Try positive thinking! It might.
Try reality , it won't. If anything in my time involved in this great game has taught me it's that wishful thinking never happens. If the management of the Dragons wanted to use a get out of jail card the time for that would have been when the assistant coaches and then James Graham were axed. Unbelievably they are standing by Griffin but only because they would look like fools if they were to axe him now after granting him a 1 yr extension that would me a large payout. Just my views.
 

Eric

Staff
Try reality , it won't. If anything in my time involved in this great game has taught me it's that wishful thinking never happens. If the management of the Dragons wanted to use a get out of jail card the time for that would have been when the assistant coaches and then James Graham were axed. Unbelievably they are standing by Griffin but only because they would look like fools if they were to axe him now after granting him a 1 yr extension that would me a large payout. Just my views.
I agree with a few caveats.

Maybe I'm just deluded but I keep thinking he just might have a plan after all. A logical plan for success. Maybe the new generation I hope is ready to charge into the top 30 squad just weren't quite ready. But from next year they will be. I mean to say, Griffin may not have lost his mind completely.

If the ability to pick McGuire and Macca is taken out of his hands and he is told Sullivan is the long-term halfback moving forward, his selections might not be so bizarre. Though I know there are some issues with his handling of juniors coming into the NRL under his watch. That has been his major failing at this point as far as I'm concerned.

James Graham may have been a fierce competitor on the field but there is no indication he was really good in his pathways position.

Peter Gentle had to go. Simple as that. Must be one of the worst defence coaches ever. Matt Head may have been a little unlucky but not as if the attack has set the world alight either.

Finally, Griffin was already not highly paid but I believe he has performance clauses which he hasn't met which would make a payout quite minimal.
 
I agree with a few caveats.

Maybe I'm just deluded but I keep thinking he just might have a plan after all. A logical plan for success. Maybe the new generation I hope is ready to charge into the top 30 squad just weren't quite ready. But from next year they will be. I mean to say, Griffin may not have lost his mind completely.

If the ability to pick McGuire and Macca is taken out of his hands and he is told Sullivan is the long-term halfback moving forward, his selections might not be so bizarre. Though I know there are some issues with his handling of juniors coming into the NRL under his watch. That has been his major failing at this point as far as I'm concerned.

James Graham may have been a fierce competitor on the field but there is no indication he was really good in his pathways position.

Peter Gentle had to go. Simple as that. Must be one of the worst defence coaches ever. Matt Head may have been a little unlucky but not as if the attack has set the world alight either.

Finally, Griffin was already not highly paid but I believe he has performance clauses which he hasn't met which would make a payout quite minimal.
I love that word caveat it's a clever word used in civil law language. Well Griffin payout figure as reported is $475k in anyone's language that is fairly big for 1 years employment. On NRL 360 Graham indicated he was let go so more money would be available for, wait for it, it's a Ripleys believe it or not moment, for marketing, seriously? In regards to Gentle and Head you can only structure your defensive and attacking plans and hope that the individual players can perform their given task. Unfortunately for both we just don't have the players to do either hence another year without semi finals football. Why not sack those inept people in charge of recruiting and retaining players? Or the faceless morons in the boardroom who cannot simply admit their mistakes ? If you watched the match yesterday the camera panned to our reserves bench and Amone and Fuimaono were cracking jokes and we were still losing the game at the time. To me they are very loud alarm bells ringing indicating to me that the coach has lost the dressing room and we have a cultural and discipline issue which may well deliver us our first wooden spoon as a joint entity next season. To me the writing is on the wall for that embarrasing event to happen.
 
Last edited:

GCRV

SGI NSW Cup
I agree with a few caveats.

Maybe I'm just deluded but I keep thinking he just might have a plan after all. A logical plan for success. Maybe the new generation I hope is ready to charge into the top 30 squad just weren't quite ready. But from next year they will be. I mean to say, Griffin may not have lost his mind completely.

If the ability to pick McGuire and Macca is taken out of his hands and he is told Sullivan is the long-term halfback moving forward, his selections might not be so bizarre. Though I know there are some issues with his handling of juniors coming into the NRL under his watch. That has been his major failing at this point as far as I'm concerned.

James Graham may have been a fierce competitor on the field but there is no indication he was really good in his pathways position.

Peter Gentle had to go. Simple as that. Must be one of the worst defence coaches ever. Matt Head may have been a little unlucky but not as if the attack has set the world alight either.

