Jamie Humphreys splits the Dragons’ defence in Mudgee on Saturday.Credit:Getty Images
The amount of defence Souths had to do meant they were going to struggle to beat the Dragons. They did well to get back into the game.
Mitchell is out for six to eight weeks with a hamstring injury,while captain Murray is likely to sit out the season with a ruptured Achilles.
At least they have Jye Gray,one of Souths’ best,at fullback. And Jai Arrow (shoulder) and Cody Walker (calf) will be back for round one,Campbell Graham (hand) returns a few weeks after that,along with winger Alex Johnston (Achilles).
As for the Dragons,coach Shane Flanagan was always going to have his side and the new signings ready to hit the ground running.
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Clint Gutherson and Holmes were excellent in the first half,and Lachie Ilias bagged a try against his old club. Ilias must have looked over at Dodd on the bench during the second half and for a split second wondered if there was any need for him to leave Souths in the first place.
The Dragons will not finish with the wooden spoon,despite being in the market with bookies before the trials started. Flanagan will do what he does best and squeeze everything out of his group of tradesmen.
Who starts on the wing will be a cool debate among the Red V faithful the next fortnight. Finau finished with four tries before his afternoon ended early,Mat Feagai scored on one of the few early occasions the ball was spread right,while Tyrell Sloan and Christian Tuipulotu are genuine proven options.