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Noad unsure what went wrong at Dogs

He may have walked before he was pushed but Malcolm Noad is still in the dark over the agenda which led to his resignation as Bulldogs chief executive.

Noad made the termination of the final year of his $400,000 a year deal official on Monday, more than a week after initially offering his resignation when a rebel ticket seized control of the Bulldogs board.

The rival group had put their dissatisfaction with Noad’s performance at the top of their agenda, a stance which still perplexed Noad.

“It’s one of the things I’ll probably walk away wondering - I’m not really sure,” Noad said.

“It’s like a political campaign, but I’m not going to walk away and lose any sleep in the next few months wondering about it.”

The rebel ticket, of which Andrew Farrar, Paul Dunn, Barry Ward, Anthony Elias and Ray Dib won seats on the board, claimed the club had not done enough to retain their stars.

Representative players Willie Mason, Braith Anasta, Johnathan Thurston, Steve Price, Mark O’Meley, Nate Myles, Roy Asotasi and Brent Sherwin have all left the club during Noad’s four-year term at the club.

But Noad said there was no way all those players could have been retained and the club stay under the cap.

“I suppose people are largely ill-informed about how difficult it is to retain players,” Noad said.

“Look at the Broncos in the last 12 months, they’ve lost five international players after winning the grand final in 2006.

“We had the added pressure of a salary cap scandal in 2002 … I think we’ve done as well as we can.

“You look at the players we’ve retained - Sonny Bill Williams twice, Andrew Ryan twice, Matt Utai twice, Hazem El Masri twice.

“I don’t think we could have done it differently unless we wanted to become a club where you dump players before their contract’s up.

“For arguments sake we could have dumped Mark O’Meley to retain Roy Asotasi … but we don’t think that’s what our club should stand for.

“We think loyalty is a major factor in our organisation.”

Asked why he walked away, Noad said he didn’t want to stand in the way of progress.

“The campaign that the majority of the new board members waged was about the need for change and I don’t think that they would be able to make the changes they want with me there,” Noad said.

“They deserve the opportunity to make whatever changes they want unencumbered by the existing CEO.”

Noad will remain in the post for the next couple of weeks, overseeing the club’s move to their new headquarters at Homebush.

Bulldogs chairman George Peponis, who asked Noad to re-consider his resignation at the board elections, said he had received assurances from the new board that Noad had their support.

But it wasn’t enough to change Noad’s mind, with Peponis admitting he had not yet given any thought to a successor.

“We’ve got no-one in mind,” Peponis said.

There are suggestions that Graeme Hughes, the former Bulldogs backrower behind the rebel ticket, is lining himself up for the chief executive hot seat.

Peponis, who stated before the board elections that he would find it hard to work alongside Hughes, dismissed suggestions his former teammate was in the running.

“I think that’s probably something that’s way out there at this stage so I’m not even going to consider that option,” Peponis said.

“And it’s a decision for the board, not mine.”

AAP

Willie wants Roosters captaincy

As expected, the debut of Willie Mason in tri-colours was a huge affair. The big man is rarely able to stay out of the headlines, even under the watchful guard of Roosters management - he still managed to drop his pants recently, relieve himself and manage to get caught by a snooping member of the public.

Off-field problems aside, Mason took to his task at the Roosters will focused enthusiasm. Playing around 60 minutes for the Roosters, Willie was highly involved - solid runs, heaps of team talk and encouragement plus a knockout hit on Todd Payten.

The team talk and encouragement is the thing that probably took most Rugby League insiders by surprise. We all know Willie is a big talker and was always gee’ing his team mates up at the Bulldogs - but to slot into a new team so comfortably and possess enough confidence to consistently talk, encourage and direct the team around was very interesting. It confirms two things, Willie Mason must be a happy man at his new Bondi club and his comments about wanting to captain the Roosters one day man be very serious.

Would Willie make a good captain?

