St George Illawarra in 2023

[Chris M]

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.

Looks okay I guess. A lot depends on how they have managed the off season. Or how the coaching staff has prepared them. On last years form, probably won't be a top 8 side. I like that some of the deadwood had been cut loose. Jaiyden Hunt is big and mobile for someone his size. He should be able to run hard and make metres. He'll probably be in front of Josh Kerr and Poasa Faamausili. If he had a big off season and coach Griffin has him ready to go, he may well be ahead of Burgess and Woods.

 

[Chris M]

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!

Nathan Fein, I think is the name you are looking for. Or was it Nathan Fien? Same as most of those recruits in that Bennett turned them from fringe NRL players to SOO players or test players. Boyd and think Costigan had already debuted in Origin but both were on the outer at their clubs and there wasn't much interest in them from other clubs. Boyd comes across as a complete *#`*+>< and he played a year or two too long but he was sensational for the Dragons.

 

[Eric]

New generation is key to the St George Illawarra Dragons revival​

It’s been a lean few seasons for St George Illawarra Dragons fans, who have had to endure some strange decisions on and off the field.

I doubt any hardline fan or casual fan for that matter will miss Corey Norman, while the signing of the likes of Aaron Woods, Jack Gosiewski and Tautau Moga seems strange.

However, the emergence of a crop of promising young juniors, led by Jayden Sullivan, points to a brighter future for the Dragons, who haven’t played finals football since 2018. Joining Sullivan are the Feagai twins, Max and Mat, who have impressed in limited opportunities, Junior Amone, who dazzled at the back end of 2021, and Tyrell Sloan, who burst into the NRL last season, scoring an impressive six tries in just five games.

With Norman’s absence and with Adam Clune at the Newcastle Knights, the time is perfect for either Sullivan or Amone to establish a spot in the NRL alongside skipper Ben Hunt. Sullivan recently inked a new three-year deal and possesses speed, agility and confidence, which hasn’t been seen in a Dragons playmaker in some time.

Amone impressed in the centres last year but is unlikely to remain there, with Zac Lomax on the right and new recruit Moses Suli forming the likely centre pairing. He will most likely battle new recruit Moses Mbye for the utility role off the bench. No disrespect to Mbye, but Amone offers more.

The Feagai twins are highly rated and have both come through the Dragons’ pathways system and need to be given more opportunities in order to showcase their obvious talents. Max may find it tough to break into first grade but should be next cab off the rank if either Lomax or Suli go down, while Mat should be selected on the flank ahead of the enigmatic Cody Ramsay. Sloan’s stunning rise and the ease with which he transitioned into an NRL fullback must have the Dragons’ hierarchy salivating at their prospects.

Matt Dufty was great in attack but was very poor defensively and was reluctant to put his body on the line. Combined with his poor positional play, which didn’t improve over five seasons, he left the club little choice. The Dragons have definitely traded up by letting Dufty go and promoting Sloan.

Only 17 players can be picked each week, plus one reserve for concussion protocols. But if Anthony Griffin bloods these players from Round 1, they will develop nicely throughout the season and give Dragons fans reason to believe a return to September football is not too far away.

---

There it is with Sullivan again! I've said repeatedly I'm a big fan but for this season, unless Hunt is injured, I can't see him beating Amone to 5/8.

Am I missing something? From what I have seen, Sullivan is a really good playmaker who isn't going to impress with speed and agility. Amone will do that. Also, maybe not Norman but Widdop and Soward were hardly slouches. Soward was one of the quickest in the comp over 10~15 metres while Widdop was perfectly at home at fullback.

I'm also not sure Suli should be in ahead of one Feagai on the wing and one in the centres.

Agree completely regarding Dufty vs Sloan.

Not sure about Woods. I think he still might have a good season or two left in him. He is never going (and IMO, should never have) to play Origin but neither is Lawrie or Burgess. Molo of course has but that tells us more about QLD's lack of depth than anything else.

 

[RedV01]

New generation is key to the St George Illawarra Dragons revival​

It’s been a lean few seasons for Dragons fans, who have had to endure some strange decisions on and off the field.

I doubt any hardline fan or casual fan for that matter will miss Corey Norman, while the signing of the likes of Aaron Woods, Jack Gosiewski and Tautau Moga seems strange.

