These questions are difficult to answer because they rely heavily on what occurs during Origin time. Given the Dragons current form, it is likely a number of players will force their way into Brad Fittler’s NSW side.
Cameron McInnes, Paul Vaughan, Jack de Belin, Tariq Sims and Tyson Frizell all stand a chance of featuring in the first Origin game at the MCG. There is plenty of depth outside of these players, and the halves will likely stay together if Queensland elects to go the way of Munster and Morgan as many believe they will.
Of course, Hunt is still a chance of being picked as a utility. But much depends on what happens across the next few rounds of competition before we know for sure. The exciting and uber-talented Matt Dufty – who has been the architect of many a Dragons’ victory so far this year – will also remain a part of the Dragons’ spine.
All in all, McGregor will have a very capable squad at his disposable during Origin. Even if they drop a few games across this period, it will not result in a significant slide down the table thanks to the start they’ve made.
But add the Denver test to the equation- where a few key members of the Dragons side will likely be missing if they elect not to back up- plus an inevitable injury to a key player, and they could once again be hanging on for dear life at the end of the season.
This Dragons side is very different to the one we saw crash out of contention in Round 25 last year, though. For starters, they have a far more creative halves pairing.
That is not a slight on Josh McCrone and Kurt Mann. The problem they had is that, between injury and form, neither was able to constantly get on the paddock and it resulted in inconsistent performances when they did.
This year Widdop and Hunt have been one of the form halves pairings of the competition. The Dragons have not had this kind of stability in some time and it holds them in good stead during times where they typically lose momentum.
But what else is different? Sure, the halves are of utmost importance to the team’s success, particularly in a Dragons side that has lacked spark at the back end of the season. But they wouldn’t be producing as many points as they are if it wasn’t for the platform being laid by the forwards.
In the recent past, one or two players have been doing all of the heavy lifting. Now, all are standing up to be counted.
A repeat of the disappointment of recent seasons is possible, but there is a great energy around this Dragons outfit that will not be hampered by what happens during Origin.
The result of this Wednesday’s clash will say a lot about where the Dragons’ season is heading.
https://nothingbutleague.com/2018/04/23/preview-st-george-illawarra-dragons-vs-sydney-roosters/
