RedV01
SGI NSW Cup
Hunt had his best season ever last year. Amone excelled in his few opportunities. They have more than mere 'potential'. They have runs on the board.
St George Illawarra in 2023
- Thread starter Eric
- Start date
Morgan
SGI NSW Cup
A good amount of BS here. We have nothing but depth in the centres and wings. Both Feigai's will probably start the year in the NSW Cup. Then we have Mbye or Moga who can play in the centres. Then we have Jack Bird who can be shifted to play in the centres. And if McCullough goes down, I presume Mbye will play hooker. If not, Hunt to switch to hooker and Sullivan and Amone to play in the halves.
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Halves: Ben Hunt, Jayden Sullivan (also hooker), Talatau Amone (also centre), Moses Mbye (also fullback, centre and hooker)
Hooker: Andrew McCullough
Prop: Blake Lawrie, Aaron Woods, George Burgess, Francis Molo, Jaiyden Hunt, Poasa Faamausili, Daniel Alvaro
Second row: Tariq Sims, Jaydn Su’A, Tyrell Fuimaono, Josh Kerr (also prop), Billy Burns, Jack Gosiewski
Lock: Jack de Belin, Josh McGuire (also prop) Jackson Ford (also second row)
Fullback: Tyrell Sloan
Centre: Zac Lomax, Jack Bird (also second row), Moses Suli, Tautau Moga
Wing: Cody Ramsey (also fullback), Mikaele Ravalawa, Mat Feagai (also centre), Max Feagai (also centre)
It seems coach Anthony 'Hook' Griffin is going to back his next generation of players this season, which is an exciting step for the future of the club..... but will also be a bit of a risk. Griffin axed Matt Dufty and Corey Norman as well as allowing the likes of Adam Clune, Cameron McInnes, Jordan Pereira and Gerard Beale to leave. Jayden Sullivan is expected to partner Ben Hunt in the halves, meaning he won’t be able to fill in at hooker if something happens to Andrew McCullough.
With McInnes now at the Sharks, and Billy Brittain and Hayden Lomax released, the Dragons are seriously lacking depth at No.9. The club signed ex-Sharks utility Jack A Williams on a train-and-trial however he was let go a few weeks into pre-season. Ex-Bulldogs hooker and reserve grade veteran Brad Dietz has joined the Dragons’ NSW Cup side and could be the solution to the depth problem. However he’s only training with Cup and hasn’t been offered a full-time deal.
The Dragons’ halves and winger stocks are also looking a little slim. New recruits Moses Suli, Moses Mbye and Tautau Moga are new options for the centres — which is handy given Jack Bird is expected to make a permanent shift to the second row — but they’ve played little to no games on the wing.
Griffin has the Feagai twins, Cody Ramsey and Mikaele Ravalawa to choose from but could benefit from using one of the two remaining roster spots on an experienced winger.
And as for the other spot? A half. It’s the year of the young guns for the Dragons and both Sullivan and Talatau Amone will spend time at five-eighth but it can’t hurt to have a safety net in place. Mbye can cover a stack of position but after losing Corey Norman and Adam Clune, an extra specialised playmaker on deck is a must — especially in the event Hunt is a part of the Queensland Origin squad this year.
And Amone is expected to start the year as 5/8, not Sullivan.
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Halves: Ben Hunt, Jayden Sullivan (also hooker), Talatau Amone (also centre), Moses Mbye (also fullback, centre and hooker)
Hooker: Andrew McCullough
Prop: Blake Lawrie, Aaron Woods, George Burgess, Francis Molo, Jaiyden Hunt, Poasa Faamausili, Daniel Alvaro
Second row: Tariq Sims, Jaydn Su’A, Tyrell Fuimaono, Josh Kerr (also prop), Billy Burns, Jack Gosiewski
Lock: Jack de Belin, Josh McGuire (also prop) Jackson Ford (also second row)
Fullback: Tyrell Sloan
Centre: Zac Lomax, Jack Bird (also second row), Moses Suli, Tautau Moga
Wing: Cody Ramsey (also fullback), Mikaele Ravalawa, Mat Feagai (also centre), Max Feagai (also centre)
It seems coach Anthony 'Hook' Griffin is going to back his next generation of players this season, which is an exciting step for the future of the club..... but will also be a bit of a risk. Griffin axed Matt Dufty and Corey Norman as well as allowing the likes of Adam Clune, Cameron McInnes, Jordan Pereira and Gerard Beale to leave. Jayden Sullivan is expected to partner Ben Hunt in the halves, meaning he won’t be able to fill in at hooker if something happens to Andrew McCullough.