However, the emergence of a crop of promising young juniors, led by Jayden Sullivan, points to a brighter future for the Dragons, who haven’t played finals football since 2018. Joining Sullivan are the Feagai twins, Max and Mat, who have impressed in limited opportunities, Junior Amone, who dazzled at the back end of 2021, and Tyrell Sloan, who burst into the NRL last season, scoring an impressive six tries in just five games.

With Norman’s absence and with Adam Clune at the Newcastle Knights, the time is perfect for either Sullivan or Amone to establish a spot in the NRL alongside skipper Ben Hunt. Sullivan recently inked a new three-year deal and possesses speed, agility and confidence, which hasn’t been seen in a Dragons playmaker in some time.

Amone impressed in the centres last year but is unlikely to remain there, with Zac Lomax on the right and new recruit Moses Suli forming the likely centre pairing. He will most likely battle new recruit Moses Mbye for the utility role off the bench. No disrespect to Mbye, but Amone offers more.

The Feagai twins are highly rated and have both come through the Dragons’ pathways system and need to be given more opportunities in order to showcase their obvious talents. Max may find it tough to break into first grade but should be next cab off the rank if either Lomax or Suli go down, while Mat should be selected on the flank ahead of the enigmatic Cody Ramsay. Sloan’s stunning rise and the ease with which he transitioned into an NRL fullback must have the Dragons’ hierarchy salivating at their prospects.

Matt Dufty was great in attack but was very poor defensively and was reluctant to put his body on the line. Combined with his poor positional play, which didn’t improve over five seasons, he left the club little choice. The Dragons have definitely traded up by letting Dufty go and promoting Sloan.

Only 17 players can be picked each week, plus one reserve for concussion protocols. But if Anthony Griffin bloods these players from Round 1, they will develop nicely throughout the season and give Dragons fans reason to believe a return to September football is not too far away.

---

There it is with Sullivan again! I've said repeatedly I'm a big fan but for this season, unless Hunt is injured, I can't see him beating Amone to 5/8.

Am I missing something? From what I have seen, Sullivan is a really good playmaker who isn't going to impress with speed and agility. Amone will do that. Also, maybe not Norman but Widdop and Soward were hardly slouches. Soward was one of the quickest in the comp over 10~15 metres while Widdop was perfectly at home at fullback.

I'm also not sure Suli should be in ahead of one Feagai on the wing and one in the centres.

Agree completely regarding Dufty vs Sloan.

Not sure about Woods. I think he still might have a good season or two left in him. He is never going (and IMO, should never have) to play Origin but neither is Lawrie or Burgess. Molo of course has but that tells us more about QLD's lack of depth than anything else.

Hunt's running game is strong. His playmaking isn't "bad" but maybe a good playmaker like Sullivan would be a better match.

Just a possibility which I think should be examined during the trials.

 

[Morgan]

New generation is key to the St George Illawarra Dragons revival​

It’s been a lean few seasons for St George Illawarra Dragons fans, who have had to endure some strange decisions on and off the field.

I doubt any dedicated or casual fan for that matter will miss Corey Norman, while the signing of the likes of Aaron Woods, Jack Gosiewski and Tautau Moga is a head scratcher.

However, the emergence of a group of promising young juniors, led by Jayden Sullivan, points to a brighter future for St George Illawarra Dragons, who haven’t played finals football since 2018. Joining Sullivan are the Feagai twins, Max and Mat, who have impressed in limited opportunities, Junior Amone, who dazzled at the back end of 2021, and Tyrell Sloan, who burst into the NRL last season, scoring an impressive six tries in just five games.

With Corey Norman’s absence and with Adam Clune at the Newcastle Knights, the time is perfect for either Sullivan or Amone to establish a spot in the NRL alongside skipper Ben Hunt. Jayden Sullivan recently inked a new three-year deal and possesses speed, agility and confidence, which hasn’t been seen in a Dragons playmaker in some time.

Amone impressed in the centres last year but is unlikely to remain there, with Zac Lomax on the right and new recruit Moses Suli forming the likely centre pairing. He will most likely battle new recruit Moses Mbye for the utility role off the bench. No disrespect to Mbye, but Amone offers more.

