2015 in review - St George Illawarra Dragons

In a season where various experts and fans alike had the Dragons finishing as wooden spooners (or at best in the lower half of the competition) 2015 can be seen as a success and a huge step forward for the Red V and their quest to be up there with the benchmark teams of the NRL.

Their 8th place finish was their highest finish since 2011 and coach Paul McGregor undersaw a massive change in attitude and commitment to the side that look bewildered and lost at times under former mentor Steve Price.

Despite a loss in the opening round of the finals which ended the Dragons season there is cause for optimism between fans and players alike. A 7 match winning streak coupled with one of the best defenses in the league (was #1 for a large portion of the season) were certainly highlights in the 2015 campaign. Add to this one of the gutsiest losses that Dragons fans have seen in a semi final rose morale in the camp. The Dragons never say die attitude in that game left fans and media proud of the effort they put in and provides optimism for the 2016 campaign.

Looking forward the Dragons have signed a lot of muscle to bolster their already solid forward pack. With the loss of Trent Merrin a big one, in have come big Lock Dunamis Lui from Manly, a reformed Russell Packer who was recently named the Illawarra Cutters player of the year, Mose Masoe from St Helens in England and enterprising hooker Siliva Havili from the Warriors. They have added some slickness out in their backline as well to replace the departing Eto Nabuli and Justin Hunt. Kurt Mann moves from Melbourne after a highly successful stint down South and will challenge for one of the starting centre spots. They have also signed St George junior Kalifa Fai Fai Loa from the Titans who will challenge for the vacant wing spot. Exciting times ahead for the Dragons.

The Turning Point
The Dragons victory in the driving rain against the Roosters on ANZAC Day proved to themselves and others that they could match it with some of the best teams in the competition. That day the Dragons showed amazing resolve in defence and took control of the Roosters and the weather to pull out a memorable win on a memorable day

The Good
The 7 match winning streak stands out as one of the best moments of the Dragons season. Wins against more fancied sides in Brisbane, Canterbury and the Sydney Roosters had Dragons fans dreaming of September. Their stout defense brought back memories of the 2009-2011 glory years and saw crowd figures rise to heights that hadn't been seen since 2011.

The Bad
The Dragons mid form slump that saw them lose every match from rounds 13-19 was a big low point for the Red V. Having worked themselves into a strong position via their stone wall defence, the Dragons slipped from equal 1st at the conclusion of Round 12, to be outside the 8 after round 19. Injuries, suspension and poor form derailed the Dragons and it was a case of "what could have been" for the Red V had they got some consistency and victories in that middle part of the season which would have propelled them up the ladder to a higher finish, instead they had to settle for 8th and a first round exits to the Bulldogs.

Best Players
For a side that struggled to score points for large portions of the season it seems a little funny to put down their fullback and Five Eighth as their best players for the year, however Josh Dugan and Gareth Widdop were electric throughout the season. Dugan's rangy running style and just pure determination to help out his team and bust open the defensive line guided the Dragons to countless victories in the season.

Add to that Gareth Widdop's calm play in the halves and his sublime support play and vision and it's any wonder that he's a England international.
Jack DeBelin was one of the Dragons unsung heroes in 2015. Playing from the bench, De Belin averaged 35 tackles and 112 metres from just a average of 52 minutes per game. His ability to stop any attacking player in their tracks sees him firmly mounted as the best defensive players in the Dragons camp. De Belin is a huge talent and could be knocking on the door for Representative football in the next few years.

Disappointing Players
Benji Marshall's name always seems to pop up with when the word disappointment is thrown around. However when you have 22 try assists and 6 line breaks I don't think you can be discussed in this situation.

Joel Thompson due to injuries and small minutes was very disappointing for the Dragons this year. A player that can cause all sorts of damage on the edges of the ruck, Thompson's troublesome hamstring kept him off the field for large parts of 2015 and thus limited his involvement.

Rookie Players
The displays from rookie Centre Euan Aitken has Dragons fans hopinbg for more in the coming seasons. The 20 year old Merimbula product made some very classy displays in 2015 and finished the year with 6 tries and was a brickwall in defence on the right hand side for the Dragons.

Drew Hutchinson had a few games this year filling in for the injured Benji Marshall and Gareth Widdop. At times Hutchinson was held back by the Red V and wasn't able to truly show case his talent. With the signing of Josh McCrone and Siliva Havili for 2015, Hutchinson will have his work cut out in getting a first grade spot in 2016.

2016 Chances
After making the playoffs the Dragons will take lots of confidence from this season and the defence that got them there. The development of Josh Dugan is encouraging news and if Gareth Widdop can continue where he left off in 2015 then the Dragons could have success in 2016. Add to this young guns Euan Aitken out at centre and tackle machine Jack De Belin and you have the nucleus for success.

They have added some much needed starch to their forward pack and if Masoe and Packer can get them rolling forward the Dragons could be an interesting prospect in 2016.

Best line-up for 2016

1. Josh Dugan
2. Peter Mata'utai
3. Euan Aitken
4. Kurt Mann
5. Jason Nightingale
6. Gareth Widdop
7. Benji Marshall
8. Leeson Ah Mau
9. Mitch Rein
10. Mose Masoe
11. Tyson Frizzell
12. Joel Thompson
13. Mike Cooper

14. Craig Garvey
15. Russell Packer
16. Jake Marketo
17. Jack De Belin

Ins: Kurt Mann (Storm), Siliva Havili, Sebastine Ikahihifo (New Zealand Warriors), Mose Masoe (ESL - St Helens), Dunamis Lui (Sea Eagles), Tyrone McCarthy (ESL - Hull KR), Kalifa Faifai Loa (Titans), Josh McCrone (Raiders), Taane Milne (Roosters)

Outs: Trent Merrin (Panthers), Charly Runciman (ESL - Widnes), Nathan Green (Sea Eagles) Rory O'Brien (Eels), Eto Nabuli (rugby union), Justin Hunt (Wests Tigers), Dan Hunt, Heath L'estrange (retirement), Adam Tuimavave-Gerard, Jack Kavanagh (released)