Morgan
SGI NSW Cup
Thanks for the work you have done.
I'm a realist. I very much doubt a wooden spoor is possible but I also doubt we are heading to the finals or are likely to challenge for the premiership.
St George Illawarra in 2023
- Thread starter Eric
- Start date
I'm a realist. I very much doubt a wooden spoor is possible but I also doubt we are heading to the finals or are likely to challenge for the premiership.
Eric
Staff
It's true that in the past I've been overly optimistic. If our young guys (Amone, Sullivan, Sloan, Feagai's) are half as good as most of us think, St George Illawarra Dragons are in for a huge season, IMO. I know it's a big "if" but only time will tell.
RedV01
SGI NSW Cup
STFU with that BS. We are specials for the premiership.
RedV01
SGI NSW Cup
They are going to be even better than we think/hope.
GCRV
SGI NSW Cup
According to Reddit, we only have 7 players in the top 100 highest paid and 3 of them are on contracts subsidised by other clubs.
Most clubs have more and none of them subsidised.
Eric
Staff
yeah, I can't but see a way we aren't under the salary cap. McInnes and Norman were two of out most highly paid and several other journeymen left. We got a few journeymen and a few juniors to replace them.
Eric
Staff
Jayden Sullivan drives culture shift at St George Illawarra Dragons, Rookies locked in on long-term deals
Only a handful of NRL players aged 21 and under are locked on long-term deals, but St George Illawarra Dragons have one of the most promising rookies — and he’s determined to make a difference in 2022.At just 20 Jayden Sullivan already has a sense of responsibility. The boom St George Illawarra youngster shunned offers to commit to a long-term deal at St George Illawarra Dragons last month. His new contract means he will be at the club until at least 2025 – the youngest player in the NRL contracted until then.
Despite interest from elsewhere, Sullivan always wanted to remain at St George Illawarra. He wants to lead a culture shift which he has already spoken about with fellow young guns Junior Amone and Tyrell Sloan.
“It was pretty stressful for a bit but I’m glad I got it all done,” Sullivan said. “I feel like we’ve got something special here. You can just feel the vibe. It’s a lot different to what it was last year and the year before. “We can bring a different culture to what we have here. We’ve been working on that in the pre-season — starting a winning culture. That’s what we owe the club. “I feel a bit more respected because I’ve played first grade now and played out of position. I feel comfortable enough to step out of my comfort zone and dare to be great. With the younger boys it was hard and daunting.”
Spending a large chunk of the season in the bubble too helped sway Sullivan’s mind. That was two-fold – he said he grew a greater connection with his teammates but knew how much he would miss home if he left Wollongong.
“It would’ve been hard to leave the family,” Sullivan said. “I’m a family-oriented person. Being away for three months was hard enough. I don’t know how to live outside of Wollongong. The club gave me the opportunity and I owe it to them.” Sullivan will compete alongside good friend Amone to partner Ben Hunt in the halves. After bouncing around positions last year, he has spent the first few weeks of pre-season training only at five-eighth. “I guess we are competing,” Sullivan said. “I know we shouldn’t say this but it’s a friendly competition. We both want what’s best for the team. We will still be in the 17. I feel like we can bounce off each other and complement each other on the field.
“If I’m playing good footy there is no one to hold me back. If I have to be patient, I’m happy to be patient. If I’m playing my best footy I’m sure I’ll be in the 17. “Playing first grade week in, week out is a big shock to the system. I’ve only played seven games and they were the seven hardest games I’ve played in my life. “I appreciate being in the middle because it’s such a hard task and to play nine and to see how physical it is in the middle.”
Learning to deal with the rigours of first grade was not the only learning curve for Sullivan. He will now listen to his body after a string of hamstring injuries sidelined him for a large chunk of the opening months of the season.
“With (Corey) Norman suspended for round one, I was in a battle with Adam Clune,” Sullivan said. “I was pushing myself too much and over-thinking it because I wanted to be in the 17 for the opening round. It was getting into my sleeping pattern. “The coach asked if I was OK and the next session I tore my hamstring. “After six weeks I came back and in the captain’s run before playing Parramatta in reserve grade, I tore my hamstring. I didn’t tell anyone and I ended up playing 64 minutes with a torn hamstring. I’ve learnt not to be so hard on myself, injuries are part of the game.”
NRL YOUNG GUNS ON LONG-TERM DEALS
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONSJayden Sullivan (halfback). Will eventually replace Ben Hunt in the No.7 jersey but, in the short-term, wants to find his feet in the top grade. Sullivan, 20, was in demand but opted to recommit to the Dragons on a long-term deal. Contracted until 2025.
Others: Mat Feagai (20), Max Feagai (20), Cody Ramsey (21) until 2024.
Interesting Sullivan seems to be getting the bulk of the publicity. From what I've seen, he has a huge future but for this year, I think Amone is going to be the one to make the biggest waves. I hope I'm right in thinking the two of them will compliment each other. Sullivan the playmaker and Amone with the running game. Could be like our version of Thurston and Morgan.
Morgan
SGI NSW Cup
I think we are looking good for the future. I agree with you about Sullivan and Amone complimenting each other. I was just wondering, does Paul McGregor deserve any credit for these young players. And until when is Amone signed? Curious he isn't in the list above. Doesn't Hook have a lot of faith in him?
