The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio has criticised St George’s player management and said that there will be a massive player clean-out at the end of the season to ease pressure on the club’s tight salary cap.
The Dragons are on the verge of the top eight, but after two disappointing performances against the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos in consecutive weeks, they face an uphill battle to make finals.
Riccio noted that the Dragons have failed to recruit anyone for next season and if the club wants to attract better talent, some tough decisions on players must be made.
“The Dragons salary cap has not been touched on enough,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“They haven’t bought anyone for next year and they haven’t signed a plyer for next season.
“Their salary cap is so tight (and) there’s not a lot of wiggle room.
“They have huge money tied up in Jack de Belin, huge money tied up in Zac Lomax and Ben Hunt obviously.
“We will see a player clean-out at the end of the year just to try and alleviate some cap space.
“It’s very difficult to change results when you can’t replenish the roster and that’s the situation going forward for the Dragons.”
Reports surfaced on Monday that head coach Anthony Griffin was under pressure due to a fracture between him and some of the playing group.
Dragons chairman Craig Young has defended his coach and insisted that Griffin’s future at St George is not under immediate threat and mentioned that the upcoming board meeting would not discuss the teams dismal fortnight.
“Craig did say that the board is committed to the coach and his staff,” Riccio added.
“They are only two points out of the eight and they are confident the players and the coaching staff can get the team into the playoffs.
“I think Dragons fans would be questioning why the effort and results aren’t being discussed.
“Why isn’t it being discussed?
“They’ve been very poor the last few weeks with some inconsistent performances from individuals.”
The Dragons play a crucial match which will determine their finals chances when they face the Manly Sea Eagles on July 22.