2000 - The Year of the Dragon In a year which promised so much, 2000, the Chinese 'year of the Dragon' will go down as one of the worse seasons on record. The team was racked with injury in a lineup which had already lost key players, many of whom retired at the end of season 1999. Additionally, the year was marred by in

HISTORY SPOT SYDNEY 2000 OLYMPICS

MARK GASNIER SCORES ON DEBUT Marathon Stadium Newcastle, 24 March 2001: Nineteen year old, Mark Gasnier (pic right) was called into the first grade match against Newcastle to replace Matt Cooper who withdrew after injuring himself in the pre match warm up. The nephew of St George great, Reg Gasnier the centre / winger had a dream start in the top grade when he scored the match turning try in the 63rd minute. An exciting match, 12874 people saw Wayne Bartrim convert the Gasnier try from out wide to give Saints a one point lead. Jamie Ainscough scored late and Saints ran out winners 25-18. DRAGONS CEO RESIGNS Sydney, 2 April 2000: Popular Saints' CEO, Brian Johnston has resigned from his position citing health reasons. A speedy back, the Dunedoo junior played for NSW & Australia. He played for St George from 1980-89 and was captain in his final year before injury forced him to retire. Johnston (pic left) became St George Chief Executive Officer in '96 and was named Australian team manager for the 1999 Test series. THE MUNDINE SAGA Sydney 26 April 2000: Anthony Mundine doesn't show up to training and is reported  to be on a flight to USA. Sydney 2 May 2000: Saints' management have sent a letter today to Anthony Mundine instructing him to front the club's board of directors to explain his reasons for leaving the country. 'Choc' returned to Australia from Honolulu on the morning of May 2 and explained that he simply needed time to 'chill out'. He had a  private  meeting at Sydney Airport with coach David Waite and father Tony Mundine prior to being swarmed by a large media scrum.

2000 (top 8 in semis) Brisbane p 38 Easts 32 Newcastle 31 Canberra 30 Penrith 30 Melbourne 29 Parramatta 29 Cronulla 26 St George 24 Wests Tigers 24 Canterbury 21 Auckland 18 Nthn Eagles 18 North Qld 12 (26 ROUNDS) Saints 2000 record Win     Loss  Draw 12W, 14L, 0D Pts for/against For 576 (5th) Against 656 (12th)

AMOS ROBERTS RE-WRITES HISTORY BOOKS WIN Stadium, 6 May 2000: Saints' winger, Amos Roberts (pic right) has scored 22 points (one try plus nine goals) and Nathan Blacklock scored a hat trick of tries as the Dragons ran riot against a hapless Auckland side. In the 72nd minute, Roberts scored a well deserved try after a simple catch and pass movement close to the opposition's line. This gave him a personal tally of 22 points which is new record for a first grade player on debut. Saints ran in nine tries to post a convincing victory of 54-0 over the Warriors.

Sydney, 30 May 2000: The StGeorge Illawarra board has decided to sack coach, David Waite at the end of the current season. He will be replaced by co-coach, Andrew Farrar in 2001. Brian Johnson has been retained as first division coach. David Waite came to the St George Dragons in 1996 when the club was in crisis. He was a third choice coach after Brian Smith and then Rod Reddy abandoned the Dragons during the height of the chaotic Super League war. Waite's attitude in early 1996 was to control those things which could be controlled. The Dragons almost went all the way in that year only to be beaten in the Grand Final. The Coach of the Year Award was suspended in 1996 but David Waite was voted 'Coach of the Year' by his peers.

TRENT BARRETT WINS DALLY M AWARD Sydney, 1 August 2000: Trent Barrett wins the  'Dally M' PLAYER OF THE YEAR award. Barrett received 28 points to beat off late charges from Brett Kimmorley and Andrew Johns. As well, Barrett is named as five eighth and Nathan Blacklock  is named as winger in the 'Dally M' TEAM OF THE YEAR. Blacklock also receives an

TRENT BARRETT FEATURES IN WORLD CUP SLAUGHTER Gateshead UK, 1 November 2000: News from the old dart is that Australia has beaten Russia by 10 zillion to nothing in front of about 3,000 people. This score (actually 110-4) has been classed as a world record of some sort. Trent Barrett scored 2 tries. In another 'World Cup' match it was great to see ex-StGeorge forward, David Barnhill representing Ireland and still offloading as good as ever. Barnhill's most recent footy career has been with the successful Burleigh Bears on the Gold Coast.

Rugby League. Brad was playing in the UK for the Bradford Bulls in 2000. A local junior, Brad began his career with St George in 1987. He represented NSW (17 times) and Australia (12 tests, the first in 1990) and he won the Clive Churchill medal in the 1993 Grand Final despite playing in the losing side. He quit St George in 1994 following ongoing arguments over the captaincy with coach Brian Smith. After a year with the ill fated Perth side Western Reds, he turned his back on Super League to join Illawarra for 2 years before joining StGeorge Illawarra in 1999. His last match for the Dragons was the '99 Grand Final. Widely regarded as one of the best lock forwards to ever play for StGeorge, Mackay was a versatile player who could put his talents to numerous positions. He is without a doubt, one of the gentlemen of Rugby League and always played the game with skill and fairness. He played a total of 218 first grade games (117 StGeorge, 21 Reds, 56 Illawarra, 24 StGeo-Ill). He will now return to Australia to take up a job as a fireman.