The Feagai twins are highly rated and have both come through the Dragons’ pathways system and need to be given more opportunities in order to showcase their obvious talents. Max may find it tough to break into first grade but should be next cab off the rank if either Lomax or Suli go down, while Mat should be selected on the flank ahead of the enigmatic Cody Ramsay. Sloan’s stunning rise and the ease with which he transitioned into an NRL fullback must have the Dragons’ hierarchy salivating at their prospects.

Matt Dufty was great in attack but was very poor defensively and was reluctant to put his body on the line. Combined with his poor positional play, which didn’t improve over five seasons, he left the club little choice. The Dragons have definitely traded up by letting Dufty go and promoting Sloan.

Only 17 players can be picked each week, plus one reserve for concussion protocols. But if Anthony Griffin bloods these players from Round 1, they will develop nicely throughout the season and give Dragons fans reason to believe a return to September football is not too far away.

---

There it is with Sullivan again! I've said repeatedly I'm a big fan but for this season, unless Hunt is injured, I can't see him beating Amone to 5/8.

Am I missing something? From what I have seen, Sullivan is a really good playmaker who isn't going to impress with speed and agility. Amone will do that. Also, maybe not Norman but Widdop and Soward were hardly slouches. Soward was one of the quickest in the comp over 10~15 metres while Widdop was perfectly at home at fullback.

I'm also not sure Suli should be in ahead of one Feagai on the wing and one in the centres.

Agree completely regarding Dufty vs Sloan.

Not sure about Woods. I think he still might have a good season or two left in him. He is never going (and IMO, should never have) to play Origin but neither is Lawrie or Burgess. Molo of course has but that tells us more about QLD's lack of depth than anything else.

Was a curious comment about playmakers. Obviously the author isn't looking past Corey Norman.

The thing that continues to get my attention is the lack of forwards coming through. Why is that? It's not as if Sullivan, Amone and etc could have done what they did in the juniors without forwards.

Hunt's running game is strong. His playmaking isn't "bad" but maybe a good playmaker like Sullivan would be a better match.

Just a possibility which I think should be examined during the trials.

Good point. That's what trials are for. May even be worth trying them together and Hunt at hooker. Though when you think about it, Corey Norman was signed to be a playmaker.

 

[RedV01]

Was a curious comment about playmakers. Obviously the author isn't looking past Corey Norman.

The thing that continues to get my attention is the lack of forwards coming through at the Dragons. Why is that? It's not as if Sullivan, Amone and etc could have done what they did in the juniors without forwards.

Good point. That's what trials are for. May even be worth trying them together and Hunt at hooker. Though when you think about it, Corey Norman was signed to be a playmaker.

Hunt will be halfback this year so better give both a chance to partner Hunt, not put Hunt at hooker to accommodate Sullivan and Amone.

 

[RedV01]

A lot of BS in this.

---

ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS​

DEPTH CHART​

Position	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th
Fullback	Tyrell Sloan	Cody Ramsey	-	-	-
Wing	Mikaele Ravalawa Matt Feagai	-	-	-	-
Centre	Moses Suli Zac Lomax	Max Feagai Tautau Moga	-	-	-
Five-eighth	Junior Amone	Jayden Sullivan	-	-	-
Halfback	Ben Hunt	Moses Mbye	-	-	-
Lock	Jack Bird	-	-	-	-
Second-row	Tariq Sims Jaydn Su'A	Tyrell Fuimaono Billy Burns	Jackson Ford Jack Gosiewski	Shalom O'Ofou	-
Prop	Jack De Belin Blake Lawrie	Francis Molo Josh McGuire	Aaron Woods Josh Kerr	George Burgess Daniel Alvaro	Jaidyn Hunt Poasa Faamausili
Hooker	Andrew McCullough	-	-	-	-

DEPTH ANALYSIS​

Anthony Griffin has gone to the market to bolster his forward pack for his second year in charge at the Dragons. The result is a line of depth not many other clubs have in the front-row, with Griffin realistically able to name five different sets of props if he wanted to. But outside of that there are still some huge holes in his roster that could cause big issues through the year. The outside backs is an area of concern and although they have players like Mbye, Bird, Ramsey and the Feagai twins able to shift between multiple positions, this area of their roster could be exposed. The lack of a specialist hooker to back up McCullough is also a worry, although the Red V do have promising local product Conor Muhleisen on their books, who is expected to earn a development contract soon.