Our thoughts are surprisingly yes. Once again, off-field problems aside - Willie Mason is a strong enough player to lead by example on the field, but it’s his passionate encouragement and sledging that make him a prime candidate as a team leader. His vocal interaction on the NRL field is probably more similar to the heady days of the 80’s where chatter was constant and evident every week. Guys like Wally Lewis were full of passion, emotion and led with their skills and mouth on the field. Willie fits this mould perfectly.

At the age of 27, Willie should probably mature more off the field in the next 2-3 years and may put himself in a better position to lead a club should injury and disaster stay away.

When you look at a guy like Willie Mason, his obvious gigantic frame and occasional offload make him a damaging player in any situation. There has been the rare time that Willie has been a tad lazy on the field and I can imagine there was plenty of training sessions, where the big man was more worried about practical jokes or telling stories about his nightclub tours of the weekend  - rather than focusing on football. Thats the scary thing - Willie has probably only been applying himself 90% of the time or less, yet is still an Australian Representative with the world at his feet.

Chances are good he still has a lot left in the tank and if the Roosters can man manage Mason into the future, mould him and nurture him even more - this guy could get better and as he does, he might just take the Roosters to the lofty heights that boss man Nick Politis and Brad Fittler expect.

The only thing standing in Willie Mason’s way is himself and maybe a brutal affair with the Bulldogs that could leave him battered and injured, but I am sure Willie himself is looking for some revenge there too - all making for sensational theatre.

Adam Sutcliffe and John Chelsea 

NRL Pre-Season Trial Results Sat 23/02/08

Gold Coast Titans 30(A Laffranchi, B Jeffery, K Kahler, M Rogers, A Harrison tries; S Prince 4, B Jeffery goals)
defeated
North QLD Cowboys 22(C Webb 2, S Faust, T Williams tries; A Graham 3 goals)
(scorers to follow)
at Barlow Park, Cairns

Canberra Raiders 32 (M Chalk 3, J Monaghan 2, M Weyman tries; M Dobson 2, M Herbert, T Campese goals)
defeated
Brisbane Broncos 16 (D Boyd 3, D Kemp tries)
at Wade Park, Orange

St George-Illawarra Dragons 40 (J Morris 3, Creagh, Gasnier, Nightingale, Lett tries; Gasnier 3, Soward, Hornby, Hendy goals)
defeated
Canterbury Bulldogs 30 (Utai, El-Masri, Warburton, Phelps, Kleal tries; El Masri 3, Holdsworth 2 goals)
at WIN Stadium

South Sydney Rabbitohs 44 (B Lowe 2, I Luke, S Huihahau, B Falloon, M Greenfield, B Champion, C Wing tries; I Luke 2, E Paea 2, G Ndaira 2)
defeated
Cronulla Sharks 0
at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford

Sydney Roosters 34 (S Kenny-Dowall 3, A Minichiello, B Anasta, A tupou tries; A Roberts 5 goals)
defeated
Wests Tigers 28 (L Fulton, C Lawrence, J Morris, P Tagive, B Marshall tries; B Hodgson 4 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium

Bellamy names strong side for Halifax Trial

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has named all 21 players at his disposal in England for the trial match against Halifax at Shay Stadium tonight from 7:30pm (England time).

The clash will be the only game Melbourne plays in England before next Friday’s World Club Challenge clash against Leeds Rhinos, and as such is fielding his strongest possible line-up to start the game.

Will Chambers gets his chance to shine in the centres once again, while Russell Aitken will wear the number six jersey in the absence of Greg Inglis, who wasn’t available due to a shoulder injury.

Matt Geyer replaces Cam Smith at hooker, who remained behind in Australia for the birth of his first child, while Jeff Lima will be given first crack at making the starting front-row position his own.

Lock forward Dallas Johnson will captain the side.

