The Dragons must find attacking flair in 2016, not rely on defence

MATTHEW JOHNS SCOUTING REPORT: Confidence and arrogance comes from the ability to score points and while the Dragons attacked well for periods last year, they very much relied on defence.

Rabbitohs vs Dragons

THE Dragons surprised a lot of people last year. Paul McGregor proved himself to be a coach of real quality.

The Dragons started the year brilliantly and lost momentum down the back end of the season mainly due to injuries. That confidence and momentum never really returned and they were eliminated in week one of the finals.

All things considered I thought they had a better year than their eighth place indicated. They had the fourth-best defensive record, and nothing indicates desire and attitude more than defensive energy.

Can the Dragons find the attack they need to go further in 2016?

But confidence and arrogance comes from the ability to score points and while the Dragons attacked well for periods last year, they very much relied on defence to win games and that puts a strain on a team trying to keep quality sides to minimal points week in, week out.

The Dragons have recruited well. Kurt Mann from the Storm and Tim Lafai from the Dogs are good pick-ups and will give them a sharper attacking edge.

In the forwards the Dragons get Mose Masoe and Russell Packer. Packer will be a super signing. For a big man he has terrific endurance, which will be invaluable. With the reduction in interchange and shot clocks speeding up the game, I’m curious how this will affect the Dragons.

They have a big pack of forwards and while Packer will handle the rule changes, I’m not so sure about Masoe and the likes of Mike Cooper.

I don’t see the Dragons as a top-four side yet. The first month will give a good indication as to whether the Dragons can expect to improve slightly or slip a bit.

The combination of Gareth Widdop and Benji Marshall is again key. Early on, this combination had problems gelling but eventually McGregor, through plenty of hard work, got them to complement each other beautifully.

Benji is a year older and, like last season, will best serve his team focusing on patience and fundamentals, rather than the sideways football and highlight-reel moments. And, of course,
any side with Josh Dugan must be watched.

BEST 13

1 Josh Dugan 2 Peter Mata’utia 3 Tim Lafai 4 Euan Aitken 5 Jason Nightingale 6 Gareth Widdop 7 Benji Marshall 8 Russell Packer 9 Mitch Rein 10 Leeson Ah Mau 11 Tyson Frizell 12 Joel Thompson 13 Mike Cooper. Interchange: 14 Mose Masoe 15 Jack de Belin 16 Ben Creagh 17 Siliva Havili

INS

Kurt Mann (Melbourne Storm), Siliva Havili (New Zealand Warriors), Mose Masoe (St Helens RLFC), Dunamis Lui (Manly Sea Eagles), Tyrone McCarthy (Hull Kingston Rovers), Sebastine Ikahihifo (New Zealand Warriors), Josh McCrone (Canberra Raiders), Kalifa Fai Fai Loa (Gold Coast Titans), Taane Milne (Sydney Roosters), Adam Quinlan (St Helens), Tim Lafai (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)

OUTS

Dan Hunt (retirement), Trent Merrin (Penrith Panthers), Charly Runciman (Widnes Vikings), Nathan Green (Manly Sea Eagles) Rory O’Brien (Parramatta Eels), Eto Nabuli (rugby union), Justin Hunt (Wests Tigers), Heath L’estrange (retirement), Shannon Crook (released), Shannon Wakeman (released), Mark Ioane (London Broncos), Adam Tuimavave-Gerard (released), Jack Kavanagh (released), Craig Garvey (Canterbury Bulldogs), Luke Page (not re-signed)

DRAW

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