STRENGTHS: Middle forwards, Halves, Fullback

WEAKNESSES: Hooker, Wing, Centre

RATING: 7.5/10 – One thing that stands out with Griffin's roster is the number of utility players, which will definitely alleviate some of the concerns around the back five and hooker. The number of middle forwards at Griffin's disposal in 2022 is impressive, but whether they can all perform is another debate.

---

Weird how they say we are light in the outside backs but then immediately name all the options. Hooker is a problem. I guess Mbye if McCollough goes down.

De Belin should play lock with Bird his backup.

 

[Eric]

A lot of BS in this.

---

ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS​

DEPTH CHART​

Position	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th
Fullback	Tyrell Sloan	Cody Ramsey	-	-	-
Wing	Mikaele Ravalawa Matt Feagai	-	-	-	-
Centre	Moses Suli Zac Lomax	Max Feagai Tautau Moga	-	-	-
Five-eighth	Junior Amone	Jayden Sullivan	-	-	-
Halfback	Ben Hunt	Moses Mbye	-	-	-
Lock	Jack Bird	-	-	-	-
Second-row	Tariq Sims Jaydn Su'A	Tyrell Fuimaono Billy Burns	Jackson Ford Jack Gosiewski	Shalom O'Ofou	-
Prop	Jack De Belin Blake Lawrie	Francis Molo Josh McGuire	Aaron Woods Josh Kerr	George Burgess Daniel Alvaro	Jaidyn Hunt Poasa Faamausili
Hooker	Andrew McCullough	-	-	-	-

DEPTH ANALYSIS​

Anthony Griffin has gone to the market to bolster his forward pack for his second year in charge at St George Illawarra Dragons. The result is a line of depth not many other clubs have in the front-row, with Griffin realistically able to name five different sets of props if he wanted to. But outside of that there are still some huge holes in his roster that could cause big issues through the year. The outside backs is an area of concern and although they have players like Mbye, Bird, Ramsey and the Feagai twins able to shift between multiple positions, this area of their roster could be exposed. The lack of a specialist hooker to back up McCullough is also a worry, although the Red V do have promising local product Conor Muhleisen on their books, who is expected to earn a development contract soon.

STRENGTHS: Middle forwards, Halves, Fullback

WEAKNESSES: Hooker, Wing, Centre

RATING: 7.5/10 – One thing that stands out with Griffin's roster is the number of utility players, which will definitely alleviate some of the concerns around the back five and hooker. The number of middle forwards at Griffin's disposal in 2022 is impressive, but whether they can all perform is another debate.

---

Weird how they say we are light in the outside backs but then immediately name all the options. Hooker is a problem. I guess Mbye if McCullough goes down.

De Belin should play lock with Bird his backup.

They are right about depth in the forwards. Seems needless. Wouldn't it have been better to save the money by front-loading a few contracts and then have money to spend on a big name?

I'm looking forward to seeing what he is going to do with JDB and Bird. My feeling is that Bird would be an excellent player to bring on after about 25min when opposition forwards are tiring. I feel JDB needs to start but we also need a few big props starting.

So I'd change it to:

Position	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th
Fullback	Tyrell Sloan	Cody Ramsey	-	-	-
Wing	Mikaele Ravalawa Matt Feagai	-	-	-	-
Centre	Max Feagai Zac Lomax	Moses Suli Tautau Moga	-	-	-
Five-eighth	Junior Amone	Moses Mbye	-	-	-
Halfback	Ben Hunt	Jayden Sullivan	-	-	-
Lock	Jack de Belin	Jack Bird	-	-	-
Second-row	Tariq Sims Jaydn Su'A	Tyrell Fuimaono Billy Burns	Jackson Ford Shalom O'Ofou	Jack Gosiewski	-
Prop	Francis Molo Blake Lawrie	Aaron Woods Josh McGuire	George Burgess Josh Kerr	Jaidyn Hunt Daniel Alvaro	Poasa Faamausili
Hooker	Andrew McCullough	-	-	-	-

 

[Morgan]

They are right about depth in the forwards. Seems needless. Wouldn't it have been better to save the money by front-loading a few contracts and then have money to spend on a big name?

I'm looking forward to seeing what he is going to do with JDB and Bird. My feeling is that Bird would be an excellent player to bring on after about 25min when opposition forwards are tiring. I feel JDB needs to start but we also need a few big props starting.

