PopularFreedom Ticker

NOW WHAT?
Midway through the season and the Dragons find themselves with the same record as the ninth ranked team in the league.

The Dragons are in trouble. The ninth ranked expansion, Magna Carta Crusaders have the same record as them. The embarrassing Athens Invaders have the same record as them. The only difference is that the Dragons have more bonus points. Some would call that a good omen since more bonus points means that they have been closer in games. However one less win then the Crusaders and they may very well find themselves not only out of a playoff spot, but joining their Locke Harbour South counterparts in tier 2 next season.

Though Blues fans from Locke Harbour South will be quick to point out that their team is still in the hunt and may even catch the Dragons, the fact that we are midseason and even contemplating that shows how far our former heroes have fallen.

Most fans are looking where to blame, and the blame no doubt rests with the decision of coach Keith Wright to have his squad join the International Rugby League (IRL) during the off season. The Dragons proved superior in the league, winning the inaugural championship, however in doing so they had severe injuries to over half of their starters, some of whom have obviously not healed fully yet.

We fully analyze each injury and how it is affecting the Dragons this season:

Starting Prop Greg Hutson was injured during the IRL championship but claimed he was healthy enough to start this season. However he has not been as strong in the pack causing star hooker Brett Nelson to lose some important scrums in tight games including their loss a week and a half ago to the Stanislav Lions.

Flankers Josh Papanelo and Matthew Brinde are still both suffering as one can see every break when they ice themselves. Why coach Wright has not gotten someone to replace them both so they can properly heal is still worrisome for the long term of Dragons rugby as well.

Locks Tom Marlin and Owen Tucker likewise are not fully recovered from their IRL injuries and it shows. The Dragons pack, which used to be the toughest in the league has lost their edge at times allowing the opposition to be able to take advantage of a formerly invincible pack. Noted one distraught Dragons fan after the Dragons recent loss to the Workers Point Bobcats, 'my gosh, if our pack can't do it, what do we have left'.

Owen Clarke, starting 8-Man, is the only one who seems to have fully recovered to pre injury form in the pack. However he is just one man, and if the team continues to lose more scrums that they should win, he cannot do much.

Winger Kirk Vincent, and Fullback Ian Portskow round out the IRL injuries which are huge considering you are talking about two members who normally are the last line of defense for the backs. Again, without them at 100%, the chances of the team making the playoffs, let alone avoiding relegation, are seriously diminished.

PRL STANDINGS

Members of the Dragons stumble off the field after another loss, this time to the Bobcats last Sunday.