Year in Review - St George Illawarra Dragons

LeagueUnlimited.com's Vlado Mazevski looks at the Dragons' 2008 NRL season. More season reviews for other NRL clubs to follow in the days ahead.

7th Place - St George Illawarra Dragons

Reasons:

Defence: Defence definitely played its part in ensuring the Dragons contested the 2008 finals series after missing out in 2007. Ranked 3rd in the NRL at the completion of the regular season, the Dragons impressed with their desperation, particularly on their goal-line. Close Losses: The Dragons suffered 11 losses in season 2008, 10 by margins equal to or below 12. The copious amount of near losses put pay to any legitimate title aspirations. Brown/Bennett Factor: After securing the services of six-time premiership winning coach Wayne Bennett, Peter Doust and the Dragons had the task of informing club stalwart Nathan Brown, that this his sixth season at the coaching helm would be his last. The players put aside the impending coaching change and a terrible start, to string together seven wins on the trot and a strong finish to the season. Gasnier: The 'will he go, won