So I'd change it to:

Position	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th
Fullback	Tyrell Sloan	Cody Ramsey	-	-	-
Wing	Mikaele Ravalawa Matt Feagai	-	-	-	-
Centre	Max Feagai Zac Lomax	Moses Suli Tautau Moga	-	-	-
Five-eighth	Junior Amone	Moses Mbye	-	-	-
Halfback	Ben Hunt	Jayden Sullivan	-	-	-
Lock	Jack de Belin	Jack Bird	-	-	-
Second-row	Tariq Sims Jaydn Su'A	Tyrell Fuimaono Billy Burns	Jackson Ford Shalom O'Ofou	Jack Gosiewski	-
Prop	Francis Molo Blake Lawrie	Aaron Woods Josh McGuire	George Burgess Josh Kerr	Jaidyn Hunt Daniel Alvaro	Poasa Faamausili
Hooker	Andrew McCullough	-	-	-	-

It does highlight the depth we have in the forwards but as the original article stated, in the backs with several players who can cover several positions, we have depth in the backs as well. Too soon to have have Feagai ahead of Suli. The both should be given a chance in the trials but at this point, Suli is a known quantity. If he can get more involved, he could be a really good signing.

 

[Chris M]

They are right about depth in the forwards. Seems needless. Wouldn't it have been better to save the money by front-loading a few contracts and then have money to spend on a big name?

I'm looking forward to seeing what he is going to do with JDB and Bird. My feeling is that Bird would be an excellent player to bring on after about 25min when opposition forwards are tiring. I feel JDB needs to start but we also need a few big props starting.

So I'd change it to:

Position	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th
Fullback	Tyrell Sloan	Cody Ramsey	-	-	-
Wing	Mikaele Ravalawa Matt Feagai	-	-	-	-
Centre	Max Feagai Zac Lomax	Moses Suli Tautau Moga	-	-	-
Five-eighth	Junior Amone	Moses Mbye	-	-	-
Halfback	Ben Hunt	Jayden Sullivan	-	-	-
Lock	Jack de Belin	Jack Bird	-	-	-
Second-row	Tariq Sims Jaydn Su'A	Tyrell Fuimaono Billy Burns	Jackson Ford Shalom O'Ofou	Jack Gosiewski	-
Prop	Francis Molo Blake Lawrie	Aaron Woods Josh McGuire	George Burgess Josh Kerr	Jaidyn Hunt Daniel Alvaro	Poasa Faamausili
Hooker	Andrew McCullough	-	-	-	-

That looks pretty reasonable but not sure Lawrie will be ahead of McGuire and Woods. I wish it wasn't so. Lawrie runs hard and tries hard but without an offload, not sure how long he can make it in the NRL.

 

[Chris M]

It does highlight the depth we have in the forwards but as the original article stated, in the backs with several players who can cover several positions, we have depth in the backs as well. Too soon to have have Feagai ahead of Suli. The both should be given a chance in the trials but at this point, Suli is a known quantity. If he can get more involved, he could be a really good signing.

It's highlights the lack of forwards we have had coming through the ranks. Out of all them the only lock for the best 17 is de Belin. Lawrie will have to fight it out for a spot in the 17. Kerr, Jackson Ford and O'Ofuo look unlikely barring an injury crisis. Can't blame Hook but what a fuking useless idiot Baldy McGregor was!!

 

[Chris M]

Generation next is key to the St George Illawarra Dragons revival​

It’s been a lean few seasons for St George Illawarra Dragons fans, who have had to endure some strange decisions on and off the field.

I doubt any hardline fan or casual fan for that matter will miss Corey Norman, while the signing of the likes of Aaron Woods, Jack Gosiewski and Tautau Moga seems strange.

However, the emergence of a crop of promising young juniors, led by Jayden Sullivan, points to a brighter future for the Dragons, who haven’t played finals football since 2018. Joining Sullivan are the Feagai twins, Max and Mat, who have impressed in limited opportunities, Junior Amone, who dazzled in the few games he played at the back end of 2021, and Tyrell Sloan, who burst into the NRL last season, scoring an impressive six tries in just five games.

