just think with his subtle dig at Ilias he's painted himself into a corner. If he drops Ilias he's going to have you and many others screaming nepotism. If he drops Kyle he's going to have a lot of fans screaming that Ilias has been worse. As for Blocker, Fifita, Sele, BMM all out. He sees it as too big a risk to go into the game with so many young forwards.

I don't know what he's thinking with Sloan. He's a talented player who isn't suited to wing.

Don't think so. The most pressure is coming from within. How many teammates are going to be rolling their eyes or outright defy Flanno if he keeps going like he is? I hope you don't seriously think the comments Hunt made about Gutho playing 5/8 were Hunt just saying whatever came into his mind rather than something the players have been talking about it. I hope so anyway. The alternative is just Flanno shrugging his shoulders and being content with a substandard team. Look at the Roosters who have also started badly. Thbough they haven't lost to Souths without their best players or Parramatta without their best player.

Anyway, Flanno has made his bed. Now lets see what happens. Not only this week but going forward.

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

His instinct a few weeks ago regarding Ilias was right.

Cant agree. You hear Gutho backing him this week. Like I maintain and prob FLANNO ON REFLECTION, Gutho said Ilias needs time to find his feet, given it is a new club and he is in the prime half back spot. These words "Lachlan will come good" should buoy all fans, even those doubters on here.

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

I just think with his subtle dig at Ilias he's painted himself into a corner. If he drops Ilias he's going to have you and many others screaming nepotism. If he drops Kyle he's going to have a lot of fans screaming that Ilias has been worse. As for Blocker, Fifita, Sele, BMM all out. He sees it as too big a risk to go into the game with so many young forwards.

I don't know what he's thinking with Sloan. He's a talented player who isn't suited to wing.

He'd never played wing before coming into grade under Griffin. And that was only for a handful of games. The bottom line for Sloan to be at his best is he HAS TO HAVE HIS HANDS ON THE BALL. Have noted he has been jumping into centre in attack on occasions, almost split the defense too. Will get more ball there to work his magic feet than being starved on the flank.

 

[Dragons Chris]

He'd never played wing before coming into grade under Griffin. And that was only for a handful of games. The bottom line for Sloan to be at his best is he HAS TO HAVE HIS HANDS ON THE BALL. Have noted he has been jumping into centre in attack on occasions, almost split the defense too. Will get more ball there to work his magic feet than being starved on the flank.

More suited to centre than winger.

 

[AyiosYiorgos]

He'd never played wing before coming into grade under Griffin. And that was only for a handful of games. The bottom line for Sloan to be at his best is he HAS TO HAVE HIS HANDS ON THE BALL. Have noted he has been jumping into centre in attack on occasions, almost split the defense too. Will get more ball there to work his magic feet than being starved on the flank.

Sloan played wing in SGBall.
I have watched Sloan play for Dapto @6 and as good he was on the ball, scoring try's, setting up trys etc, he let as many in with his defence, i said it last year he isnt a winger in 1st grade as he doesnt have the strength for hit ups etc, i tried to be positive the last few weeks with him at wing, it aint working..
With games so tight and our roster not the best we need more, if we were Melbourne you could probably get away with Sloan on the wing, but we aint.

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

Sloan played wing in SGBall.

I was talking about post jr reps actually. I saw so little Ball footage. Dont recall him playing Flegg but he did play f/b in Ressies and was outstanding in attack, before Griffin gave him a crack at wing. I believe Sloan will be forced out for Sione Finau, so if he is not moved elsewhere he will either play his career in Ressies, with another club or is headed for the ESL.

 

[GCRV]

Then I stand corrected. I saw so little Ball footage. He played f/b in Ressies and was outstanding in attack, before Griffin gave him a crack at wing. I believe Sloan will be forced out for Sione Finau, so will either play his career in Ressies, with another club or is headed for an ESL career.

ESL will be a much better match for his game. With the way he is good in attack but can't tackle and can't run hard.

