St George Dragons NRL 2023 Odds, Reviews and Predictions

Heading into 2023, is the St George Dragons the most debated club?

The NRL 2023 season is kicking off, yet still embedded in the minds of fans are the numerous off-field incidents that have made the headlines. The Dragons are a club with a culture problem, consistently showing up in the media each week for all the wrong reasons.

Remarkably, and luckily, they have a star recruit, in the name of Ben Hunt who is (to be honest) pushing the club to overachieve. If it weren’t for Hunt, this club would be a clear winner for the wooden spoon.

Infact, many NRL analysts are still declaring St George odds on favourite for wooden spoon honours in 2023.

Let’s delve further into whether these odds are worthwhile. Or even, consider how likely are the Dragons in winning the premiership!

Off-field Incidents

Where to begin with the numerous off-field incidents that this club is experiencing? Let’s race through them, starting with the 2022 end of season awards, in which only three players turned up. Yes, that is correct. Out of the thirty players on the roster, only three players turned up for an event that would be considered an honour to commerate outstanding players of the club during the 2022.

The fact that only three decided to be at the event (which probably would have been the most low key of all events), demonstrates a lack of committment at the club.

In December 2022, Talatau ‘Junior’ Amone made the headlines for alleged assault on a tradie armed, arming himself with a hammer, then in February 2023, Mikaele Ravalawa and Zane Musgrove were “too drunk to remember” that they had gotten into a fight with each other! Amazingly, no suspension was issued by the club, allowing the two players to continue to particpate in training.

The list of controversies could go on forever, however, suffice to say, there is a culture within the club that warrants change.

If the Dragons can reduce the number of times they are reported in the media negatively, then their odds of not taking the wooden spoon of 2023 will reduce dramatically.

Ben Hunt – Doing Everything

Heavn forbid if this man is injured during 2023. Ben Hunt is doing everything in his power to drag the Dragons to beating the odds.

Ben Hunt is a highly skilled and experienced rugby league player who has demonstrated his talent and leadership abilities throughout his career. He has played for several NRL teams, including the Brisbane Broncos and the St George Illawarra Dragons, and has also represented Queensland in State of Origin matches.

Hunt is known for his versatility on the field, with the ability to play multiple positions including halfback, hooker, and five-eighth. He is an excellent playmaker and has a great vision for the game, making him a valuable asset to any team.

In addition to his skills on the field, Hunt is also a respected leader both on and off the field. He has been named as captain of the St George Illawarra Dragons, demonstrating his ability to motivate and inspire his teammates.

Hunt’s leadership skills were particularly evident during the 2022 NRL season, when he was tasked with leading the Dragons through a difficult period. For his effort, Hunt was a runner up to the 2022 Dally M awards.

In regards to off-field controversies, Hunt has fronted the media, time and time again, demonstrating his commitment and professionalism to the club.

Can Hunt perform at a higher level than what he already is? It’s difficult to ask any more from the club’s star player.

What are the odds of a Wooden Spoon Finish?

Off-field controversies can have a significant impact on any NRL team’s performance on the field, and can often lead to poor results and a low position on the ladder. This is because such controversies can create a toxic environment within the team, leading to a lack of focus and motivation among players, and can damage team morale and cohesion.

The Dragons have demonstrated this, but have been fortunate to have Ben Hunt offset the on-field performance.

This year, surely the man of steel Ben Hunt cannot persevere any longer with any more off-field incidents. Should the Dragons continue to make the headlines for all the wrong reasons, the Wooden Spoon award is a shoe in for the Dragons.

The Final Odds of the Dragons

Let’s not ask too much of the Dragons. Yes, they could win the premiership, and so could pigs fly. They could make the top eight, which is far more realistic than flying to the moon, however this is probably still well beyond reach.

Therefore to place any bet on the Dragons, the best bet would be for the Wood Spoon, last on the table. If the Dragons can keep up with the off-field controveries, and if Ben Hunt becomes injured or simply fades from exhaustion, they will easily finish at the bottom of the ladder.

Place a bet with the odds coming last. Coming last sometimes does mean winning!