Finally, Griffin was already not highly paid but I believe he has performance clauses which he hasn't met which would make a payout quite minimal.
You are just plain wrong. Everything week he does something that defies comprehension. Yesterday when Ramsey was sent to the bin, instead of playing Sloan at fullback he slotted Bird in there. Incomprehensible!
 

GCRV

SGI NSW Cup
I love that word caveat it's a clever word used in civil law language. Well Griffin payout figure as reported is $475k in anyone's language that is fairly big for 1 years employment. On NRL 360 Graham indicated he was let go so more money would be available for, wait for it, it's a Ripleys believe it or not moment, for marketing, seriously? In regards to Gentle and Head you can only structure your defensive and attacking plans and hope that the individual players can perform their given task. Unfortunately for both we just don't have the players to do either hence another year without semi finals football. Why not sack those inept people in charge of recruiting and retaining players? Or the faceless morons in the boardroom who cannot simply admit their mistakes ? If you watched the match yesterday the camera panned to our reserves bench and Amone and Fuimaono were cracking jokes and we were still losing the game at the time. To me they are very loud alarm bells ringing indicating to me that the coach has lost the dressing room and we have a cultural and discipline issue which may well deliver us our first wooden spoon as a joint entity next season. To me the writing is on the wall for that embarrasing event to happen.
The family that owns the Illawarra side of the business are billionaires and we all know the St George side has always had plenty of money. You don't think Graham just didn't want to admit he was on the losing side of a power struggle within the coaching staff?
 
You are just plain wrong. Everything week he does something that defies comprehension. Yesterday when Ramsey was sent to the bin, instead of playing Sloan at fullback he slotted Bird in there. Incomprehensible!
Agree and to me as a coach you only do those things if it has the ability to embarrass you if the kid was to show his talent, score a try for example. In my view it was gutless and made absolutely no sense. This indicates how much pressure he is under and that no matter what anyone says he has not got the full support of his players or senior management.
 
The family that owns the Illawarra side of the business are billionaires and we all know the St George side has always had plenty of money. You don't think Graham just didn't want to admit he was on the losing side of a power struggle within the coaching staff?
No in an interview conducted with him in May by the British equivalent to our RL week they reported " Graham says he and his family are loving a lifestyle that now feels like home. But does not expect to pursue a career as a head coach.

After the 2020 season I moved back to Australia and I have a hybrid role with the Dragons, doing coaching, pathways and work with the partnerships team,” Graham told Love Rugby League.

“I enjoy the coaching side but I’m not sure whether or not it’s for me. So I have no reason to disbelieve him.
 

GCRV

SGI NSW Cup
No in an interview conducted with him in May by the British equivalent to our RL week they reported " Graham says he and his family are loving a lifestyle that now feels like home. But does not expect to pursue a career as a head coach.

After the 2020 season I moved back to Australia and I have a hybrid role with the Dragons, doing coaching, pathways and work with the partnerships team,” Graham told Love Rugby League.

“I enjoy the coaching side but I’m not sure whether or not it’s for me. So I have no reason to disbelieve him.
I mean, a lot of people, including on this forum and on TV, in the newspapers and etc are talking about how the club is divided. Including the coaching staff. I thought Craig Young might have moved to axe one faction so only the Griffin faction remains. If that is why Graham was axed, he probably wouldn't want to admit it.
 
I mean, a lot of people, including on this forum and on TV, in the newspapers and etc are talking about how the club is divided. Including the coaching staff. I thought Craig Young might have moved to axe one faction so only the Griffin faction remains. If that is why Graham was axed, he probably wouldn't want to admit it.
Perhaps but that's the story he gave on NRL360
 

RedVHeartbeat

SGI NSW Cup
I agree with a few caveats.

If the ability to pick McGuire and Macca is taken out of his hands and he is told Sullivan is the long-term halfback moving forward, his selections might not be so bizarre. Though I know there are some issues with his handling of juniors coming into the NRL under his watch. That has been his major failing at this point as far as I'm concerned.


Finally, Griffin was already not highly paid but I believe he has performance clauses which he hasn't met which would make a payout quite minimal.
Is he. I am beginning to doubt that. Firstly once our season was done and dusted Griffin should have been told to move Ben to hooker and install Sullivan at half for the final games. That is an oft used cricket policy of giving the next gen a crack if the team's season is finished.
Secondly would the suits have offered a Qld school boy, plus locals Zach Herring and a Chad Reed (?), all halves, Development contracts if they intended having Sullivan as our long term half.