 

[TheRev]

Stewart was the fullback in that SG side.. I thought he was a world-beater.. actually a lot like TPH.... though Stewart more offensively focussed.... but shows you that every step up in grade is no joke.. Stewart hasnt been able to consistently dominate at NSW Cup level... lots of great highlights, but too many defensive errors and brain snaps unfortunately.. went to the storm and I havent heard from him since then.

I'm really frustrated Sloan was gifted the wing position over SFinau to start the season.. and maybe SFinau is leaving is why.. but I never felt like Sloan earnt his wing jersey, and I didnt see why he couldnt prove it in NSW Cup for atleast a month.. I think Flanno just wants it to work because were paying Sloan 500k or whatever.....

I feel like fans are like goldfish at times.. just takes 1 flashy moment and they forget everything that happened before.. and takes years and years or poor performance before they are finally willing to admit that maybe a Dufty or a Sloan arent the answer in 1st grade.. even after Dufty left, and failed at the dogs.. some of our fans are still furious that we let him go... or that Ramsey was given the jersey instead... but tbf the coaches are the ones picking them.. so they obviously see something.. or dont feel they have a better option.

The mystery for me is who is our next-up fullback? Because if that person is Sloan.. then imo he should be the NSW Cup fullback, even though Ramsey is destroying it... but I dont think the Sloan to wing experiment is done.. I think they will keep trying in NSW Cup... but then doing that robs Lawson or BRumble of opportunity also.. its a real dilemma.. they also keep moving Buchanan to wing, but im pretty sure its just a way to get him in the team.. dont think its a permanent move.. but I guess we will see.. I think its more that Flanno really wants Allan/Feagai developing as first grade centre options.. maybe the reality of injuries to Suli or Val has dawned on him.. and maybe Val is the fullback cover.. hence centre depth is a priority.

 

[GCRV]

I'm really frustrated Sloan was gifted the wing position over SFinau to start the season.. and maybe SFinau is leaving is why.. but I never felt like Sloan earnt his wing jersey, and I didnt see why he couldnt prove it in NSW Cup for atleast a month.. I think Flanno just wants it to work because were paying Sloan 500k or whatever.....

I feel like fans are like goldfish at times.. just takes 1 flashy moment and they forget everything that happened before.. and takes years and years or poor performance before they are finally willing to admit that maybe a Dufty or a Sloan arent the answer in 1st grade.. even after Dufty left, and failed at the dogs.. some of our fans are still furious that we let him go... or that Ramsey was given the jersey instead... but tbf the coaches are the ones picking them.. so they obviously see something.. or dont feel they have a better option.

The mystery for me is who is our next-up fullback? Because if that person is Sloan.. then imo he should be the NSW Cup fullback, even though Ramsey is destroying it... but I dont think the Sloan to wing experiment is done.. I think they will keep trying in NSW Cup... but then doing that robs Lawson or BRumble of opportunity also.. its a real dilemma.. they also keep moving Buchanan to wing, but im pretty sure its just a way to get him in the team.. dont think its a permanent move.. but I guess we will see.. I think its more that Flanno really wants Allan/Feagai developing as first grade centre options.. maybe the reality of injuries to Suli or Val has dawned on him.. and maybe Val is the fullback cover.. hence centre depth is a priority.

Analysis = true

Why is Flanno "gifting" certain players positions? Does he think this is U10s where everyone but the kid with a bad attitude should get a game?

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

and maybe SFinau is leaving is why.

Has he asked to leave? Jeez Flanno this guy has the assets to be our long term flank man. Wake up man. Gotta question why he shipped guys like Allan here and why he continues to favor Feagai over Finau as the next outside back. Your credibility is slipping coach.

 

[Dragons Chris]

Has he asked to leave? Jeez Flanno this guy has the assets to be our long term flank man. Wake up man. Gotta question why he shipped guys like Allan here and why he continues to favor Feagai over Finau as the next outside back. Your credibility is slipping coach.

I wondered that too. Is he leaving? Where did you get that info? Can't blame him. Flanno just refuses to pick him no matter how well he plays in reserve grade.