Dragons overhaul attack and defence after shocking 2019 season
They finished second to last in 2019 so there is little doubt the Dragons needed a change, but enforcer Tariq Sims reveals the club has overhauled its attack and defence.
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The Dragons attacking and defensive structures have undergone a massive revamp in the wake of last year’s failure.
Back-rower Tariq Sims said the club has experienced a drastic transformation given the new-look coaching staff. Cronulla premiership winning coach Shane Flanagan and his one time assistant James Shepherd have joined Paul McGregor and Dean Young as the Dragons coaching set-up. There are also a host of new faces in the club’s performance staff.
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Sims said the changes have resulted in a major shift in the teams playing style.
“The way we’re attacking and defending has changed,” Sims said. “There has been a buy in from the players and the changes have been a great change of pace. There is a lot of feeling and belief in the club.
“(We’ve changed) our attack and defence to our efforts without the ball. Even out attitude to number sin tackles and where we should finish on the field.
“With seven changes in the coaching staff there was going to be mass changes on the field. Right now it’s getting used to the playing patterns the coaches want us to adapt to.”
The pre-season has also been a big one for Sims. He was plagued by injuries last year including injuring either sides of his groin in the Charity Shield.
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He played on given the Dragons dire predicament. Sims said he was relishing training injury free.
“I’m in everything,” Sims said. “It’s been quite good. There have been challenges. The coaching staff we’ve got and the blokes we’ve got have made me focus on recovery and not to push my body where it’s at the point of breaking and (instead) pull up. They are monitoring me in every session
“I’ve been doing everything since before Christmas. It’s been a refreshing and rejuvenating pre-season.
“I’m ready to hit the ground running. I’m sick of pre-season I just want the rounds to come.”
The Dragons play Newcastle in Maitland on February 22 before the annual Charity Shield clash against South Sydney in Mudgee on February 29.