Round 5 vs Souths

[Morgan]

I hope Amone back isn't the only change. Don't rule out Ramsey coming back as fullback.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs St George Illawarra Dragons at Accor Stadium, 5.30pm ​

Last week’s Dragons team:​

9. Moses Mbye 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 11. Jack Bird 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 21. Andrew McCullough 10. Blake Lawrie 12. Jack Gosiewski 13. Tariq Sims 14. Jack De Belin 6. Talatau Amone 15. Josh Kerr 16. Jackson Ford 17. Aaron Woods

Team tips: Coach Anthony Griffin swung the axe on two young guns, Tyrell Sloan and Talatau Amone. After a demolition job by the Eels, fans will be hoping that Sloan slots back into his fullback position, Moses Mbye moving to five-eighth allowing Jack Bird to move to his native forward position. If Bird slots back into the pack expect to see Jack Gosiewski move to the bench in place of Jackson Ford. Winger Cody Ramsey was ruled out with a hamstring injury and his return date is currently unknown.

 

[RedV01]

I hope Amone back isn't the only change. Don't rule out Ramsey coming back as fullback.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs St George Illawarra Dragons at Accor Stadium, 5.30pm ​

Last week’s Dragons team:​

9. Moses Mbye 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 11. Jack Bird 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 21. Andrew McCullough 10. Blake Lawrie 12. Jack Gosiewski 13. Tariq Sims 14. Jack De Belin 6. Talatau Amone 15. Josh Kerr 16. Jackson Ford 17. Aaron Woods

Team tips: Coach Anthony Griffin swung the axe on two young guns, Tyrell Sloan and Talatau Amone. After a demolition job by the Eels, fans will be hoping that Sloan slots back into his fullback position, Moses Mbye moving to five-eighth allowing Jack Bird to move to his native forward position. If Bird slots back into the pack expect to see Jack Gosiewski move to the bench in place of Jackson Ford. Winger Cody Ramsey was ruled out with a hamstring injury and his return date is currently unknown.

I think you mean Sloan back. That's what the tip says. If that is the only change, expect another loss. Lawrie will be out. That's at least one other change. Jack Bird definitely isn't a starting forward. Bring him on when the opposing forwards are fatigued. It's a no-brainer!

 

[Morgan]

I think you mean Sloan back. That's what the tip says. If that is the only change, expect another loss. Lawrie will be out. That's at least one other change. Jack Bird definitely isn't a starting forward. Bring him on when the opposing forwards are fatigued. It's a no-brainer!

Yep

 

[Chris M]

This is shaping up as a must win game. And I think it's very winnable if the coach picks the best forward pack available no matter what issues he may or may not have with Sims or whatever radical scheme he thinks he was playing with De Belin starting from the bench.

 

[jodragon40]

Rabbits are just as desperate as us. This game will definitely be won in the forwards especially the match up on the edge forwards so Sua and Sims v Murray and Arrow. Most of their go forward is by Murray and Koloamatangi. I would love to see Burgess v Burgess as well off the bench. Sua will lift against his old team mates that will help. Whoever is chosen at 5/8 will have to keep Walker quiet, I would expect Hunt to get the better of Illias, another issue will be dummy half with Cook being too fast for McCullogh to handle for any extended period of play, so I would expect Mbye to replace him by the 25th minute. I expect a starting pack hopefully not including Bird who was in my view not fit enough to play 80 min to be:
Woods, Molo, McCullough, Sims, Sua and Debelin, Bird, Burgess, Gosiewski and Mbye off the bench. I dont believe we can leave Sloan and Amone out of the starting 17, with Ramsay out with a hammy Id expect to see Feaigai keep his spot. Its a must win for both teams.

 

[Eric]

Rabbits are just as desperate as us. This game will definitely be won in the forwards especially the match up on the edge forwards so Sua and Sims v Murray and Arrow. Most of their go forward is by Murray and Koloamatangi. I would love to see Burgess v Burgess as well off the bench. Sua will lift against his old team mates that will help. Whoever is chosen at 5/8 will have to keep Walker quiet, I would expect Hunt to get the better of Illias, another issue will be dummy half with Cook being too fast for McCullogh to handle for any extended period of play, so I would expect Mbye to replace him by the 25th minute. I expect a starting pack hopefully not including Bird who was in my view not fit enough to play 80 min to be:
Woods, Molo, McCullough, Sims, Sua and Debelin, Bird, Burgess, Gosiewski and Mbye off the bench. I dont believe we can leave Sloan and Amone out of the starting 17, with Ramsay out with a hammy Id expect to see Feaigai keep his spot. Its a must win for both teams.

I think Murray plays in the middle. He'll be up against JDB. unless the coach picks Sims at lock again.....

Cook through the middle, judging by the last two games, could really be an issue. I like that pack and that bench. I think very well balanced. I wonder how long you would leave Woods and/or Molo on before going with Gosiewski and/or Bird.