Griffin has not even come close to meeting those performance clauses in his two years. Boy the suits must feel like they are wearing masses of egg on their faces after extending his tenure at season start. Now looks at tho they will let him complete his contract as they dont wanna lose face. There must be some Oriental blood among this lot.
 
Last edited:

Eric

Staff
Is he. I am beginning to doubt that. Firstly once our season was done and dusted Griffin should have been told to move Ben to hooker and install Sullivan at half for the final games. That is an oft used cricket policy of giving the next gen a crack if the team's season is finished.
Secondly would the suits have offered a Qld school boy, plus locals Zach Herring and a Chad Reed (?), all halves, DC contracts if they intended having Sullivan as our long term half.

Griffin has not even come close to meeting those performance clauses in his two years. Boy the suits must feel like they are wearing masses of egg on their faces after extending his tenure at season start. Now looks at tho they will let him complete his contract as they dont wanna lose face. There must be some Oriental blood among this lot.
I think you are right. I'm just trying to understand what the hell is going through the coaches little brain! Is he trying to screw up the team so badly the club has no choice but to sack him? Nothing he is doing is making any sense to me.

I didn't know that about the halves but I heard there are big wraps on Zach Herring.
 

RedVHeartbeat

SGI NSW Cup
I think you are right. I'm just trying to understand what the hell is going through the coaches little brain! Is he trying to screw up the team so badly the club has no choice but to sack him? Nothing he is doing is making any sense to me.

I didn't know that about the halves but I heard there are big wraps on Zach Herring.
I didn't know that about the halves but I heard there are big wraps on Zach Herring.
Yes and I like the look of Braxton Wallace too. Played half to Herrings 5/8 on Sunday.
 

Eric

Staff

Knock On Effect Cup​

The Dragons host the Bulldogs at 3:55pm at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium ahead of the 6:15pm NRL clash between the Dragons and the Titans.
  1. Treigh Stewart
  2. Alexander Lobb
  3. Tautau Moga
  4. Max Feagai
  5. Sione Finau
  6. Zach Herring
  7. Paul Turner
  8. Aaron Woods
  9. Connor Muhleisen
  10. Tyrell Fuimaono
  11. Jaiyden Hunt
  12. William Burns
  13. Daniel Russell


  14. Haele Finau
  15. Ryan Couchman
  16. Nick Lui-Toso
  17. Jackson Shereb
  18. Aaron Johnson

Jersey Flegg Cup​

The Jersey Flegg side gets its season started at 1:45pm on Saturday at Collegians Sporting Complex, Wollongong.
  1. Dane Courtney
  2. Brock Sepulveda
  3. Ben Rumble
  4. Ben Johnson
  5. Cooper Roberts
  6. Ryan Hodgson
  7. Callum Perryman
  8. Bryce Magnone
  9. Declan Purcell
  10. Jacob Webster
  11. Harry Rudd
  12. Campbell Watchirs
  13. Travis Barrett-Hancock

  14. Ryan Barbuto
  15. Tom Phillips
  16. Braith Lawrence-Foye
  17. Matthew Noakes
  18. Trey Barlow
  19. Riley Pascoe
  20. Maxwell Pritchard
Expecting big things from #1, 2, 5 and 6 this year along with 4 continuing to pressure some of the backs in NRL.

Interesting to see #18 as 18th man. As far as I knew, he was pushing for a top 30 contract. Also #15 on the bench. I heard there is nothing between him and his brother so it's strange one is in the NRL and the other is on the bench in NSW Cup.

Jaiyden Hunt in the backrow. Griffin has come down with a real thing for props in the backrow.
#4 and #9 might be expected to excel this year. They were 2 of the best last year. Heard good things about #10 as well.
 

Knock On Effect Cup​

The Dragons host the Bulldogs at 3:55pm at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium ahead of the 6:15pm NRL clash between the Dragons and the Titans.
  1. Treigh Stewart
  2. Alexander Lobb
  3. Tautau Moga
  4. Max Feagai
  5. Sione Finau
  6. Zach Herring
  7. Paul Turner
  8. Aaron Woods
  9. Connor Muhleisen
  10. Tyrell Fuimaono
  11. Jaiyden Hunt
  12. William Burns
  13. Daniel Russell


