Gameday < 2021 Dragons vs Warriors Gameday Chatter [Round 4, 2017]

[NZWarriors.com]

Dragons vs Warriors Gameday Chatter [Round 4, 2017]


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Dragons v Warriors: Schick Preview

Schick Hydro Preview: Dragons v Warriors
UOW Jubilee Oval
Sunday, 6.30pm AEDT, 8.30pm NZT

Are the Dragons going to prove an enigmatic nightmare for tipsters in 2017? And will Kieran Foran be the answer to the Warriors' woes?

This Sunday's Round 4 NRL Telstra Premiership clash between St George Illawarra and the Warriors should give us a better idea of the answer to both of those questions.

After beginning the year with a 42-10 demolition of Penrith, St George Illawarra copped a 34-16 loss to Parramatta in Round 2 before bouncing back to secure a gritty 16-10 win over Cronulla last Sunday.

With those results in mind it's hard to know what to expect from the 'Red V', but a win against the Warriors could see them end the round at the top of the ladder.

The Warriors meanwhile have a victory and two losses to their name so far, and look likely to have the services of star recruit Kieran Foran for the first time this year, where it will be hoped he can spark life into an attack which has scored only 22 points in their last 160 minutes of football.

The Dragons have unsurprisingly kept the same 17 that got the job done against the Sharks last week, but the visitors have some movement as they welcome back captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck from a week out with concussion.

Tuimoala Lolohea assumes the wing spot made vacant by Manu Vatuvei's knee injury suffered in last Friday's 24-12 loss to the Canterbury Bulldogs, while Foran is named in the No.21 jersey on an extended bench.

Foran is a good chance to start at five-eighth with Ata Hingano to drop back to the interchange at the expense of Erin Clark, or fall out of the 17 completely.

The Dragons will take the field in a new-look uniform, sporting their ISC Marvel Heroes Ant Man jersey.

‌Why the Dragons can win: Not many would have predicted that St George Illawarra's attack would be a highlight to start their 2017 campaign, but after three games the Dragons possess the NRL's equal-third best attacking record, averaging 26.4 points per outing. In addition Paul McGregor's side are ranked in the competition's top five for offloads and total run metres. If they can get it going against the Warriors, who are yet to keep a team to under 22 points this season, it's unlikely they will be matched on the scoreboard.

Why the Warriors can win: So far in 2017 the Warriors have averaged just under 38 sets with the ball per game and have won the possession count in all three fixtures. They are enjoying plenty of time with the Steeden in hand and with completion rates of 80 per cent or higher in their last two matches, the Kiwi club have also shown they know how to look after it as well. If they can achieve somewhere around those numbers and improve the finish to their sets it's going to make the Dragons' job very hard.

The History: Played 24; Dragons 19; Warriors 5. Aside from their most recent meeting, which the Warriors won 26-10 in Auckland, the Dragons have completely owned these head-to-head fixtures, winning 15 of the last 17. The news is even worse for the Warriors on the road against St George Illawarra, with just one away victory against the Red V in 12 attempts since 1999.

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What are the odds: The money has been coming in at a rate of three to one in favour of the Dragons and they've been backed to win 13+ over the Warriors as well. Euan Aitken is the best backed in the first try-scorer market after bagging a double last weekend. Latest odds at Sportsbet.com.au.

Match officials: Referee: David Munro. Assistant referee: Chris Sutton. Sideline officials: Dave Ryan and Peter Gough. Review official: Luke Patten. Senior review official: Ashley Klein.

Televised: Fox Sports – Live coverage from 6.30pm (AEDT). Sky Sports - Live coverage from 8.30pm (NZT).

NRL.com predicts: Even in the face of back-to-back defeats there is plenty of reason to believe the Warriors can be competitive this weekend, but they haven't yet shown anything near what the Dragons have at their best. St George Illawarra are more efficient in attack and look more confident in defence. Add in the fact that the Warriors traditionally struggle against the Dragons, and really struggle against the Dragons on the road, and it's hard to go against the Red V in this one. Dragons by 14.

https://matchcentre.nrl.com/match/2017/111/20171110480/#preview

 

[ramps]

Cant wait to finally see what Kieran Foran will do for us. Been a massive fan of his since Manly. Has good footy smarts and makes the right decision more often than not. Has good half skills. I'm sure he'll be crafting better 5th tackle options too.

Nice to know were focusing on going up the middle and using our forwards more. Because we always seem to go to the backs too often and get shut down. I always thought we just weren't feeding them the ball properly, as in not putting them into holes or backs not running off the shoulder for an offload. It seems as though we just want them to be the apprentice with the sledge hammer and watch him bash the concrete wall down while we stand around and wait for him to do his job before we can do our job.

Can't wait to see how our spine works together..... Shaun Johnson is about to go onto another level i reacon but anticipation is getting the best of me but really don't want to get too hyped because we know how dream shattering it could be.

 

[janfin]

It's going to be a Long day But will be well worth it in the end when the Warriors take it out by 6 Welcome back to the NRL Kieran

 

[Diesel]

If we win, it'll be a tough old grind and the game will be in the balance at the 79th min. Might want to take those heart pills for those that need them

 

[Sledge]

Tell you what Shaun Johnson need to start proving his worth or maybe Lino can take his spot, if Thurston can lead a team around without his main forward pack then so should Shaun, he's on enuf coin it's time for him to earn it..........

 

[Jay M]

Tell you what Shaun Johnson need to start proving his worth or maybe Lino can take his spot, if Thurston can lead a team around without his main forward pack then so should Shaun, he's on enuf coin it's time for him to earn it..........