With Norman’s absence and with Adam Clune at the Newcastle Knights, the time is perfect for either Sullivan or Amone to establish a spot in the NRL alongside skipper Ben Hunt. Sullivan recently inked a new three-year deal and possesses speed, agility and confidence, which hasn’t been seen in a St George Illawarra Dragons playmaker in some time.

Amone impressed in the centres last year but is unlikely to remain there, with Zac Lomax on the right and new recruit Moses Suli forming the likely centre pairing. He will most likely battle new recruit Moses Mbye for the utility role off the bench. No disrespect to Mbye, but Amone offers more.

The Feagai twins are highly rated and have both come through the Dragons pathways and need to be given more opportunities in order to showcase their obvious talents. Max may find it tough to break into first grade but should be first in if either Lomax or Suli go down, while Mat should be selected on the flank ahead of the enigmatic Cody Ramsay. Sloan’s stunning rise and the ease with which he transitioned into an NRL fullback must have the Dragons’ hierarchy salivating at their prospects.

Matt Dufty was great in attack but was very poor defensively and was reluctant to put his body on the line. Combined with his poor positional play, which didn’t improve over five seasons, he left the club little choice. The Dragons have definitely traded up by letting Dufty go and promoting Sloan.

Only 17 players can be picked each week, plus one reserve for concussion protocols. But if Anthony Griffin bloods these players from Round 1, they will develop nicely throughout the season and give Dragons fans reason to believe a return to September football is not too far away.

---

There it is with Sullivan again! I've said repeatedly I'm a big fan but for this season, unless Hunt is injured, I can't see him beating Amone to 5/8.

Am I missing something? From what I have seen, Sullivan is a really good playmaker who isn't going to impress with speed and agility. Amone will do that. Also, maybe not Norman but Widdop and Soward were hardly slouches. Soward was one of the quickest in the comp over 10~15 metres while Widdop was perfectly at home at fullback.

I'm also not sure Suli should be in ahead of one Feagai on the wing and one in the centres.

Agree completely regarding Dufty vs Sloan.

Not sure about Woods. I think he still might have a good season or two left in him. He is never going (and IMO, should never have) to play Origin but neither is Lawrie or Burgess. Molo of course has but that tells us more about QLD's lack of depth than anything else.

Sullivan is a good playmaker but has speed and agility as well. But I agree Amone will be 5/8 unless something dramatic happens in the trails.

 

[RedV01]

They are right about depth in the forwards. Seems needless. Wouldn't it have been better to save the money by front-loading a few contracts and then have money to spend on a big name?

I'm looking forward to seeing what he is going to do with JDB and Bird. My feeling is that Bird would be an excellent player to bring on after about 25min when opposition forwards are tiring. I feel JDB needs to start but we also need a few big props starting.

So I'd change it to:

Position	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th
Fullback	Tyrell Sloan	Cody Ramsey	-	-	-
Wing	Mikaele Ravalawa Matt Feagai	-	-	-	-
Centre	Max Feagai Zac Lomax	Moses Suli Tautau Moga	-	-	-
Five-eighth	Junior Amone	Moses Mbye	-	-	-
Halfback	Ben Hunt	Jayden Sullivan	-	-	-
Lock	Jack de Belin	Jack Bird	-	-	-
Second-row	Tariq Sims Jaydn Su'A	Tyrell Fuimaono Billy Burns	Jackson Ford Shalom O'Ofou	Jack Gosiewski	-
Prop	Francis Molo Blake Lawrie	Aaron Woods Josh McGuire	George Burgess Josh Kerr	Jaidyn Hunt Daniel Alvaro	Poasa Faamausili
Hooker	Andrew McCullough	-	-	-	-

I'd prefer JDB starting as well. I'd like Bird starting as well, just not sure where. Lock is the obvious choice but not in front of De Belin.

 

[GCRV]

I'd prefer JDB starting as well. I'd like Bird starting as well, just not sure where. Lock is the obvious choice but not in front of De Belin.

So you wouldn't prefer Bird starting? It's lock with JDB at prop or not starting. Personally, I'm happy either way. Just think need another big body starting.

 

[GCRV]

They are right about depth in the forwards. Seems needless. Wouldn't it have been better to save the money by front-loading a few contracts and then have money to spend on a big name?

I'm looking forward to seeing what he is going to do with JDB and Bird. My feeling is that Bird would be an excellent player to bring on after about 25min when opposition forwards are tiring. I feel JDB needs to start but we also need a few big props starting.