STARTING TEAM:

Billy Slater
Steve Turner
Will Chambers
Israel Folau
Anthony Quinn
Russell Aitken
Cooper Cronk
Jeff Lima
Matt Geyer
Brett White
Jeremy Smith
Ryan Hoffman
Dallas Johnson

INTERCHANGE:

Antonio Kaufusi
Adam Blair
Sika Manu
Sam Tagataese
Ben MacDougall
Dane Nielsen
Aiden Tolman
Liam Foran

COACH: Craig Bellamy

Panthers upset fancied Eels 30-28

Tonights NRL Rugby League trial game between the Parramatta Eels and the Penrith Panthers in Albury has ended with the Panthers edging out the Eels in an impressive outing for both sides, with each coach getting a good look at combinations.

The Panthers realised success in utilizing Sammut at half and the Eels too looked solid with new pivot Mateo looking confident in his new position.

Running out eventual winners 30-28, the Panthers ran in two late tries to Luke Rooney to sneak away with the win after the Eels had led 28-12 in the second half and looked to have the win in the bag.

The two tries came after the Eels looked to have the Panthers under control for around 60 minutes of play, during which they crossed for five tries to two.

After playing a strong part and scoring two late tries for the Panthers it was some sort of return to the game for former Australia winger Rooney, who hadn’t played since last May after undergoing surgery for a neck injury.

Trent Waterhouse, Rhys Wesser and Sammut also got on the scoresheet, Sammut finishing with a match haul of 14 points in a performance which is likely to go a long way to securing him the No.7 jumper for the NRL season opener against Brisbane.

Panthers coach Matthew Elliott paid tribute to new skipper Petero Civoniceva after the game, saying the former Bronco was desperate to get back on the field late in the game to help secure his side a first-up win.

Despite the end result Eels head coach Hagan said he too was pleased with combinations formed by Eels players.

“I was pretty happy overall, it was the first hit out of the year and we came with quite a few young players who I thought handled it extremely well,” Hagan said.

“We think we’ve got some good talent in the football team and we probably left eight or ten of our better players behind.

“There were signs there that were fairly encouraging, Feleti Mateo and Brett Finch ran the team well, so did young Kris Keating and also Matt Keating was very tidy.

“We’re very much looking forward to next week.”

For Penrith, coach Matt Elliott will be happy with the performance form his forwards who were solid in the early showing. With lock Trent Waterhouse scoring the first try of the match off a neatly held pass from Jarrod Sammut. Sammut then converted to make it six-nil to the Panthers after 11 minutes. Sammut looked confident in his new half role and will push for selection this year, against the likes of Joe Williams.

Overcoming a momentary lack of possession the Eels found the tryline ten minutes later through Joel Reddy, who touched down after a break down the short side by Krisnan Inu.

Inu then added the extras to put the match back on level terms.

The Panthers edged ahead again through a try to Rhys Wesser however the Eels wasted no time in hitting back, fullback Etu Uaisele reaping the spoils of a well placed Brett Finch cross kick to score in the corner.

The Eels then took the lead, Matt Keating burrowing his way over next to the posts for Jarryd Hayne to convert and make it 16-12 Parramatta’s way after
half an hour.

The first ten minutes after half time looked to have proved decisive for the Eels with two converted tries stretching the buffer to 16 points at 28-12.

The first came just 60 seconds after the break, lock Weller Hauraki scoring off some excellent lead up work from Junior Paulo and Kris Keating.

Eight minutes later the Eels were in again, Mark Riddell scoring off a neat kick and re-gather.Tony Williams converted both tries to give the Eels breathing space.

Sammut narrowed the gap for the Panthers with 20 minutes remaining, scoring and converting to make it 28-18 the Eels way. Sammut proving difficult to stop, as he ran rings around tiring defence. He then converted both Rooney tries to put the Panthers back in front at 30 to 28.

The Eels had one last surge and threatened the line wide out, only for the ball to sail over the sideline just before full time.

