St George Illawarra are hoping a blend of youth and experience will be the recipe for success this season. Paul Haigh lists the key Dragons to watch in 2015.
Josh Dugan: He played for the NSW State of Origin team at right centre last season and in the same position for the Dragons. But coach Paul McGregor has switched the power runner back to his favourite No.1 spot. He loves the physical exchanges of the game. The rugged tackler is good under the high ball at fullback.
Trent Merrin: After much speculation, the NSW State of Origin forward won't be at the club when his contract expires at the end of the year. However, Merrin has vowed to give it his all before he departs to a rival NRL club. Tough and committed, Merrin understands he needs to take his game to a new level to be a part of a Dragons revival in 2015.
Jason Nightingale: Kiwi international and the Dragons' most consistent and reliable player at the club. He tackles hard, runs hard, backs up in attack, defuses bombs with fearless leaps in the air and scores tries after leaping for the ball while playing on the wing. Roams and roves around everywhere on the field. Future captain of the club when veteran Ben Creagh retires.
Gareth Widdop: The super goalkicker joined the Dragons from Melbourne Storm in 2014 and the English international and was the Dragons' best player last year. Deceptively quick, good defender, fine kicking game and gives a nice balance playing alongside halfback Benji Marshall.
Benji Marshall: Towards the end of last year Marshall showed glimpses of his class. Not as fast or nimble as he used to be, but sharp enough over the first 20 to 30 metres, and his footwork is now more subtle than extravagant. Will steer the young Dragons around the paddock. Marshall still has a smart footy brain and offers the Dragons team plenty of positives.
INS AND OUTS:
ST GEORGE Illawarra player gains and losses in 2015.
Gains: Justin Hunt (Eels), Dane Nielsen (Warriors), Eto Nabuli (Panthers), Kris Keating (Hull KR), George Rose (Storm), Rulon Nutira (Gundagai Tigers), Beau Henry (Titans), Heath L’Estrange (Roosters), Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard (Warriors).
Losses: Brett Morris (Bulldogs), Kyle Stanley (Sharks), Jack Stockwell (Knights), Sam Williams (Raiders), Michael Witt (retired), Jack Bird (Sharks), Matt Groat (Salford Red Devils), Josh Ailaomai (released), Bronson Harrison (released), Willie Mataka (released), Shane Pumipi (released), Gerard Beale (Sharks).
Playing squad: Josh Dugan, Eto Nabuli, Dane Neilsen, Dylan Farrell, Jason Nightingale, Gareth Widdop, Benji Marshall, Jack de Belin, Mitch Rein, Leeson Ah Mau, Tyson Frizell, Joel Thompson, Ben Creagh, Trent Merrin, George Rose, Mike Cooper, Jake Marketo, Euan Aitken, Peter Mata’utia, Rory O’Brien, Heath L’Estrange, Shannon Crook, Addin Fonua-Blake, Craig Garvey, Yaw Kiti Glymin, Nathan Green, Beau Henry, Dan Hunt, Justin Hunt, Drew Hutchison, Will Matthews, Rulon Nutira, Charly Runciman, Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard, Shannon Wakeman.
Coach: Paul McGregor.