With McInnes now at the Sharks, and Billy Brittain and Hayden Lomax released, the Dragons are seriously lacking depth at No.9. The club signed ex-Sharks utility Jack A Williams on a train-and-trial however he was let go a few weeks into pre-season. Ex-Bulldogs hooker and reserve grade veteran Brad Dietz has joined the Dragons’ NSW Cup side and could be the solution to the depth problem. However he’s only training with Cup and hasn’t been offered a full-time deal.
The Dragons’ halves and winger stocks are also looking a little slim. New recruits Moses Suli, Moses Mbye and Tautau Moga are new options for the centres — which is handy given Jack Bird is expected to make a permanent shift to the second row — but they’ve played little to no games on the wing.
Griffin has the Feagai twins, Cody Ramsey and Mikaele Ravalawa to choose from but could benefit from using one of the two remaining roster spots on an experienced winger.
And as for the other spot? A half. It’s the year of the young guns for the Dragons and both Sullivan and Talatau Amone will spend time at five-eighth but it can’t hurt to have a safety net in place. Mbye can cover a stack of position but after losing Corey Norman and Adam Clune, an extra specialised playmaker on deck is a must — especially in the event Hunt is a part of the Queensland Origin squad this year.
And Amone is expected to start the year as 5/8, not Sullivan.
RedV01
SGI NSW Cup
I hope Sullivan isn't drafted in to play hooker. He isn't 'bad' but seems to me his spot is clearly in the halves.
jodragon40
Staff
You know I'm more comfortable with our pack this year. We have attacking options on both edges this year. We need the props to get over the advantage line consistently and if we can achieve that this will give our playmakers room and time something that they didn't have last few seasons. Whoever wins the 5/8 spot needs to run the ball take on the line this will be important to our chances
jodragon40
Staff
So the real issue here with hooker is what do you place the most importance on defence or attack? No doubt in my mind that McCullough is as solid as a rock defensively in fact one of the best racking up 50 plus, however in attack he offers nothing unfortunately not his fault time catches up with all of us. That was the catalyst of our weak and easily read attacking last season and will be our archilles heel again this season unfortunately
Morgan
SGI NSW Cup
I obviously didn't follow the Broncos closely but from what I know, I'm not sure he was ever a threat in attack. But compare him to Mitch Rein! Mitch Rein was a threat in attack but nowhere near as good as McCullough.
I'm not "a fan" but I think McCullough is somewhat underrated. If the hooker coming though I think a lot of people have high hopes in (can't remember his name) isn't ready for NRL next year, it wouldn't surprise me to see McCullough stick around for another year.
Morgan
SGI NSW Cup
‘That’s a bit harsh’: Ben Hunt’s brutally honest St George Illawarra Dragons review and why they can stick it to bookies
When it comes to the roller-coaster of life as an NRL playmaker, St George Illawarra captain Ben Hunt has been on every ride in the amusement park.From the Honeymoon period when the halfback was first linked with the Dragons in 2018 and piloted the Red V to the top of the NRL ladder and into the finals, Hunt has also experienced the emptiness of wearing the brunt of the blame for St George Illawarra’s failures.
One thing you can’t help admire about the tough little no. 7 from Rockhampton in QLD, he always fronts up and is a straight-shooter. So when you ask him whether St George Illawarra’s season last year was a pass or a fail, He doesn’t try and sugar coat it.