The only injury concern to come out of the match was a medial ligament strain to young Eels second rower Justin Horo, who will undergo scans in coming days.

Penrith Panthers 30 (Luke Rooney 2, Trent Waterhouse, Rhys Wesser, Jarrod
Sammut tries; Jarrod Sammut 5/5)
defeated
Parramatta Eels 28 (Joel Reddy, Etu Uaisele, Matt Keating, Weller Hauraki, Mark Riddell tries; Tony Williams 2/2, Jarryd Hayne 1/2, Krisnan Inu 1/1)
at Lavington Sports Ground, Albury

Ricky Stuart misses Top 100

Australia’s 100 greatest Rugby League players were named today with Darren Lockyer the only current NRL player to make the prestigious list.

Only Laurie Daley, Andrew Ettingshausen, Bradley Clyde, Allan Langer, Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns, Shane Webcke and Lockyer from the 2000’s era made the side. While every list will be discussed and debated; many felt the omission of Ricky Stuart was one of the big mistakes; with the talented Raider a true standout in his era. While Clyde was a skillful and match winning player - his regular injury withdrawals problem didn’t allow him to reach consistent potential; we felt his spot may have been better suited to Stuart.

Players who retired in the 1990’s included Wayne Pearce, Gene Miles, Peter Sterling, Wally Lewis, Steve Roach, Brett Kenny, Mal Meninga, Terry Lamb, Steve Walters and Glenn Lazarus; all solid choices in this category.

Some of the 1980’s selections included Arthur Beetson, Tom Raudonikis, Graham Eadie, Steve Rogers, Mick Cronin, Ray Price, Steve Mortimer, Kerry Boustead and Eric Grothe.

A total of 38 players were selected from the pre-war years and 62 players from the post-war years.

“100 GREATEST RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYERS OF ALL TIME”
1908-1945
Dally Messenger, Chris Mckivat, Pony Halloway, Albert Rosenfeld, Howard Hallett, Billy Cann, Dan Frawley, Sandy Pearce, Frank Burge, Herb Gilber, Cec Blinkhorn, Les Cubitt, Viv Farnsworth, Harold Horder, Jimmy Craig, Duncan Thompson, Ted Courtney, Chook Fraser, Tom Gorman, Herb Steinohrt, George Treweek, Eric Weissel, Benny Wearing, Vic Armbruster, Dan Dempsey, Wally Prigg, Frank McMillan, Chimpy Busch, Viv Thicknesse, Mick Madsen, Jack Beaton, Ernie Norman, Dave Brown, Andy Norval, Joe Pearce, Herb Narvo, Vic Hey, Ray Stehr.

1946-2007
Arthur Clues, Brian Bevan, Duncan Hall, Harry Bath, Clive Churchill, Brian Davies, Brian Carlson, Keith Holman, Roy Bull, Harry Wells, Ken Kearney, Norm Provan, Kel O’Shea, Keith Barne, Brian Clay, Brian Hambly, Arthur Summons, Ken Thornett, Peter Gallagher, Ian Walsh, Eddie Lumsden, Reg Gasnier, Johnny Raper, Noel Kelly, Barry Muir, Les Johns, Johnny King, Ken Irvine, John Sattler, Graeme Langlands, John O’Neill, Billy Smith, Bob McCarthy, Bob Fulton, Ron Coote, Arthur Beetson, Tom Raudonikis, Graham Eadie, Steve Rogers, Michael Cronin, Ray Price, Steve Mortimer, Kerry Boustead, Eric Grothe, Peter Sterling, Wayne Pearce, Wally Lewis, Steve Roach, Gene Miles, Mal Meninga, Brett Kenny, Terry Lamb, Steve Walters, Glenn Lazarus, Laurie Daley, Andrew Ettingshausen, Bradley Clyde, Allan Langer, Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns, Shane Webcke, Darren Lockyer.