I think if we dropped Shaun Johnson into the Cowboys side and Thurston into the Warriors side - I'd be surprised to see if it was those two that made all the difference to be honest.

Cowboys pack controls the ruck, has line speed, runs off each other (support play), and works for the side. Shaun Johnson would tear up with the quality of those players providing him space. Thurston would struggle with the warriors pack.

 

[jonno]

Ata has loads of potential for sure. But foran has a track record of proven ability. Hes won grandfinals and test matches. Big difference. Our left edge attack could be outstanding for the rest of the season.

Luke also has a great track record. Hopefully the truth session finally wakes him up.

Sheck is competing we mannering for the title of warriors best player in 2017. He's that good imo.

Shaun Johnson can get us points when we need them if the team is playing hard enough. He's the best guy in the world to have in a tight game coming down the stretch. I say let him hide.

The rest of the team need to remember... winning feels good, losing feels bad. Forget everything else and trust the coach... He knows how to win.

 

[Sledge]

I think if we dropped Shaun Johnson into the Cowboys side and Thurston into the Warriors side - I'd be surprised to see if it was those two that made all the difference to be honest.

Cowboys pack controls the ruck, has line speed, runs off each other (support play), and works for the side. Shaun Johnson would tear up with the quality of those players providing him space. Thurston would struggle with the warriors pack.

I don't think so, Thurston will be an immortal, Shaun Johnson won't even get close. Thurstons leadership on the park is second to none, Shaun's well.......

 

[Jay M]

I don't think so, Thurston will be an immortal, Shaun Johnson won't even get close. Thurstons leadership on the park is second to none, Shaun's well.......

Not disagreeing with that bit at all. But it's not just JT at the Cowboys... JT has played around quality players most of his career (although there were a few lean years at the Cowboys etc).

Shaun Johnson would play better at the cowboys than he does at the warriors. JT would play worse at the warriors than at the Cowboys. Swapping the two over wouldn't actually fix any issues (sadly).

Biggest problem at the warriors is attitude and the lack of drive (or ability) to do the small things. Aside from that - the warriors pack is rubbish compared to the other sides in the comp.

 

[Matulino's Left Shoulder]

Get it done for Mannering.

LEGGOO BOYS.

 

[Bluecat again]

I would so like to see a win tonight but I'm not holding my breath

We just beat the possible wooden spooners

We were shown how to play by Melbourne who are a top 4 side

And we gave up far too many points against Canterbury who were off form but are a fringe top 8 side

St George have a very good line up of seasoned professionals. Not too many superstars but they all know how to play.

We will need some individual brilliance to get home against them. For all the training that Foran has done he has no game time with the team so I am not expecting miracles first game. That will take match play to develop.

But I can live with a loss if the team tries

Fingers crossed and I hope I am proved wrong

 

[Defence]

Tell you what Shaun Johnson need to start proving his worth or maybe Lino can take his spot, if Thurston can lead a team around without his main forward pack then so should Shaun, he's on enuf coin it's time for him to earn it..........

Cowboys got thumped last week and were lucky to win last night tbh- had a stack of ball and some very favorable calls go their way in the second half and still only got home by 6.
Mind you I'd happily take that tonight.

 

[BiggerD]

I would so like to see a win tonight but I'm not holding my breath

We just beat the possible wooden spooners

We were shown how to play by Melbourne who are a top 4 side

And we gave up far too many points against Canterbury who were off form but are a fringe top 8 side

Fringe Top 8 side the Bulldogs.. LMAO

Smashed 36-0 by Manly yesterday

Des Hasler is looking likely as the next coach to go

 

[Jordan G]

Gameday............yay I guess.

 

[Defence]

Des Hasler is looking likely as the next coach to go

Can we have him?

 

[Tylz]

Not disagreeing with that bit at all. But it's not just JT at the Cowboys... JT has played around quality players most of his career (although there were a few lean years at the Cowboys etc).

Shaun Johnson would play better at the cowboys than he does at the warriors. JT would play worse at the warriors than at the Cowboys. Swapping the two over wouldn't actually fix any issues (sadly).

Biggest problem at the warriors is attitude and the lack of drive (or ability) to do the small things. Aside from that - the warriors pack is rubbish compared to the other sides in the comp.

To me the biggest difference is Thurston demands that from the players around him, I love hearing the audio of him ripping into players, giving them assignments etc and really letting them have it when they stuff it up. Unfortunately Shaun Johnson isn't that kind of player. More talent less mental toughness I guess.

Nothing less than a win tonight. DO IT FOR MANNERING!!!

 

[Wellington Warrior]

Can we have him?

For the U20's?

 

[Sup42]

The Dragons have an easy job.

Show up, and the games in the bag.

Matching their template is not an option, there is no point in trying to mimic an opponent that has decades of mastery over you.

I hope our forwards go in boots and all, storm over the top of theirs, and upset them.

It is time for the bullied to swing at the bullies head

In technical terms, winning the ruck through maximum aggression and ganging up together is a good place to change the way the Dragons smug confidence.

Out enthuse them boys, Kearney has given you a base for maintaining possession.... You have a fall back position.....launch operation brutality...

That spine can do the rest.

 

[Defence]

For the U20's?

Haslers sides ALWAYS make the finals- sometimes they even win it.
That would do me.

 

[Beastmode]

I'm hyped!!!

First live game I'll be watching since rd1!!

Kiwi Spine and Coach together as one - FINALLY.

Lets go boys.

We can win this!!!!!