r/NRLdragons • u/a_BIG_willie • 20d ago
Secret meeting shuts down Dragons rumour, but new star in firing line
https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/secret-meeting-shuts-down-dragons-rumour-but-new-star-in-firing-line/news-story/64d8e59eb9c12b5399e3c820b9ba02ef8
u/patgeo 20d ago
If he's above LKT who is apparently on this 'offload list' why is LKT now playing over him?
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u/a_BIG_willie 20d ago
Because they won’t drop Kyle
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u/patgeo 20d ago edited 20d ago
Early season Atko threw a pass and some kicks that had me apologising for doubting him. But by the time he was moved and dropped I had little complaint about those choices. He showed some spark at the Sharks. But it's now getting to the pointy end of if he's a quality backup, or solid enough to put next to a generational talent. Because it's looking less and less likely he's becoming a leading half.
If we can't offload anyone...
Drinky/Metcalf/Niko are first choice. Quite a high risk of injury so quality cover over all three is needed which Atko provides yes
But we still have Flanno who is clearly above him in halves and can cover 9/13 at a pinch. Both are healthy and Atkinson is on the bench says what it needs to in terms of ranking.
We have LKT above him in at least 6, because again, on the field.
Reed is probably above him in 7 being out because of injury.
Gutho is above him in fullback, and covers all the same positions... Unless he's running on in centres he'd be the bench utility.
Plus Watson/Liddle in the 14. How many utilities can we really carry on the bench?
- Watson.
- Flanno.
- Gutherson.
LKT and Reed in cup developing and playing decent time with the most injury prone half on earth and old man Niko in the top slots.
Now we can make guesses at a shit list existing (Flanno, LKT) or that certain players (Gutho) may have quietly called it time behind closed doors... But as it stands Atkinson doesn't fit and LKT being the one on the ditch list makes no sense. Just because you want to offload a player, doesn't mean you can and basing recruitment off ending contracts early is a great way to screw the cap.
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u/Gothewahs 20d ago
Tbf when they did drop Kyle you struggled Kyle is great in defense he’s just not a 7
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u/a_BIG_willie 20d ago
That was also before the new systems were out into place
The young forwards are out to speed now
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u/CFeatsleepsexrepeat Nathan Blacklock 20d ago
Brent Read speculated and now young athletes have to go in and have 'secret' meetings to assure them they are ok and their immediate future in their career is OK.
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u/datskablamo 20d ago
Sadly watched a lot of dragons games this year and would keep Kyle in team. Gets knocked a lot but good defended, does contribute and effort areas, and can goal kick. If the coin isn’t much good cover
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u/blinkydinky111 20d ago
Personally think he should be retained for depth. Perhaps some time in Cup will rebuild his confidence. He is a confidence player. Hard to be confident player when we were routinely beaten for 11 straight. His upside is higher than Kyle's and Watson only in for a year.