Newcastle Knights a darkhorse in 2008

After a shocking first up season at the helm of the Knights, experienced coach Brian Smith will be hoping that his new squad of Knights will bring unsatisfied Newcastle supporters back to Energy Australia Stadium to support their club this year. Season 2007 saw Brian Smith cop tonnes of criticism from many corners, including local Newcastle business owners and the likes of John Singleton and Jack Newton in one of the darkest periods in the Knights history, and Smith will know that his team must perform to earn the regain the respect from the disheartened Knights fan base.

While the Knights have bolstered their ranks with several new signings and cleaned out a whole raft of players, it will take time for the new squad members to settle in and form combinations with each other. Of more concern is the harmony between remaining 2007 Knights players and Brian Smith, with the very public Danny Buderus feud threatening to tear the club apart. We should have a clear gauge on how Newcastle will fair by Round 10, as the new look Knights will face off against five of last years semi-finalists by then.

If Newcastle can stay healthy and build early confidence, than the Knights may well be an outside chance of capturing a semi-final position.

Advantages:

Having been given permission to clean out ‘the dead wood’, coach Smith and his recruitment team have managed to obtain a host of talented individuals to fill their void. The addition of Naiqama and Lulia more than compensates for the departure of Carmont and Thaiday, while props Wicks and Cross are adequate replacements for Perry and Woolnough. Matt Hilder will takeover Daniel Abraham’s utility role, and Ciraldo and Fa’aoso will replace the flair that Hinton and Reynoldson provided.

Coach Smith has replaced a host of middle aged players with a group of talented youngsters, and while you may not see the best of the seasons from the Knights this year, look out for them in season ’09!

Concerns:

Given the massive player turnover throughout the club, it will take the Knights a few weeks before combinations start to gel. With so many new faces, and games against NRL heavyweights Manly, Parramatta, New Zealand, Brisbane and the Roosters all preceding their Round 7 bye, coach Smith and his players may well behind the eight ball in terms of confidence and table position.

2008 Likely NRL Starting Team:

1- Kurt Gidley
2- Cooper Vuna
3- Adam McDougall
4- Wes Naiqama
5- James McManus
6- Jarrod Mullen
7- Luke Walsh
8- Ben Cross
9- Danny Buderus
10- Danny Wicks
11- Mitchell Sargent
12- Steve Simpson
13- Cory Paterson

14- Terrence Seu Seu
15- Daniel Tolar
16- Matt Hilder
17– Chris Houston

2008 NRL Pre-Season Trial Match Schedule:

15/02/08 v New Zealand Warriors @ North Harbour Stadium, Auckland
01/03/08 v Cronulla Sharks @ Cessnock

2008 Acquisitions and Departures:

Acquisitions:

Wes Naiqama, Danny Wicks and Keith Lulia (St George-Illawarra), Matt Hilder (Gold Coast), Ben Cross (Melbourne), Cameron Ciraldo (Cronulla), Richard Fa’aoso (Parramatta), Sione Finefeuaki (Manly)

Departures:

Adam Woolnough and Brad Tighe (Penrith), Kirk Reynoldosn (St George-Illawarra), Josh Perry (Manly), Riley Brown (Sydney Roosters), Daniel Abraham (Central Coast), Kade Snowden (Cronulla), Nathan Hinton (Newcastle Wests), Milton Thaiday (Charlestown), David Seage (QLD Cup), Reegan Tanner, Trent Salkeld and George Carmont (released)

Grapple Tackle version 2.0?

So much was said about the grapple tackle during NRL season 2007, with the Storm using the tackle and hold technique to become the masters of the ruck. While they deny focusing specifically on this area, there is no question they pioneered it and every other club rushed to either play catch up or cry foul.