HISTORY SPOT 25FEB2001: DON BRADMAN DIES

Nathan Brown forced into retirement 3 February 2001: Dragons' co-captain, Nathan Brown (pic below left) has suffered a neck injury in a pre-season trial against Canterbury. So serious was the injury that Nathan was numb from the neck down and had to be air lifted by helicopter from the field. He fully recovered but tests revealed that he had a

Originally from Maclean in northern NSW, Nathan Brown came to St George as a youngster in 1993. 'Brownie' played in three grand  finals with Saints in 1993, 96 & 99. Mixing surfing with Rugby League, he went on to be co-captain of the Dragons and was widely regarded as one of the best hookers in the game. His dummy half play was outstanding and he  often topped the tackle count. One of the best players never to  play for Australia, let alone NSW, Nathan remained as a highly respected footballer at all levels of the game. In all, he played 171 matches and scored 32 tries. The judiciary vs the Dragons: Craig Smith forced out of the country 2001 was notable for a number of reasons but much controversy was centred on Saints frequent visits to the NRL judiciary. Judiciary chairman, Jim Hall met with no less than four Saints players with Craig Smith, Jason Ryles, Trent Barrett and Wayne Bartrim all receiving suspensions. Smith in particular was attracting judicial attention and was ultimately forced out of the country. Click here for full story The Injuries start to mount In 2001, forward Luke Bailey was ruled out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Saints had  a horrendous run of injuries and at one point, they had more than half their team out. Matters became absurd when utility player,  Jason Hooper was outed for eight weeks when he partially severed a finger with a power tool in his home. These injuries saw a string of defeats and some supporters were calling for the sacking of coach Andrew Farrar. The club rejected these calls and signed Farrar to a two year deal in April. TINGHA HAT TRICK  WINS MATCH

2001 (top 8 in semis) Parramatta 42 Canterbury 37 Newcastle p 33 Cronulla 32 Brisbane 29 Easts 27 St George 26 NZ Warriors 26 Melbourne 23 Nthn Eagles 23 Canberra 19 Wests Tigers 19 North Qld 14 Penrith 14 (26 ROUNDS) Saints '01 record Win     Loss  Draw 12W, 12L, 2D Pts for/against For 661 (5th) Against 573 (5th)

Leichhardt Oval, 3 June 2001: Winger Nathan Blacklock has scored his second hat trick of tries for the year including a brilliant solo effort right on full time. 'Tingha' ran 70 metres down the sideline and put in a kick over the head of the Wests Tigers' fullback to score the match winning try. A great Rugby League moment which 'brought the house down' for the 13,154 people in attendance, many of whom starting chanting his name. The Tigers held a 14-nil lead after 16 minutes but were unable to go on with it as the Dragons scored three tries to nil in the second half and winning 27-22 thanks to Blacklock's try in the 77th minute. Hooker, Mark Riddell was successful with the conversion to give Saints a five point win. (Pic left: Blacklock congratulated by Gasnier)

Tingha snubbed: magnificent try scoring record not enough June 2001: The omission of try scoring machine, Nathan Blacklock (pic right) from the NSW team in the second State of Origin match caused outrage throughout the footballing community. For the first time ever, 'Tingha' was showing the strain of constant rejection from the selectors and at one point, he was quoted as saying he was ready to quit Rugby League. Lance Thompson Jamie Ainscough and Trent Barrett (later withdrawing through injury) retained their spots in the NSW team while Blacklock gained some reward when he was selected in the Country Origin team along with team mate Jason Ryles. Lance Thompson was honoured with the captaincy of the City Origin team and Mark Gasnier was named in the run on side. Veteran, Colin Ward gained debut rep honours when he was also selected in the City side. Saints in the semis Saints finished 26 rounds of football in 7th position and qualified for the semi finals. Saints defeated Canterbury by just one point (see below) but their NRL season finished the following week when they were defeated by Brisbane. The first Division team advanced to the Grand Final and once there, had no trouble of disposing of Parramatta 34-10 to become 2001 Champions.

Sydney Showground Homebush, 8 September 2001: Saints have defeated Canterbury 23-22 in a punishing Qualifying Final encounter at Homebush. A try to Matt Cooper, courtesy of a brilliant pass from Trent Barrett and a  field goal by Willie Peters (recalled to first grade) saw Saints home after they trailed 14-12 at halftime. WILLIE PETERS Willie Peters (pic left in Saints alternate jersey) originally played half back for South Sydney before having a successful stint with Wigan (UK). He was signed in 2001 and started off well before injury and a drop in form saw him demoted to first division. Coach Andrew Farrar's decision to recall Peters to first grade paid dividends as Saints won their sudden death encounter against Canterbury.