So I'd change it to:

Position	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th
Fullback	Tyrell Sloan	Cody Ramsey	-	-	-
Wing	Mikaele Ravalawa Matt Feagai	-	-	-	-
Centre	Max Feagai Zac Lomax	Moses Suli Tautau Moga	-	-	-
Five-eighth	Junior Amone	Moses Mbye	-	-	-
Halfback	Ben Hunt	Jayden Sullivan	-	-	-
Lock	Jack de Belin	Jack Bird	-	-	-
Second-row	Tariq Sims Jaydn Su'A	Tyrell Fuimaono Billy Burns	Jackson Ford Shalom O'Ofou	Jack Gosiewski	-
Prop	Francis Molo Blake Lawrie	Aaron Woods Josh McGuire	George Burgess Josh Kerr	Jaidyn Hunt Daniel Alvaro	Poasa Faamausili
Hooker	Andrew McCullough	-	-	-	-

Confirms depth is our strength.

Front-loading contracts may have been an idea but Ponga is the only big name available and Saints have high hopes for Sloan and Amone. So Ponga isn't worth really big money for us.

 

[Morgan]

According to News Ltd we have only the 10th best halves combination in the competition. Penrith certainly has the best but I think we aren't far off any other combination in the competition. They have
9. 6 Jack Wighton, No.7 Jamal Fogarty maybe but have to see if last year was an abberation for Wighton.
8.No.6 Jackson Hastings, No.7 Luke Brooks WTF is this???? No way would I trade our halves for this pair.
7. No.6 Ashley Taylor, No.7 Shaun Johnson Shaun Johnson is a good player but maybe passed his best. Ash Taylor is rubbish. Again, no way I'd trade our halves for this pair.
6. Cody Walker, No.7 Blake Taaffe maybe. Can't say at this stage and Walker is also getting on.
5. No.6 Luke Keary, No.7 Sam Walker Can't wait to see our backrowers and Suli running at these two.
4. No.6 Dylan Brown, No.7 Mitchell Moses Moses is a good player but I've never seen Brown play really well.
3. No.6 Kieran Foran, No.7 Daly Cherry-Evans Pretty hard to argue with this even though they were rubbish without Trbojevic.
2. No.6 Cameron Munster, No.7 Jahrome Hughes I agree with this.
1. No.6 Jarome Luai, No.7 Nathan Cleary No brainer.

---

10. ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Halves: No.6 Talatau Amone, No.7 Ben Hunt

Analysis: St George Illawarra captain Ben Hunt returned to his best under old/new coach Anthony Griffin last season and were it not for injuries and the Covid BBQ scandal it likely would have resulted in a finals berth. Corey Norman is gone opening the door for talented youngster Talatau Amone to partner Hunt in the halves in 2022. Amone looks an exciting prospect and dominated at times late in the season in an understrength Dragons side. The 19-year-old has a bright future and the steady hand of Hunt beside him is the perfect way to develop him into a consistent NRL playmaker. With Jayden Sullivan and Tyrell Sloan also set for breakout years, Amone and Hunt could be one of the surprise packet halves pairings of 2022 and so could the Dragons.

---

Despite the noise in the media about Sullivan, I think we can be pretty sure Amone is penciled in to be 5/8.

 

[RedV01]

According to News Ltd we have only the 10th best halves combination in the competition. Penrith certainly has the best but I think we aren't far off any other combination in the competition. They have
9. 6 Jack Wighton, No.7 Jamal Fogarty maybe but have to see if last year was an abberation for Wighton.
8.No.6 Jackson Hastings, No.7 Luke Brooks WTF is this???? No way would I trade our halves for this pair.
7. No.6 Ashley Taylor, No.7 Shaun Johnson Shaun Johnson is a good player but maybe passed his best. Ash Taylor is rubbish. Again, no way I'd trade our halves for this pair.
6. Cody Walker, No.7 Blake Taaffe maybe. Can't say at this stage and Walker is also getting on.
5. No.6 Luke Keary, No.7 Sam Walker Can't wait to see our backrowers and Suli running at these two.
4. No.6 Dylan Brown, No.7 Mitchell Moses Moses is a good player but I've never seen Brown play really well.
3. No.6 Kieran Foran, No.7 Daly Cherry-Evans Pretty hard to argue with this even though they were rubbish without Trbojevic.
2. No.6 Cameron Munster, No.7 Jahrome Hughes I agree with this.
1. No.6 Jarome Luai, No.7 Nathan Cleary No brainer.

