Phil Gould Warns Dragons to Protect Young Players
Phil Gould, a former coach known for his success with Penrith’s junior development system, has issued a caution to the St. George Illawarra Dragons. He urged the club to be “very careful” in how they integrate their young players into the first-grade team, especially as the Dragons continue their search for their first win of the season.
The Dragons suffered a heavy 62-16 defeat on Anzac Day against the Sydney Roosters. The match saw debutant Kade Reed and young prop Loko Pasifiki Tonga make appearances, highlighting the club’s investment in its junior pathways. Other recent graduates from the club’s junior system, including Jacob Halangahu, the Couchman brothers, and Hamish Stewart, were also part of the lineup. This suggests that there are promising talents emerging within the Dragons’ structure.
Gould emphasized the importance of ensuring that these young players have a positive experience in the NRL. “The club’s got to be very careful with these young Dragons players. They are very talented,” he said during Nine’s Anzac Day coverage. “They’ve got to make this a good experience for them and not a bad one. There’s nothing more intimidating than being out there in the NRL arena when you’re on the end of scorelines like this and you’re eight games in and haven’t won a game. It can be a bad experience.”
He added that it is crucial for the coaches and the club to protect the young players and ensure they are building for the future. “They shouldn’t be getting intimidated by it, they shouldn’t be getting daunted by it or stressed from it,” Gould said.
Kade Reed, the 20-year-old halfback, showed promise in his debut for the Dragons. His first decision as interim head coach was to bring him in for Kyle Flanagan. Reed delivered a brilliant cut-out pass early in the match, which looked like the first try of the game but was eventually ruled out due to a knock-on. Despite his defensive shortcomings—six missed tackles due to his slight frame—Reed’s performance demonstrated his potential.
Gould noted that Reed and other inexperienced players were getting a “front-row seat” to first-grade rugby league. “All of a sudden you find out, you know what, we’re not the best around,” he said. “There’s a long way to go once you get to the NRL to understand what it’s all about. As punishing as these Roosters have been, they’ve all been through it themselves.”
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Young Talent: The Dragons’ lineup included several recent juniors, indicating a focus on developing future stars.
- Debutants: Kade Reed made his debut, showing both promise and areas for improvement.
- Coaching Strategy: Interim head coach Dean Young’s decision to bring in young players highlights the club’s commitment to its pathways system.
- Learning Experience: The heavy defeat serves as a valuable lesson for the young players, helping them understand the challenges of the NRL.
Future Prospects
Despite the loss, the presence of young players like Reed and Pasifiki Tonga signals that the Dragons are investing in their future. However, as Gould pointed out, the challenge lies in ensuring that these players grow without being overwhelmed by the pressures of the NRL. The club must balance immediate performance with long-term development to avoid discouraging its young talent.
With the right support and guidance, the Dragons can turn this challenging period into an opportunity for growth. The key will be maintaining a positive environment where young players can learn and develop without fear of failure. This approach could ultimately lead to a stronger and more resilient team in the coming seasons.
