NRL news 2023: St George Illawarra’s Anthony Griffin vows to fix Dragons ahead of new season

Humiliated in the Charity Shield, the Dragons are running out of time to fix their side ahead of the new season. Coach Anthony Griffin explains what went wrong, and how it can be rectified.

MUDGEE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 18: The Dragons look dejected after a try during the NRL Trial and Charity Shield match between St George Illawarra Dragons and South Sydney Rabbitohs at Glen Willow Sporting Complex on February 18, 2023 in Mudgee, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

St George Illawarra coach Anthony Griffin says he can fix his side before their first clash of the season despite a horror Charity Shield performance.

The Dragons were left red-faced when South Sydney raced to a 26-0 halftime lead and were tracking for a record breaking win. Griffin challenged his side at halftime where he questioned their desire.

The poor showing has not deterred Griffin despite pressure already building on the club. Their Round 1 bye means they have three weeks to prepare for their second round clash against Gold Coast.

“A lot of the stuff we did to ourselves with field possession and some bad system errors,” Griffin said.

“Mainly they were just playing at a higher intensity to us in the first 40 minutes. We don’t like having to fix it but it is stuff you can fix. We will fix it and be ready to go.”

The Dragons had a match to forget against Souths. Picture: Getty

THE PERFORMANCE

The Dragons won the corresponding match last year. This time they were no match for a red-hot Rabbitohs.

“It was disappointing,” Griffin said. “We thought we were in a better spot than that. We got a lesson and we have to learn those lessons in a few weeks.

“We got blown away a bit early. The scoreboard got into their heads. We went away from a lot of the stuff we know we can do well. We have got to have a look at that.

“The season hasn’t started yet.”

SLOAN PROBLEM

Tyrell Sloan was reduced to tears after the game. South Sydney opposite Latrell Mitchell leant a sympathetic ear after Sloan broke down.

He fumbled two first half bombs, kicked out of the full and was caught short defensively off a scrum which led to a South Sydney try. Griffin has guaranteed Sloan the fullback spot.

“He is going to be our No.1,” Griffin said.

“It’s just a development thing. Getting him to learn about the mental aspects of the game.

Griffin has backed Tyrell Sloan to bounce back after a tough day at the office against the Rabbitohs. Picture: Getty

“He got a bit better as the game went on. He could’ve folded. He played out the eighty minutes. It’s time and coaching and helping him get through that.

“When you have young players with a lot of talent, those are the things that are going to do at times.”

HOPE

Jayden Sullivan performed strongly off the bench as he continues to make his return from a hamstring injury. Sullivan is now pushing to partner Ben Hunt in the halves if the Dragons opt to keep Jack Bird at lock. Bird and Jack de Belin will come back into the team after missing Saturday’s clash.

“Jayden did a good job,” Griffin said. “The first touch after halftime he got his timing wrong with Sloan. They are lessons we need to go through. He added something and he is a chance of starting. I thought his performance was a positive.

“Mat Feagai was good. Blake Lawrie was great. Our spine was a bit rusty but it gives us time to get that right.”

The pressure has turned up a notch on Anthony Griffin. Picture: Getty

PRESSURE BUILDING

The Dragons will enter the season under the most microscope as Griffin heads into the final year of his contract.

“You don’t want that performance,” Griffin said. “But the season starts in three weeks. It’s an opportunity to have a look at that performance and get things right.

“I can understand why people will be disappointed. We are really disappointed. You don’t want to play like that. That’s what trial games are for. We thought we were a little bit more advanced but it will give us an opportunity to look at ourselves.”

The Dragons were the unlucky team when the draw was announced given they were handed an opening week bye. The extended preparation for their first game may now be the perfect outcome given their winless pre-season.

“I would prefer to be playing but everything happens for a reason,” Griffin said. “We don’t have control over that. We have our next three weeks mapped out. That won’t change. Our faith in the players won’t change.”

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