---

10. ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Halves: No.6 Talatau Amone, No.7 Ben Hunt

Analysis: St George Illawarra skipper Ben Hunt returned to his best under old/new coach Anthony Griffin in 2021 and were it not for injuries and the Covid BBQ scandal it likely would have resulted in a finals berth. Corey Norman is gone opening the door for talented youngster Talatau Amone to partner Hunt in the halves in 2022. Amone looks an exciting prospect and dominated at times late in the season in an understrength Dragons side. The 19-year-old has a bright future and the steady hand of Hunt beside him is the perfect way to develop him into a consistent NRL playmaker. With Jayden Sullivan and Tyrell Sloan also set for breakout years, Amone and Hunt could be one of the surprise packet halves pairings of 2022 and so could the Dragons.

---

Despite the noise in the media about Sullivan, I think we can be pretty sure Amone is penciled in to be 5/8.

I'm biased but I have our halves in 4th in this list. Pending 3rd due to Manly's halves getting near retirement.

 

[Eric]

According to News Ltd we have only the 10th best halves combination in the competition. Penrith certainly has the best but I think we aren't far off any other combination in the competition. They have
9. No.6 Jack Wighton, No.7 Jamal Fogarty maybe but have to see if last year was an abberation for Wighton.
8. No.6 Jackson Hastings, No.7 Luke Brooks WTF is this???? No way would I trade our halves for this pair.
7. No.6 Ashley Taylor, No.7 Shaun Johnson Shaun Johnson is a good player but maybe passed his best. Ash Taylor is rubbish. Again, no way I'd trade our halves for this pair.
6. No.6 Cody Walker, No.7 Blake Taaffe maybe. Can't say at this stage and Walker is also getting on.
5. No.6 Luke Keary, No.7 Sam Walker Can't wait to see our backrowers and Suli running at these two.
4. No.6 Dylan Brown, No.7 Mitchell Moses Moses is a good player but I've never seen Brown play really well.
3. No.6 Kieran Foran, No.7 Daly Cherry-Evans Pretty hard to argue with this even though they were rubbish without Trbojevic.
2. No.6 Cameron Munster, No.7 Jahrome Hughes I agree with this.
1. No.6 Jarome Luai, No.7 Nathan Cleary No brainer.

---

10. ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Halves: No.6 Talatau Amone, No.7 Ben Hunt

Analysis: Dragons captain Ben Hunt returned to his best under old/new coach Anthony Griffin last season and were it not for injuries and the Covid BBQ scandal it likely would have resulted in a finals berth. Corey Norman has been moved along for talented youngster Talatau Amone to partner Hunt in the halves in 2022. Amone looks an exciting prospect and dominated at times late in the season in an understrength Dragons side. The 19-year-old has a bright future and the steady hand of Hunt beside him is the perfect way to develop him into a consistent NRL playmaker. With Jayden Sullivan and Tyrell Sloan also set for breakout years, Amone and Hunt could be one of the surprise packet halves pairings of 2022 and so could the Dragons.

---

Despite the noise in the media about Sullivan, I think we can be pretty sure Amone is penciled in to be 5/8.

Rating Luke Brooks and Jackson Hastings above our halves is bizarre. The others are arguable. We all have high hopes in Amone and Hunt this season and Sullivan and Amone in the future but as of right now, we really don't know. Amone's running game is outstanding. We know that already but is he a good playmaker?

 

[GCRV]

Rating Luke Brooks and Jackson Hastings above our halves is bizarre. The others are arguable. We all have high hopes in Amone and Hunt this season and Sullivan and Amone in the future but as of right now, we really don't know. Amone's running game is outstanding. We know that already but is he a good playmaker?

Rating Brooks and Hastings above our halves is trolling. They will say Amone is untested. That's true but Brooks and Hastings have both been extensively tested and hopelessly failed all those tests.

 

[GCRV]

I'm biased but I have our halves in 4th in this list. Pending 3rd due to Manly's halves getting near retirement.

If you are talking about potential. As is, probably not close to 4th.