What is the Dragons likely first choice lineup in 2018? : Mon Dec 25, 2017 7:11 pm  

Here is my selection:


David Mead

Jodie Broughton, Brayden Williame, Fouad Yaha, Lewis Tierney;

Lucas Albert
Luke Walsh

Gregory Bird
Benjamin Garcia, Benjamin Jullien
Remi Casty, Michael McIlorum, Sam Moa

Interchange: Jason Baitieri, Julien Bousquet, Antoni Maria, Paul Aiton,

Reserves: Mickael Simon, Thibault Margalet, Vincent Duport, Iain Thornley


My controversial pick is Fouad Yaha in the centres. But I think that he could become a devastating centre, especially given his huge weight loss. That choice also gives the team great speed in the back three -- perhaps the most exciting back three in Super League.

My other debatable choice would be Antoni Maria on the bench ahead of Mickael Simon.

Any thoughts?

[Jimmythecuckoo]

Re: What is the Dragons likely first choice lineup in 2018? : Tue Dec 26, 2017 4:03 pm  

We'd need to sign McIlorum first but most of the I agree with.

The Gigot question will need answering at some point.

I think we need some pace out wide to really trouble the good teams and the odds place us at 50/1 And in the bottom four.

Re: What is the Dragons likely first choice lineup in 2018? : Tue Dec 26, 2017 6:32 pm  

Yaha at centre is a no from me. Struggles to make defensive decisions at winger never mind centre which is even harder to defend at.

50/1 and 66/1 to win the title is a good price. I have whacked a tenner on at 66/1. We might have had a bad season but Mead and Mickey Mac are 2 of the best signings of anyone in super league and on paper we have a fantastic squad.

Anyway my team.

1. Mead
2. Tierney
3. Williame
4. Langi
5. Broughton
6. Walsh
7. Albert
8. Casty
9. Mickey Mac
10. Moa
11. Garcia
12. Julien
13. Bird
14. Baiteri
15. Bousquet
16. Simon
17. Aiton

Which for the first time in a long while leaves us with a lot of depth!

Middles: Maria, Simon, Margalet
2nd row: Anderson
Halves: Joufrett?? (Langi, Bird Gigot all options but the one position we are a little short, lets hope for no injuries to Walsh and Albert)
Hookers: Da Costa
Bentres/Wingers: Yaha, Thornley, Duport

And the other young players plus hopefully Gigot.

I am happy with our squad.

[Jimmythecuckoo]

Re: What is the Dragons likely first choice lineup in 2018? : Tue Dec 26, 2017 8:39 pm  

I think we need a way of playing as well.

The last couple of years we haven't really had a style of play.

I am not advocating a return to the off the cuff play we saw in the past, much as it would good to watch.

But if we are a battle for the top 8 we need to be economical and effective.

Less penalties and good completion would be a start.

Re: What is the Dragons likely first choice lineup in 2018? : Wed Dec 27, 2017 12:14 am  

Jimmythecuckoo wrote:

I think we need a way of playing as well.

The last couple of years we haven't really had a style of play.

I am not advocating a return to the off the cuff play we saw in the past, much as it would good to watch.

But if we are a battle for the top 8 we need to be economical and effective.

Less penalties and good completion would be a start.

Steve Mac will hopefully bring a more professional look to the team. Despite the criticisms he got while coaching England, he improved them in that respect massively.

Re: What is the Dragons likely first choice lineup in 2018? : Tue Jan 02, 2018 11:18 am  

Has Baitieri left? I would go Tierney Mead Thornley Williame Yaha Albert Walsh Casty Aiton Moa Anderson Julien Bird Plus Bousquet Margalet Maria and possibly Garcia,who though I do not think he is much good can cover a lot of positions.Our greatest need is for another half back

Re: What is the Dragons likely first choice lineup in 2018? : Tue Jan 02, 2018 12:16 pm  

catalanglais wrote:

Has Baitieri left? I would go Tierney Mead Thornley Williame Yaha Albert Walsh Casty Aiton Moa Anderson Julien Bird Plus Bousquet Margalet Maria and possibly Garcia,who though I do not think he is much good can cover a lot of positions.Our greatest need is for another half back

Hold up...

Mead not at full back? And I would argue that Garcia was one of our best last year

Re: What is the Dragons likely first choice lineup in 2018? : Tue Jan 02, 2018 2:50 pm  

Been plenty rumours around Wigan that McIlorum is heading your way.
Anything your end as there's nothing official from the Wigan club as yet?

Re: What is the Dragons likely first choice lineup in 2018? : Tue Jan 02, 2018 3:14 pm  

Father Ted wrote:

Been plenty rumours around Wigan that McIlorum is heading your way.
Anything your end as there's nothing official from the Wigan club as yet?

French forum suggests he will be announced later today. Looks like a done deal

[John_D]

Re: What is the Dragons likely first choice lineup in 2018? : Tue Jan 02, 2018 5:02 pm  

It's done