Dragons need to fire if they are to stop Brisbane stampede
March 29th 2009 09:04
As a record twenty thousand Dragons fans witnessed their team grind out a 10-6 win over the Cronulla Sharks yesterday afternoon, Wayne Bennett was in his coaching box, wondering how his side was going to upset the Brisbane Broncos next Friday night, when the master coach makes his maiden return to Suncorp Stadium.
Bennett, who guided the Broncos to six premiership victories without defeat, will make his long awaited return to Brisbane - the scene which moulded him into the finest premiership coach of his era.
Indeed the Bennett effect has now rubbed off on the Dragons, who are now a side filled with character and enthusiasm not otherwise seen on previous seasons.
It was there again against a Cronulla Sharks team who also toiled hard in defence, but failed to cause significant trouble on the scoreboard.
While the Dragons eventually escaped with the victory, their attack needs to grow tenfold if they are to provide Bennett a homecoming to remember when they meet the Broncos next week.
The Dragons attack so far this season has been disjointed, and currently lacks the flair and skill that will take them to their maiden premiership.
On the other side of the spectrum, the Broncos are scoring points at will and have consolidated the thoughts of many in the off season who rated their backline the best prior to the start of season 2009.
Broncos halves Darren Lockyer and Peter Wallace have simply been superb in attack for Brisbane, often providing the platform for Israel Folau and company to weave their magic.
Indeed Brisbane’s victory over the Warriors at Mt Smart on Saturday effectively put them as the team to beat heading into round 4 of the 2009 NRL season.
While the Broncos seem to have their attack on a string, the Dragons continue to lack the formation needed to trouble the genuine premiership contenders.
Despite the low scoring performance against the Sharks, there were some positive offensive signs for the Dragons heading into next week’s match against Brisbane.
Dragons utility Ben Creagh was superb for the red V, scoring a try and often forcing his way over the advantage line whenever he was in space.
Fullback Darius Boyd continues to impress in the no.1 jersey, and looks to have repaid the faith shown to him by Wayne Bennett in that position.
Winger Brett Morris provides the Dragons with genuine pace on the flanks, and should be used by Bennett this Friday if he is to score enough points to defeat Brisbane.
Morris cut the Sharks to shreds on numerous occasions yesterday and could do the same to Brisbane if he is given quality ball by Jamie Soward and company.
Mathew Head’s introduction from the bench also provided the Dragons with more unpredictability in their attack.
While it is still very early in the season, the Dragons will need to conjure up something special in offence next week if they are to avoid Bennett receiving a home coming he would rather forget.
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