After much press in relation to the grapple tackle and the crusher tackle which followed, the NRL moved quickly to stamp out the technique giving referees more power and looking to put an end to it before serious injury followed. As we approach kick off for the 2008 NRL season, rumours are doing the rounds that a club has developed a new technique nicknamed the ‘pinner’. While only speculation at this stage, the mail suggests that at least one club is looking to get multiple players in to tackles to exploit pressure points and joint locks to reduce movement or completion speed of the tackle.

With one or two players tackling and holding a ball runner, a third defender could wreak havoc but exploiting pressure points or restraining joints into a lock position. The closest we have seen to this ‘pinner’ tackle was in the 2007 NRL finals series, when Melbourne played Parramatta in the Grand Final Qualifier - Nathan Cayless was caught up in a horrific situation during a tackle. As Cayless was tackled and held down by an initial Storm player, Melbourne forward Jeremey Smith pulled and pinned Cayless’ arm back behind him. The attempted tackle slowdown was successful and you can see on the video footage Cayless resenting the joint lock and chasing Smith in back play. On this occasion Cayless actually suffered a minor injury, but didn’t have to back up the next week after a loss.

While injury, no matter how serious is the major concern for clubs and supporters - it’s only natural that clubs look for an edge to give them the upperhand in season ahead. Any minor advantage can prove so valuable as results are always tight in modern day NRL.

As speculation grows about the new tackling concepts, NRL enforcers: referees boss Robert Finch and chief operations officer Graham Annesley are aiming to be proactive about the possible outbreak of any dangerous new trends and believe the referee’s have ample room to police any developments under the contrary conduct rule.

Storm continue to look unbeatable

Even as they arrive to take on Super League giants Leeds Rhinos in the World Club Challenge, the Storm remain slick and absolutely polished in their preparation and lead-up to the clash. Always well prepared, obviously well coached - they remain an enviable outfit that not only innovates, but every aspect of the club puts in massive amounts of effort.

Not only are the players the most prominent in the NRL competition, but the staff right through to the Public Relations teams seem to stand out from the pack. Here at NRL News, we get regular media releases from clubs and the Storm continue to keep us informed of their every more - more so than any other club, giving the media unrestricted access to them most of the time.

In 2008, there is no questioning they remain a force to be reckoned with. After blowing every other team away in the 2007 premiership, the Melbourne Storm will again start as overwhelming favourites for the NRL’s 2008 crown. Under the expert eye of coach Craig Bellamy, who remains the most astute coach in the premiership, many punters believe that back-to-back titles is a certainty.

But the two time premiers will not have things all their own way, with other clubs sure to lift and attempt to knock the at times untouchable Storm off their high horse. Desire might be in question after achieving their goals in 2007 and there will be even more pressure on Bellamy and his boys in the games Centenary season, with an increased Origin involvement, and a host of new, inexperienced talent set to test the professionalism and spirit of the club.

Melbourne have been the best team by far over the past two seasons, but I think their recent success may just hurt them cum finals time this season.

Advantages:

Coach Bellamy possesses arguably the most talented and speedy backline in the competition, with rookies Greg Inglis and Israel Folau set to kick on from last year’s stellar season. The departure of Matt King opens the door for the introduction of yet another boom Storm rookie, Will Chambers, and fullback Billy Slater will be out to make amends for an injury interrupted 2007 season. With cool halves Inglis and Cronk steering the ship, the Storm could well be in for another record season.

Concerns:

The Storm have lost a host of experience over the off season, and only time will tell if their gamble on youth will pay dividends. The loss of Crossman, Shortland, Newton and Aubusson leaves a big hole in the defending premiers forward depth, and coach Bellamy may find it extremely difficult finding a suitable hooking replacement should captain Cameron Smith go down injured.

The Storm’s backline still looks particularly lethal despite the departure of representative centre King, with talented rookie Will Chambers set to assume the number 3 jersey. Melbourne’s depth is sure to be tested cum representative time, and there will be no shortage of teams queuing up to break the premiers’ enviable home record.