“I still think it was a fail last year. We didn’t make the finals and you need to get into the finals to be even close to a pass mark,” Hunt said. “The biggest thing for me last year was our discipline. Last year we had way too many penalties and errors in our games. You just can’t do that if you want to be a competitive side. “There were lots of reasons why we didn’t end up in the finals but for me there’s no doubt the main thing that we need to clear up is our discipline.”
It’s no secret St George Illawarra’s season fell to pieces off the back of the BBQ-gate backlash last year when the club fell in a hole and failed to win a single game in the aftermath. The Red V's eight game losing streak to finish the season meant they ended up winning eight games and losing 16 for 2021.
Hunt did his best to try and lead the club out of the mess but with players suspended and others refusing to sign waivers it decimated the Dragons’ roster and morale. A broken arm in round 20 meant Hunt missed the last five games – effectively ending the Dragons’ season.
This year, it’s a completely new-look St George Illawarra side. With a blueprint aimed at adding fire power to the club’s forward pack St George Illawarra have signed new recruits Jadyn Su’A, Francis Molo, Aaron Woods and George Burgess to the Red V engine room. They’ve also added strike in the centres in Moses Suli and a quality utility in Moses Mbye.
Despite the roster overhaul, the bookmakers are still writing the Dragons off. They’ve got them listed alongside Wests Tigers as favourites for the wooden spoon.
“That feels a bit harsh,” Hunt said. “I’m pretty sure they had us favourites last year as well and they missed out on that one. Look, they’ve got to have their markets. “But I believe we’re definitely a stronger team than we were last year.”
Entering the fifth season of a six-year deal, Hunt reaffirmed his commitment to the Red V irrespective of the emergence of the NRL’s 17th team the Redcliffe Dolphins in his home state of Queensland.
And no one can question his toughness or commitment to the after the no. 7 played on with a broken bone in his leg in round three against Manly and a broken arm against Souths in round 21.
Hunt, 31, also confirmed he will continue to wear the Red V no. 7 jumper this season with young guns Jayden Sullivan and Junior Amone locked in a shoot out to partner the Queensland and Australian representative in the halves.
Sullivan has had a setback over the past week after straining his calf but is expected to return to full training within the next fortnight. In the meantime, Amone has been a standout given the opportunity to run at five-eighth at the Dragons Wollongong training base.
“They’re both great talents and they’ve fitted in really well at training. Sulli picked up an injury last week which means Junior’s been getting plenty of reps with the side and the coaches are going to have a tough decision to make.”
At this stage of his career, Hunt simply wants to play in as many big end-of-season games as possible. “It’s been a little while in between drinks (in terms of the Dragons playing finals). That would be something very special for myself. (Coach Anthony Griffin) gave me the captaincy last year and it was a massive privilege. If I could come in this year and turn it around and take the Dragons to the finals and do something with it in the finals, it would be a pretty special part of my career,” Hunt said.
St George Illawarra coach Griffin is entering his second season of steering around the Red V with the club having an option in its favour on whether he continues in the role next year. The old-school NRL coach is renowned for having his teams rock-hard fit and has also shown a willingness to bring in the next generation of players with the right mix of experience around them.
This is where the likes of Sullivan, Amone and fullback Tyrell Sloane will be pivotal to St George Illawarra’s fortunes this season. If the rookies can play their role along with the experienced key position duo of halfback Hunt and hooker Andrew McCullough then the Dragons can make the bookies look silly.
Let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy doing that.
A few things here.
1. I'm glad he isn't parroting Baldy McGregor in suggesting merely scraping into the finals is a great achievement. It's a C at best. We want As.
2. If Sullivan isn't ready for NRL halfback next year, he never will be. So what to do with Hunt in the last year of his contract? Move to hooker is a possibility but Redcliff taking him off our hands would be perfect. Even if we have to contribute around 200k of his first year there. Any more than 250k, I'd say it's worth keeping him around to play hooker.
Chris M
SGI NSW Cup
Hunt got MoM in the 3rd SOO last year as hooker. He had a blinder. Then again, even the best hooker isn't worth over 1mil a year so if we can let him go, it would be a bonus even though I'm a fan.
