2016 NRL Preview - St George Illawarra Dragons

Returning to the finals after a three-year layoff, the Dragons experienced an eventful season that saw them lead the competition and lose seven straight matches before exiting courtesy of an extra time loss to Canterbury in dramatic circumstances. With the side full of confidence and a host of new faces on board, St. George Illawarra will have their sights set firmly on September in 2016.

Starting the year off in embarrassing circumstances, the Dragons found their spark in an unlikely destination. Down 18-0 against the Raiders in Round 3, Paul McGregor's troops responded to naysayers to pull off a memorable win in Canberra, before going on to sit in first place after eight wins from their next nine matches. With suggestions the Red and Whites could replicate their 2010 premiership feats, the Dragons suffered a major decline through the middle of 2015; succumbing to their next seven opponents to drop out of the top eight. Managing to finish the year with four wins in the final six rounds, including an extra-time thriller over the Tigers, the Dragons set up a grudge match with Canterbury in their first finals appearance since Wayne Bennett's tenure at the joint venture. In a tightly-fought contest, a series on injuries to Benji Marshall and Joel Thompson cruelled the Dragons as a Josh Reynolds field-goal saw the Bulldogs come away with a golden point win.

Beginning their 2016 campaign against Melbourne at AAMI Park, the Dragons will have their work cut out for them early on with clashes against Cronulla, South Sydney and Penrith in the first month. While St. George Illawarra should be without the likes of Josh Dugan as well as potentially Mitch Rein, Joel Thompson and Tyson Frizell during the representative period, clashes at home against weakened North Queensland and Melbourne sides should see the Dragons in good stead heading into the final weeks of the regular season.

With three games at home in the final six rounds, the Dragons will need to be at their best heading towards the finals, as clashes with Canterbury, Brisbane and the Roosters will have a major bearing on where the joint venture ends up at the end of 26 rounds.

WHY THEY'LL WIN IT

In the post Wayne Bennett era, the Dragons have struggled to contend with injuries throughout the year. Since taking over midway through 2014, coach Paul McGregor has assembled one of the best rosters in the competition. With major off-season recruit Mose Masoe set to miss the majority of the season with an ACL injury, the Dragons will be well equipped to contend with the setback, with the likes of Russell Packer, Dunamis Lui and Sebastine Ikahihifo set to step up and fill the void. Similarly, competition for backline positions is at an all time high, with Kurt Mann and Tim Lafai joining alongside former Dragons first graders Kalifa Fai-Fai Loa and Adam Quinlan.

WHY THEY WON'T

While the Dragons surprised many throughout 2015, one of their fatal flaws was their inability to dispose of weaker opponents. With games against Penrith, Gold Coast and West Tigers in the final three rounds last year, the Dragons struggled in each, despite each being firmly out of contention for the play-offs. In a competition where the difference between making the play-offs and missing out can come down to for-and-against, the Dragons will need to maintain a killer instinct throughout the entire 80 minutes in 2016.

KEY PLAYER

Leeson Ah Mau
Unable to cement a position in the Dragons forward pack early on in his tenure, Samoan international Leeson Ah Mau experienced a career-best season in 2016, featuring in all 25 matches to finish as the Dragons Player of the Year. With fellow Samoan compatriot Mose Masoe set to miss most of the season, Ah Mau will be of immense value to the joint venture as they look to re-cement their reputation as the most feared team in the league. Having just turned 26 and played over 100 NRL games, the former Warriors and Cowboys interchange forward will have a large say in where the Dragons end up at the end of the regular season.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Siliva Havili
Despite making his International debut for the Kiwis after just three NRL appearances, former Warriors hooker Siliva Havili has struggled for game time after impressing in the lower grades across the ditch. Having debuted two years ago, the 14-game livewire will be hoping a change of scenery brings out his best. With healthy competition from NSW hopeful Mitch Rein and former Raiders playmaker Josh McCrone in the hooker position; Havili may prove to be breath of fresh air for the Dragons with his creative spark and commitment in defence.

PLAYER MOVEMENT IN
Kalifa Faifai Loa (Titans)
Siliva Havili, Sebastine Ikahihifo (Warriors)
Timoteo Lafai (Bulldogs)
Dunamis Lui (Sea Eagles)
Kurt Mann (Storm)
Mose Masoe, Adam Quinlan (ESL - St Helens)
Tyrone McCarthy (ESL - Hull KR)
Josh McCrone (Raiders)
Russell Packer (NSW Cup - Illawarra)
Taane Milne (Roosters)

PLAYER MOVEMENT OUT
Craig Garvey (Bulldogs)
Nathan Green (Sea Eagles)
Dan Hunt (Retired)
Justin Hunt (Wests Tigers)
Mark Ioane (UK - London)
Trent Merrin (Panthers)
Eto Nabuli (Rugby Union)
Rory O'Brien (Eels).

BEST 17
1. Kurt Mann
2. Peter Mata'utia
3. Josh Dugan
4. Tim Lafai
5. Jason Nightingale
6. Gareth Widdop (C)
7. Benji Marshall
8. Leeson Ah Mau
9. Mitch Rein
10. Mike Cooper
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Joel Thompson
13. Jack de Belin

14. Ben Creagh (C)
15. Jake Marketo
16. Dunamis Lui
17. Russell Packer