BY CURTIS WOODWARD

St George Illawarra Dragons
Coach: Paul McGregor
Pre-season: Auckland Nines February 4th and 5th, v Wests Tigers February 11th, v South Sydney February 19th

What they’ll get right: The Dragons have some quality forwards which will keep them in plenty of contests. They need a monster year from Tyson Frizell and some willing teammates.

What they’ll get wrong: Points are still a huge worry and their backs worry me. Too much emphasis on Josh Dugan again. Opposition coaches will have it easy doing their homework. Stop Dugan, stop the Dragons.

It’s a big year for: The obvious one is Gareth Widdop. To be honest, I still don’t think Drew Hutchison or Shaun Nona are up to playing consistent first grade which leaves Widdop and Josh McCrone.

And we're back for 2017 #redv pic.twitter.com/f7tQjbC6Rx

— St George Illawarra Dragons (@NRL_Dragons) January 4, 2017

Most improved: Jacob Host
MVP: Josh Dugan
Most consistent: Tyson Frizell

 
Prediction – 15th
There’s just too many better teams ahead of the Dragons. They look solid but their team doesn’t jump off the page at you. Paul McGregor first coach gone.

Tough few days with the boys hardly any sleep over 30kms of walking and boys close to breaking point! Army camp done 👌🏾 @NRL_Dragons

— nene macdonald (@nenemacdonald) January 6, 2017

Possible team:
1 Josh Dugan
2 Nene McDonald
3 Euan Aitken
4 Joel Thompson
5 Jason Nightingale
6 Josh McCrone
7 Gareth Widdop

8 Russell Packer
9 Cameron McInnes
10 Paul Vaughan
11 Tariq Sims
12 Tyson Frizell
13 Leeson Ah Mau

14 Luciano Leilua
15 Mose Masoe
16 Jack De Belin
17 Jacob Host

@woodward_curtis