Eric
Staff
1. I think that's what I hated about McGregor the most. His constant babbling about making the finals as if it were some amazing achievement.
2. I think it depends on whether any good hookers are available. As of now, there seems to be a shortage. If McInnes bombs out as a lock, which I believe he will, maybe we could get him back. If there are none, we will have an overpaid but still good hooker for a season. Not the worst thing in the world after what we have just been through with Corey Norman.
jodragon40
Staff
The issue here is money. Hunt is on $1.2 a year approx as a halfback/ playmaker. When his current contract expires and the dragons indicate to him his next contract will be in the position of hooker then his value is greatly diminished $ wise and I don't believe that will ever happen under the current coach.
Eric
Staff
Speaking of Ben Hunt, some speculation about his "next contract". Very doubtful it'll be us unless Sullivan or Amone bomb out which I personally very much doubt.
The Dragons, with several talented youngsters making their way into the club's first-grade system, led by halves Talatau Amone and Jayden Sullivan, haven't yet made it obvious on whether they would be likely to retain Hunt or not, provided he wants to stay.
Hunt has had a mixed run at the Dragons, with success generally staying arm's length away from the club, although they came within a single point of making the preliminary finals in 2018. While the roster has had issues, Hunt's own form has been up and down, although 2022 under Anthony Griffin could pose as an opportunity for Hunt and the Red V to return to the finals.
In an interview, Hunt said that while he wants to return to Queensland eventually, he isn't committed to finishing his playing career in QLD. “I’m definitely open to staying at the Dragons beyond next year, and it’s really exciting seeing these guys come through,” Hunt said. “It reminds of me when I was their age and how I came through with a good core group of players at the Broncos, including ‘Macca’ [Andrew McCullough], Corey Norman, Josh McGuire and Alex Glenn.
“These guys now have their chance to make their own mark and set the club up for the future. They hang out together every day, they are in each other’s pockets, and the few games they all played together last year they were all sniffing around each other for the ball. “When it’s all said and done, my family want to get back to Queensland and live in the Sunshine State. I’m not saying I’ll go back to finish playing there. I’m open to wherever my career takes me.
“I had a few years with Wayne, obviously, and we had that grand final and Origin series win. “But at the moment, I’m only focused on the Dragons. I want to take us to the finals. “We also enjoy our lifestyle down here, and the Dragons have a lot to offer moving forward. I’m pretty happy.”
Hunt has managed 77 games during his time at the Dragons, which now stretches four seasons, while he previously played 189 games for the Broncos. He has also played seven Tests for Australia and 11 State of Origins for QLD.
“I’m pretty happy”: Ben Hunt opens up on next contract location
Hunt is off-contract at St George Illawarra Dragons the end of 2023.
St George Illawarra Dragons star half Ben Hunt has opened up on his future, saying he is open to staying with the Dragons beyond the end of his current deal. By the time Hunt's deal ends at the Dragons, he will have spent six years at the club since being brought in on a huge contract. The next contract he signs, given he is already 31, will surely be his last in the NRL.The Dragons, with several talented youngsters making their way into the club's first-grade system, led by halves Talatau Amone and Jayden Sullivan, haven't yet made it obvious on whether they would be likely to retain Hunt or not, provided he wants to stay.
Hunt has had a mixed run at the Dragons, with success generally staying arm's length away from the club, although they came within a single point of making the preliminary finals in 2018. While the roster has had issues, Hunt's own form has been up and down, although 2022 under Anthony Griffin could pose as an opportunity for Hunt and the Red V to return to the finals.
In an interview, Hunt said that while he wants to return to Queensland eventually, he isn't committed to finishing his playing career in QLD. “I’m definitely open to staying at the Dragons beyond next year, and it’s really exciting seeing these guys come through,” Hunt said. “It reminds of me when I was their age and how I came through with a good core group of players at the Broncos, including ‘Macca’ [Andrew McCullough], Corey Norman, Josh McGuire and Alex Glenn.