 

[RedV01]

If this is the final team, Mbye still at fullback and Bird 5/8, the coach has officially lost his mind. Though he's finally picked the best starting forwards.

St George Illawarra Dragons team round 5:​

1. Moses Mbye
2. Mathew Feagai
3. Moses Suli
4. Zac Lomax
5. Mikaele Ravalawa
6. Jack Bird
7. Ben Hunt
8. Francis Molo
9. Andrew McCullough
10. Aaron Woods
11. Tariq Sims
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Jack de Belin
14. Talatau Amone
15. Josh Kerr
16. Blake Lawrie
17. Jackson Ford
18. Tautau Moga
19. George Burgess
20. Jack Gosiewski
21. Tyrell Sloan
22. Daniel Alvaro
23. Poasa Faamausili
24. Jaiyden Hunt

 

[RedV01]

Looks like Gosiewski is getting dropped. jodragon40 is going to be pissed. It is a little harsh. I thought he was better than

• Kerr
• Lawrie
• Ford
• Bird (even though he didn't play in the forwards)

 

[jodragon40]

Looks like Gosiewski is getting dropped. jodragon40 is going to be pissed. It is a little harsh. I thought he was better than

• Kerr
• Lawrie
• Ford
• Bird (even though he didn't play in the forwards)

Outrageous, Bird named 5/8 Mbye fullback seriously? well at least we agree on the starting pack he's paying some attention

 

[jodragon40]

I think Murray plays in the middle. He'll be up against JDB. unless the coach picks Sims at lock again.....

Cook through the middle, judging by the last two games, could really be an issue. I like that pack and that bench. I think very well balanced. I wonder how long you would leave Woods and/or Molo on before going with Gosiewski and/or Bird.

Woods and Molo need to play 25 min

 

[jodragon40]

If this is the final team, Mbye still at fullback and Bird 5/8, the coach has officially lost his mind. Though he's finally picked the best starting forwards.

St George Illawarra Dragons team round 5:​

1. Moses Mbye
2. Mathew Feagai
3. Moses Suli
4. Zac Lomax
5. Mikaele Ravalawa
6. Jack Bird
7. Ben Hunt
8. Francis Molo
9. Andrew McCullough
10. Aaron Woods
11. Tariq Sims
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Jack de Belin
14. Talatau Amone
15. Josh Kerr
16. Blake Lawrie
17. Jackson Ford
18. Tautau Moga
19. George Burgess
20. Jack Gosiewski
21. Tyrell Sloan
22. Daniel Alvaro
23. Poasa Faamausili
24. Jaiyden Hunt

So Bird v Walker seriously? Walker will run through him after about 25 minutes so unless the coach will give Amone more time on the park it's going to hurt us. He's too fast and skilful for Bird once fatigue sets in. Bird would have to smash him in the first 20 min or we will be in a whole world of hurt. Mbye fullback seriously? He was all at sea last week he's not a specialist fullback we do have one but he's apparently hes being managed by the coach, once again I ask seriously? Burgess needs to be in the 17 let's hope Lawrie drops out of the 17 and he comes in. There is no way McCullough will be able to match Cook once fatigue sets in around the 25 min mark and there is no replacement because Mbye will be sitting out the back trying to stop Mitchell running over the top of him. Watch for Cook darting out of dummy half with Murray running off his shoulder. Ball possession and completion of our sets will be paramount here. If only 1 forward manages my required 100m this week we will again be on the wrong side of the scoreboard, I expect at least 3 forwards Molo Sims Debelin to fill that brief hopefully any extra will help us greatly.

 

[Eric]

So Bird v Walker seriously? Walker will run through him after about 25 minutes so unless the coach will give Amone more time on the park it's going to hurt us. He's too fast and skilful for Bird once fatigue sets in. Bird would have to smash him in the first 20 min or we will be in a whole world of hurt. Mbye fullback seriously? He was all at sea last week he's not a specialist fullback we do have one but he's apparently hes being managed by the coach, once again I ask seriously? Burgess needs to be in the 17 let's hope Lawrie drops out of the 17 and he comes in. There is no way McCullough will be able to match Cook once fatigue sets in around the 25 min mark and there is no replacement because Mbye will be sitting out the back trying to stop Mitchell running over the top of him. Watch for Cook darting out of dummy half with Murray running off his shoulder. Ball possession and completion of our sets will be paramount here. If only 1 forward manages my required 100m this week we will again be on the wrong side of the scoreboard, I expect at least 3 forwards Molo Sims Debelin to fill that brief hopefully any extra will help us greatly.

I wish it didn't but it does make a lot of sense. Bird at 5/8 and Mbye at fullback was a hopelessly failed experiment. Amone and Sloan needed a wake-up call, now they've had it. Stop screwing around with them. If Amone and Sloan are still doing refusing to run or tackle when Sullivan and Ramsey are back, drop them but right now they need a chance this round to show they can do regularly what they've already shown they can do.