  14. Haele Finau
  15. Ryan Couchman
  16. Nick Lui-Toso
  17. Jackson Shereb
  18. Aaron Johnson

Jersey Flegg Cup​

The Jersey Flegg side gets its season started at 1:45pm on Saturday at Collegians Sporting Complex, Wollongong.
  1. Dane Courtney
  2. Brock Sepulveda
  3. Ben Rumble
  4. Ben Johnson
  5. Cooper Roberts
  6. Ryan Hodgson
  7. Callum Perryman
  8. Bryce Magnone
  9. Declan Purcell
  10. Jacob Webster
  11. Harry Rudd
  12. Campbell Watchirs
  13. Travis Barrett-Hancock

  14. Ryan Barbuto
  15. Tom Phillips
  16. Braith Lawrence-Foye
  17. Matthew Noakes
  18. Trey Barlow
  19. Riley Pascoe
  20. Maxwell Pritchard
Expecting big things from #1, 2, 5 and 6 this year along with 4 continuing to pressure some of the backs in NRL.

Interesting to see #18 as 18th man. As far as I knew, he was pushing for a top 30 contract. Also #15 on the bench. I heard there is nothing between him and his brother so it's strange one is in the NRL and the other is on the bench in NSW Cup.

Jaiyden Hunt in the backrow. Griffin has come down with a real thing for props in the backrow.
#4 and #9 might be expected to excel this year. They were 2 of the best last year. Heard good things about #10 as well.
That's not a bad team for NSW Cup. In fact looking at other clubs I would suggest that we are going to be favourites on most weeks. I found back in my day healthy competition for positions was always a good thing. I would like to see better props though. That is a worry for me the lack of genuine props. I was hoping that the new signing would be a starter
 
Last edited:

GCRV

SGI NSW Cup

Knock On Effect Cup​

The Dragons host the Bulldogs at 3:55pm at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium ahead of the 6:15pm NRL clash between the Dragons and the Titans.
  1. Treigh Stewart
  2. Alexander Lobb
  3. Tautau Moga
  4. Max Feagai
  5. Sione Finau
  6. Zach Herring
  7. Paul Turner
  8. Aaron Woods
  9. Connor Muhleisen
  10. Tyrell Fuimaono
  11. Jaiyden Hunt
  12. William Burns
  13. Daniel Russell


  14. Haele Finau
  15. Ryan Couchman
  16. Nick Lui-Toso
  17. Jackson Shereb
  18. Aaron Johnson

Jersey Flegg Cup​

The Jersey Flegg side gets its season started at 1:45pm on Saturday at Collegians Sporting Complex, Wollongong.
  1. Dane Courtney
  2. Brock Sepulveda
  3. Ben Rumble
  4. Ben Johnson
  5. Cooper Roberts
  6. Ryan Hodgson
  7. Callum Perryman
  8. Bryce Magnone
  9. Declan Purcell
  10. Jacob Webster
  11. Harry Rudd
  12. Campbell Watchirs
  13. Travis Barrett-Hancock

  14. Ryan Barbuto
  15. Tom Phillips
  16. Braith Lawrence-Foye
  17. Matthew Noakes
  18. Trey Barlow
  19. Riley Pascoe
  20. Maxwell Pritchard
Expecting big things from #1, 2, 5 and 6 this year along with 4 continuing to pressure some of the backs in NRL.

Interesting to see #18 as 18th man. As far as I knew, he was pushing for a top 30 contract. Also #15 on the bench. I heard there is nothing between him and his brother so it's strange one is in the NRL and the other is on the bench in NSW Cup.

Jaiyden Hunt in the backrow. Griffin has come down with a real thing for props in the backrow.
#4 and #9 might be expected to excel this year. They were 2 of the best last year. Heard good things about #10 as well.
That's not a bad team for NSW Cup. In fact looking at other clubs I would suggest that we are going to be favourites on most weeks. I found back in my day healthy competition for positions was always a good thing. I would like to see better props though. That is a worry for me the lack of genuine props. I was hoping that the new signing would be a starter
Good balance between young players and veterans or players not veterans but with significant first grade experience.
 

Edward

SGI NSW Cup
Good balance between young players and veterans or players not veterans but with significant first grade experience.
A very formidable NSW Cup side indeed. Perhaps the first grade and NSW Cup coaches should swap.
 