“These guys now have their chance to make their own mark and set the club up for the future. They hang out together every day, they are in each other’s pockets, and the few games they all played together last year they were all sniffing around each other for the ball. “When it’s all said and done, my family want to get back to Queensland and live in the Sunshine State. I’m not saying I’ll go back to finish playing there. I’m open to wherever my career takes me.
“I had a few years with Wayne, obviously, and we had that grand final and Origin series win. “But at the moment, I’m only focused on the Dragons. I want to take us to the finals. “We also enjoy our lifestyle down here, and the Dragons have a lot to offer moving forward. I’m pretty happy.”
Hunt has managed 77 games during his time at the Dragons, which now stretches four seasons, while he previously played 189 games for the Broncos. He has also played seven Tests for Australia and 11 State of Origins for QLD.
- Of course he is "open" to staying but I'm glad he doesn't seem to be deluding himself into thinking the club would be in a rush to resign him. His form last year demonstrated a lot of his bad form in previous years was due to the coaching but we are looking to the future and that's Amone and Sullivan at 1/2 and 5/8. If we don't have a younger NRL standard option available, Hunt could stay on as hooker for around half the money he is on now for another year. I think a year won't happen. Same problem with Tariq Sims. For one more year, he is probably a worth a new contract. For more than one, probably not but he may be able to get 2 years elsewhere.
- The following is good news: "These guys now have their chance to make their own mark and set the club up for the future. They hang out together every day, they are in each other’s pockets, and the few games they all played together last year they were all sniffing around each other for the ball." If they get along well off the field, I think it would encourage them to stay together on the field even if offered more money elsewhere. Just a theory but makes sense. Especially if they want to stay in Wollongong where cheaper living costs automatically give St George a salary cap edge.
- And finally, the link with Dolphins (have I mentioned how much I hate that name?) without it even being mentioned. I think he is on his way to Dolphins at the end of this year. We will have to start thinking about a long and short-term hooker.
jodragon40
Staff
Redcliffe dolphins for sure just a matter of how much. At least the young fellow now know its up to them to prove themselves this season. My only concern with both is defensively. Time will tell but this is a life changing opportunity for both of them to be the future. I hope they both have blinder seasons for our sake.
Eric
Staff
Good point. I think Amone's defence is solid. Sullivan's time playing hooker last year will help his defence. He will never be a great defender. He just has to keep turning up. Thurston used to get trampled on a regular basis. Benji missed a large number of tackles. If Sullivan can be close to as good as those two, we'll be in a good position.
GCRV
SGI NSW Cup
Seemed to go quite well in defence. At least I thought so.
Morgan
SGI NSW Cup
Effort was really good. How hard would it be for someone his size and his build defending in the middle?
GCRV
SGI NSW Cup
And he'll keep growing for another year, maybe two. I think he'll be fine defencively.
Corey Norman was actually a pretty good defender.
RedV01
SGI NSW Cup
I think there are high hopes in Connor Muhleisen to become a long-term hooker. It won't be this year but expect him to get a chance next year. Depending on how he goes in NSW Cup this year.
Hooker has been a long-term problem. Cameron King was supposed to become a superstar. Then Reece Robson was as well. Though no one expected it of Mitch Rein.
jodragon40
Staff
Omg you forgot our hero who was in the same boat Jamie Soward but Bennett fixed that by putting an enforcer next to him Beau Scott and he wears a premiership ring. Thats what coaching is find your weakest link in the defensive line and strengthen it the best you can. I enjoyed watching live the 2nd half of the 2010 GF. I can die happy
RedV01
SGI NSW Cup
In a perfect world a playmaker doesn't need an enforcer protecting him but you are right it's an option.
I can't wait until we play Sydney Rorters. They will have two small, weak defenders in the line. Good teams and good halves will take advantage of it.
GCRV
SGI NSW Cup
Hmmmm that may be so but they'll be very strong in attack and across the rest of the field in defence. Hopefully Tedesco starts to slow down this year. Along with Penrith, the Rorters will probably be the team to beat.