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GCRV
SGI NSW Cup
No! How many years (of hell) did have to bring young players into the system? If they didn't exist in our junior system, he should have recruited them. Instead he paid overs for mediocre imports.
GCRV
SGI NSW Cup
It is curious Sullivan is getting so much more publicity than Amone and Sloan who unlike Sullivan, are likely to start the year in the NRL.
RedV01
SGI NSW Cup
Ever considered the possibility Hook is thinking Sullivan's ball-playing will suit Hunt's running game? Amone to play fullback if Sloan isn't cutting it.
Morgan
SGI NSW Cup
Actually, I hadn't. But now I have, it's a really good suggestion! Maybe the team would be better off starting Sullivan at 5/8 and Amone on the bench. Because Amone should be able to play almost any backline position but Sullivan only in the halves.
Something to think about for the trails.
RedV01
SGI NSW Cup
Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Eric
Staff
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
The top 30 roster boasts ample depth in the forwards with guys like Daniel Alvaro, Billy Burns and Aaron Woods. It’s further bolstered by NSW Cup players Micheal Molo, Josh Coric and Jackson Shereb. Recruit Moses Mbye is a versatile option that can play off the bench, at hooker and in the backline. Another option at hooker is youngster Connor Muhleisen, who has trained with the NRL side over the summer and will feature in NSW Cup next season. On paper, Anthony Griffin’s backline stocks look thin especially in the halves if Talatau Amone partners Ben Hunt and Mbye plays off the bench.ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS TOP 30 ROSTER
FORWARDS
Second row: Tariq Sims, Tyrell Fuimaono, Jaydn Su‘A, Jackson Ford, Billy Burns, Jack Gosiewski
Prop: George Burgess, Josh McGuire, Blake Lawrie, Josh Kerr, Poasa Faamausili, Aaron Woods, Daniel Alvaro, Francis Molo, Jaiyden Hunt
Hooker: Andrew McCullough
Lock: Jack de Belin (and prop)
BACKS
Fullback: Moses Mbye
Wing: Mikaele Ravalawa, Cody Ramsey (and fullback)
Centre: Zac Lomax, Jack Bird (and lock), Mat Feagai, Max Feagai, Moses Suli, Tautau Moga
Five-eighth: Talatau Amone, Jayden Sullivan
Halfback: Ben Hunt
DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS: Tyrell Sloan (fullback), Shalom O‘Ofou (second row)
FEEDER CLUB: St George Illawarra Dragons
Nice to see another hooker coming through. Hopefully allow us to ship Hunt off to Redcliff for next season and bring Sullivan into play halfback.
To that end, I absolutely disagree with the comment about our halves stocks. Hunt, Amone, Sullivan and Mybe and Bird in a pinch. IMO Lomax would be a capable 5/8 allowing both Feagai's, Suli and Ramsey in the backline.
Second row is very strong. IMO Tariq Sims, Tyrell Fuimaono, Jaydn Su‘A, Jackson Ford, Billy Burns are all capable NRL backrowers and Jack Gosiewski isn't "bad". There is also Jack Bird.
George Burgess, Josh McGuire, Blake Lawrie, Aaron Woods, Francis Molo are capable front rowers. Josh Kerr and Poasa Faamausili need to pull up their socks. I can't remember the game but early last season I remember a missed tackle by Faamausili which led to a try. Didn't even 'lead to' a try, more directly invited it. The opposition player just ran straight passed him and fell over the line. It was such a pathetic attempt, I was surprised Hook didn't drag him straight off the field.
Can't see Daniel Alvaro getting a start in the NRL. Heard a little about Jaiyden Hunt. Heard good things but can't judge it myself.
In the backs I don't think Moga will see any NRL unless there's an injury crisis. I think Bird and Mbye will be in the centres before Moga.
I remember reading previously about Ramsey eating and going to the gym a lot so he can run harder and make more metres. I think that is a pretty accurate description.
RedV01
SGI NSW Cup
So 29 spots filled and 2 development players.
Morgan
SGI NSW Cup
Not bad. The biggest weakness I see, or the main thing that would prevent us from being among the best teams is an outside back who regularly breaks the line. Like Trbojevic, Mitchell, Tedesco, Manu. I just realized Melbourne has a 5/8 who breaks the line and Papenhuyzen is good running through gaps. Olam runs hard.
We have Lomax, excellent at putting away the winger. Ravalawa runs hard. We need Sloan and Amone to step up!
Chris M
SGI NSW Cup
Would also be nice to have a tackle busting backrower.
Morgan
SGI NSW Cup
It's too bad for Tyson Frizzel. During his prime with good coaching, training and game plans, he would have been an even more potent weapon on the edges. Now he is passed his best. We let him go at just the right time. One of out few recruitment and retention success stories since........... since Nathan Brown! I know Bennett but he merely got the best out of players already on the books with only a few imports.
GCRV
SGI NSW Cup
Excuse me? Weyman, Boyd, Scott, Costigan. Eventually he even got Gaz back. I think Saffy was also signed under Bennett. And the hooker as well..... can't remember his name.
That's half the team!
GCRV
SGI NSW Cup
Not a bad roster. Bird and Mbye both good utility players. Especially the latter isn't so good in any specific position. Having both signed seems wasteful.