Likely 2008 NRL Starting Side:

1- Billy Slater
2- Anthony Quinn
3- Will Chambers
4- Israel Folau
5- Steve Turner
6- Greg Inglis
7- Cooper Cronk
8- Brett White
9- Cameron Smith
10- Antonio Kaufusi
11- Ryan Hoffman
12- Jeremy Smith
13- Dallas Johnson

14- Michael Crocker
15- Matt Geyer
16- Jeremy Smith
17– Jeff Lima

2008 Pre-Season Trial Matches-

16/02/08 v Manly Sea-Eagles @ Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
29/02/08 World Club Challenge - v Leeds Rhinos @ Elland Road, Leeds
01/03/08 v Brisbane Broncos @ Dolphin Park, Redcliffe

2008 Acquisitions and Departures:

Acquisitions:

Ben McDougall (Northern Rivers), Kevin Proctor (Tweed Heads), Lucas Miller (Newcastle), Sinbad Kali (Central Coast), Joseph Tamone (Super 14, QLD), Aiden Guerra (Brisbane Norths)

Departures:

Matt King (Warrington), James Aubusson (Sydney Roosters), Clint Newton and Garret Crossman (Hull), Ben Cross (Newcastle), Ryan Shortland (NZ Warriors), Anthony Perkins (NQ Cowboys)

Can Dragons avoid injury?

Coach Nathan Brown has named the strongest St George Illawarra Dragons side for some time for the Dragons 2008 pre-season trial match against the Bulldogs at WIN Stadium this weekend. Only Dean Young is missing from this classy looking side, on paper it starts to regain some of the allure that past Dragons outfits have had.

It’s widely known that the Dragons are the most injured team in the NRL. Can the St George-Illawarra side avoid the dreaded curse this year? Or will NRL 2008 remain another year where stars remain in the hospital ward?

I feel the Dragons may be about to get some luck, well some may not call it luck - but with several players in the squad getting on in years they virtually have to perform regardless of their health this season. The likes of Jason Ryles, Mark Gasnier, Ben Hornby and Matt Cooper are well experienced and the opportunity for them to win a premiership and sign longer contracts certainly must remain an attraction.

Surrounding this leadership group at the Saints, are some encouraging new stars that can hopefully shed the injury curse from the promising club. Jamie Soward looks to have really found a home at the Dragons and plays a much more relaxed, free flowing game than he did at the Roosters. Combining well with Rangi Chase in the halves, the Dragons again look to possess some of the strike poker they had with Head/Barrett at one stage.

Newcastle Knights discard Kirk Reynoldson will be the real wildcard for the Dragons, surely wanting to prove a point and get himself back into the regular routine of first grade - expect a solid showing from the former Knights and Storm player. A player in the real workhorse mould, he should assist the Saints who up until the acquisition of Simon Woolford lacked some real cattle dogs.

2008 might just be a year that the Dragons surprise us, certain to perform better than their horror showing last year - this side will have others certainly peering over their shoulders.

In opposition this weekend, the Bulldogs will unleash some of their big guns too - with Steve Folkes giving Sonny Bill Williams, Reni Maitua and Willie Tonga the nod for the Wollongong match. For the Dragons, it’s their last hit out before the popular Charity Shield Match for 2008 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Dragons Squad for 2008 Pre Season Trial against Bulldogs: Ben Hornby, Jason Nightingale, Mark Gasnier (c), Matt Cooper, Josh Morris, Rangi Chase, Jamie Soward, Justin Poore, Simon Woolford, Jason Ryles, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Chase Stanley.

Interchange: Dan Hunt, Kirk Reynoldson, Lagi Setu, Brett Morris, Stuart Webb, Ben Ellis, Ricky Thorby, Jon Green, Dean Whare, Tony Caine, Matt Prior, Michael Lett, Frank Samia, Mark Hendy, Jardine Bobongie, Jarrod Saffy, Alex Ranieri, Joe Falemaka.

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