 

[Eric]

Looks like Gosiewski is getting dropped. jodragon40 is going to be pissed. It is a little harsh. I thought he was better than

• Kerr
• Lawrie
• Ford
• Bird (even though he didn't play in the forwards)

That forward pack with

• Burgess. A big prop who'll get the team going forward but won't get through a stack of work.
• Gosiewski. A small forward to compliment Burgess. Get though a lot of work. A lot of tackles in particular.
• Mbye. A good havles, hooker or backline untility.
• Bird. A good forwards utility.

on the bench seems right to me.

 

[Morgan]

If this is the final team, Mbye still at fullback and Bird 5/8, the coach has officially lost his mind. Though he's finally picked the best starting forwards.

St George Illawarra Dragons team round 5:​

1. Moses Mbye
2. Mathew Feagai
3. Moses Suli
4. Zac Lomax
5. Mikaele Ravalawa
6. Jack Bird
7. Ben Hunt
8. Francis Molo
9. Andrew McCullough
10. Aaron Woods
11. Tariq Sims
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Jack de Belin
14. Talatau Amone
15. Josh Kerr
16. Blake Lawrie
17. Jackson Ford
18. Tautau Moga
19. George Burgess
20. Jack Gosiewski
21. Tyrell Sloan
22. Daniel Alvaro
23. Poasa Faamausili
24. Jaiyden Hunt

If what they say about Bird, Sims and de Belin is true, I might lose my mind. Apart from that, the author makes sense.

St George Illawarra Dragons​

Anthony Griffin made some shock changes last week which worked about as well as rubbing your head against sandpaper. It's unclear if Griffin will recall Tyrell Sloan or Talatau Amone to the starting side, but it's hard to see Moses Mbye being named at hooker again. Jayden Sullivan's fitness is also unknown. Provided the duo do get recalled, Mbye will move back to the 14 jersey, Jack Bird back to the second row, Tariq Sims back to lock, Jack de Belin back to the bench and Jackson Ford out of the side.

 

[jodragon40]

I wish it didn't but it does make a lot of sense. Bird at 5/8 and Mbye at fullback was a hopelessly failed experiment. Amone and Sloan needed a wake-up call, now they've had it. Stop screwing around with them. If Amone and Sloan are still doing refusing to run or tackle when Sullivan and Ramsey are back, drop them but right now they need a chance this round to show they can do regularly what they've already shown they can do.

Agree

 

[Chris M]

The silver lining in all this is that everyone agrees, and I mean everyone from the street corner to the offices of Fox Sports, that if Griffin goes with Mbye and Bird again at fullback and 5/8, he might need to be committed. Mybe is just not a fullback. Simple as that. Bird started ok but I read someone post that he seems unfit. I think this is right.

 

[jodragon40]

Woods and Molo need to play 25 min

My understanding of middle forwards is that are the props they play in a strip 5m either side of the kick off spot. Your edge forwards are your 2nd rowers and lock. Murray plays middle edge whilst Arrow is similar whereas Koloamatangi sits outside the edge in a more traditional 5/8 position which allows Walker to roam. As it stands tonight Souths bench is far more dangerous than ours and have many more points in them. Just my personal view.

 

[jodragon40]

The silver lining in all this is that everyone agrees, and I mean everyone from the street corner to the offices of Fox Sports, that if Griffin goes with Mbye and Bird again at fullback and 5/8, he might need to be committed. Mybe is just not a fullback. Simple as that. Bird started ok but I read someone post that he seems unfit. I think this is right.

I said Bird is unfit. If you watch the replay of the Parra game there is one shot of Bird in the background as Parra score again and you can clearly see he is carrying too much weight around his midriff. Later in the game he gets beaten 3 times in the one attacking movement just swinging his arms like the robot on the show Lost in Space and that spells danger danger.

 

[Chris M]

I said Bird is unfit. If you watch the replay of the Parra game there is one shot of Bird in the background as Parra score again and you can clearly see he is carrying too much weight around his midriff. Later in the game he gets beaten 3 times in the one attacking movement just swinging his arms like the robot on the show Lost in Space and that spells danger danger.

I think you are right. His best position is probably as a hard running centre as he was for Cronulla. Instead he has tried to change himself into a second rower but it just isn't working. He has his moments but more forgettable than memorable.

 

[Chris M]

My understanding of middle forwards is that are the props they play in a strip 5m either side of the kick off spot. Your edge forwards are your 2nd rowers and lock. Murray plays middle edge whilst Arrow is similar whereas Koloamatangi sits outside the edge in a more traditional 5/8 position which allows Walker to roam. As it stands tonight Souths bench is far more dangerous than ours and have many more points in them. Just my personal view.

If we have Mbye at fullback and Bird at 5/8, I think this is absolutely correct.