Coach: Wayne Bennett
Gains: Michael Greenfield (Bun Buns), Peni Tagive (Tigers), Junior Paulo (Eels)
Losses: Justin Poore (the mighty Eels), Chase Stanley (Storm), Dean Whare (Sea Eagles),
Micky Paea (Bulldogs), Wendall Sailor (hung up the boots), Kane Linnett (Sydney
Roosters), Warwick Carter (Cronulla Sharks)
2010 Squad: Jack Bosden, Darius Boyd, Matt Cooper, Neville Costigan, Ben Creagh, Nick Emmett, Nathan Fien, Jon Green, Michael Greenfield, Ben Hornby, Dan Hunt, Michael Lett, Jake Marketo, Trent Merrin, Brett Morris, Jason Nightingale, Junior Paulo, Luke Priddis, Matt Prior, Jarrod Saffy, Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith, Jamie Soward, Peni Tagive, Ricky Thorby, Joe Vickery, Michael Weyman, Dean Young
In 2009 the Dragons were minor premiers only to be bundled out in the second week of the finals.
The St George Illawarra Dragons 2010 Draw.
In 2010 the Dragons will…
…want to prove that they can play finals footy. Their finals campaign after being so good during the regular season was very disappointing last year. It is a weakness in the Dragons that Wayne Bennett will sure to address in 2010.
The loss of Poore and Big Dell will hurt the Dragons. Watching the Charity Shield and the Dragons seemed to have less punch up front. Lack of go ahead will limit what Soward can do taking some of the fire out of the Dragons. And Big Dell’s enthusiasm was invaluable and something that can’t be replaced. But they still have a quality roster and will have no problems with weaker teams in the comp.
Soward will have another big year especially after playing for the Indigenous All Stars. But there is the questions of whether he, and the Dragons, are really up for it when it counts. This will be one of many interesting questions that the season will answer.
But, providing there is no horror injury run, you can bet on the Dragons making the eight.
1 response so far ↓
Mountain Boy // Mar 9, 2010 at 7:56 pm
It took a bit of work to produce this Dragons stat shared with you on September 10th prior to Finals week one last year .. “Yes, we all know its been 30 long years since their last Grand Final drinks, but more pertinent, this will be their 17th finals series since 1979 for no result!”
In today’s telegraph, Joey gives his run-down of the teams, telling of St George …”The Dragons have now made 17 finals series without a premiership since 1979″.
Only difference I can see is Joey got paid for his insightful comment.
Anyway, nice compliment for myself that the great A.Johns reads stuff on sidelined – and shamelessly partakes in that most-beloved pastime of the average journo : cut/paste/change a few words.