Eric

Staff
NSW Cup
Jersey Flegg
  1. Paul Turner
  2. Alexander Lobb
  3. Tautau Moga
  4. Max Feagai
  5. Sione Finau
  6. Zach Herring
  7. Talatau Amone
  8. Aaron Woods
  9. Connor Muhleisen
  10. Nick Lui-Toso
  11. Dan Russell
  12. Billy Burns
  13. Michael Molo

  14. Haele Finau
  15. Ryan Couchman
  16. Tyrell Fuimaono
  17. Aaron Johnson

  18. Treigh Stewart
  1. Dane Courtney
  2. Brock Sepulveda
  3. Ben Rumble
  4. Ben Johnson
  5. Cooper Roberts
  6. Callum Perryman
  7. Riley Pascoe
  8. Bryce Magone
  9. Ryan Babuto
  10. Jacob Webster
  11. Harry Rudd
  12. Campbell Watchirs
  13. Declan Purcell

  14. Trey Barlow
  15. Thomas Phillips
  16. Travis Barrett-Hancock
  17. Matthew Noakes

  18. Ryan Hodgson
  19. Maxwell Pritchard
  • Shereb injured or dropped. The guy is a prototype backrower except for that he keeps going missing. Maybe the club has run out of patience.
  • J. Hunt dropped or injured.
  • 6 and 7 swapping positions.
  • Purcell at lock! Interesting. Maybe toughening him up for the NRL next year?

What has happened to Sam Hooper? A standout and C of the Flegg side last year, when he wasn't promoted to NSW Cup but now has disappeared from view.
 
NSW Cup
Jersey Flegg
  1. Paul Turner
  2. Alexander Lobb
  3. Tautau Moga
  4. Max Feagai
  5. Sione Finau
  6. Zach Herring
  7. Talatau Amone
  8. Aaron Woods
  9. Connor Muhleisen
  10. Nick Lui-Toso
  11. Dan Russell
  12. Billy Burns
  13. Michael Molo

  14. Haele Finau
  15. Ryan Couchman
  16. Tyrell Fuimaono
  17. Aaron Johnson

  18. Treigh Stewart
  1. Dane Courtney
  2. Brock Sepulveda
  3. Ben Rumble
  4. Ben Johnson
  5. Cooper Roberts
  6. Callum Perryman
  7. Riley Pascoe
  8. Bryce Magone
  9. Ryan Babuto
  10. Jacob Webster
  11. Harry Rudd
  12. Campbell Watchirs
  13. Declan Purcell

  14. Trey Barlow
  15. Thomas Phillips
  16. Travis Barrett-Hancock
  17. Matthew Noakes

  18. Ryan Hodgson
  19. Maxwell Pritchard
  • Shereb injured or dropped. The guy is a prototype backrower except for that he keeps going missing. Maybe the club has run out of patience.
  • J. Hunt dropped or injured.
  • 6 and 7 swapping positions.
  • Purcell at lock! Interesting. Maybe toughening him up for the NRL next year?

What has happened to Sam Hooper? A standout and C of the Flegg side last year, when he wasn't promoted to NSW Cup but now has disappeared from view.
Not a bad team that was flogged last week by the Dogs 34 - 4
 

Dragons Chris

SGI NSW Cup
NSW Cup
Jersey Flegg
  1. Paul Turner
  2. Alexander Lobb
  3. Tautau Moga
  4. Max Feagai
  5. Sione Finau
  6. Zach Herring
  7. Talatau Amone
  8. Aaron Woods
  9. Connor Muhleisen
  10. Nick Lui-Toso
  11. Dan Russell
  12. Billy Burns
  13. Michael Molo

  14. Haele Finau
  15. Ryan Couchman
  16. Tyrell Fuimaono
  17. Aaron Johnson

  18. Treigh Stewart
  1. Dane Courtney
  2. Brock Sepulveda
  3. Ben Rumble
  4. Ben Johnson
  5. Cooper Roberts
  6. Callum Perryman
  7. Riley Pascoe
  8. Bryce Magone
  9. Ryan Babuto
  10. Jacob Webster
  11. Harry Rudd
  12. Campbell Watchirs
  13. Declan Purcell

  14. Trey Barlow
  15. Thomas Phillips
  16. Travis Barrett-Hancock
  17. Matthew Noakes

  18. Ryan Hodgson
  19. Maxwell Pritchard
  • Shereb injured or dropped. The guy is a prototype backrower except for that he keeps going missing. Maybe the club has run out of patience.
  • J. Hunt dropped or injured.
  • 6 and 7 swapping positions.
  • Purcell at lock! Interesting. Maybe toughening him up for the NRL next year?

What has happened to Sam Hooper? A standout and C of the Flegg side last year, when he wasn't promoted to NSW Cup but now has disappeared from view.
Who are the coaches this year?
 
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