Sydney Football Stadium, 15 September 2001: In a match that saw 72 points scored, Saints have lost to Brisbane 44-28 and are now eliminated from the 2001 NRL competition. This is new record for points scored in semi final match. A crowd of 19,259 were on hand to see Brisbane steam roll Saints early and race away to a 20-nil lead after just 15 minutes. Saints did come back into contention and following a try to Jason Ryles in the 70th minute and they were only eight points behind. But they were never able to make up the deficit. Two late tries to the Broncos sealed the match. (pic right: Mark Riddell kicking another goal at in round seven)

The Kangaroo Squad Port Moresby, 7 October 2001: Four Dragons were named in the Kangaroo Tour Squad. Wearing the Green and Gold are Trent Barrett (pic left) and debutantes, Jason Ryles and Mark Gasnier as well as none other than Nathan Blacklock who was named in the run on side to take on the Papua New Guinea Kumuls on October 7th. He also played in the third decisive Test in the UK. Tingha finally getting long overdue recognition.

Colin Ward	Jamie Ainscough	Paul McGregor	Craig Smith
Wayne Bartrim	Andrew Hart	Jamie Fitzgerald	Nathan Brown

Mark Riddell 130 points (6 tries, 53 goals) Nathan Blacklock* 112 points (27 tries, 2 goals) Wayne Bartrim 100 points (2 tries, 46 goals) *Blacklock's record with Saints 1998: 20 tries; 1999: 24 tries; 2000: 25 tries; 2001: 27 tries.

HISTORY SPOT PLANES CRASH INTO WORLD TRADE CENTER

2002:
Bulldogs stripped of 37 pts for salary cap breach
August 2002: The biggest rugby league news item of 2002; competition leaders the Canterbury Bulldogs have been found to have breached the NRL salary cap by approximately $1MILLION over the last two seasons. The National Rugby League, in an unprecedented move, responded by deducting the Bulldogs of 37 competition points, effectively delivering them the 2002 wooden spoon.
Mark Riddell's double trouble
Stadium Australia Sydney, 21 March 2002: Saints Hooker, Mark Riddell has been sent off in the 'Easter Double Header' against the Bulldogs when he went in late and high on Bulldogs five eighth, Braith Anasta.
Referee, Bill Harrigan had no hesitation in ordering the season's first send off after the replay showed a late elbow connecting with Anasta's chin. The match was eventually won by the Bulldogs 33-14.
The NRL judiciary subsequently suspended Riddell for four matches.
WIN Stadium Wollongong, 12 May 2002: St George Illawarra Dragons hooker, Mark Riddell has been sent off by Referee Paul Simpkins. He was later charged with a grade two reckless high tackle on Canberra Raiders' five eighth, Mark McLinden. Replays show Riddell coming in high just after McLinden got a kick away. The match was eventually drawn at 21-all.
Riddell had little option but to plead guilty and was sidelined for a further four matches. This was Riddell's first match back following a similar incident in round three.
Nathan Blacklock quits Saints for Rugby Union
Sydney, 04 June 2002: It has been confirmed that Nathan Blacklock has been granted a release from the Dragons. The champion winger requested the release after stating that he had 'lost his passion for the game'.
Nathan's departure from Rugby League sent the media into a frenzy and speculation that he was comteplating joining Rugby Union were confirmed when he signed a two year deal with the NSWRU.
The competition's leading try scorer for three seasons running, Blacklock has since shown a desire to return to Rugby League following a less than happy stint with Union club, Southern Districts.
In 2001, Blacklock set a new club record with 27 tries in one year, surpassing Tom Ryans's record of 1957.

Season summary: The win over Warriors in round 15 was the best game of the year for the Dragons. Fielding a side of virtual reserve graders, they outclassed a strong Warriors outfit humiliating them in front of their home crowd. The Warriors however, were in a forgiving mood when in round 26, Saints defeated last year's premiers, Newcastle, 40-22 effectively handing the minor premiership to the New Zealand side. The Warriors went on to be eventual grand finalists only to lose to Sydney City. In 2002, Saints also defeated the Brisbane Broncos 28-20 in round 11 but the highlights were far and few between with Saints only managing nine wins to scrape into seventh position on the ladder. They defeated Newcastle 26-22 for the second week running in the first preliminary final but went down a week later to arch rivals, Cronulla 40-24 in the semi final. Overall Saints struggled for consistency in 2002 with many supporters blaming coach, Andrew Farrar. Dragons 2002 Player stats, first grade: Most games (out of 26): Lee Hookey (25); Jason Hooper (25); Shane Millard (23); Justin Smith (23). Most tries: Lee Hookey 18 tries (25 games); Mark Gasnier 12 tries (14 games) Most goals: Mark Riddell 44 goals (18 games) Aaron Gorrell 28 goals (16 games) Most field goals: Willie Peters 3 fg (NRL's best) Most points for 2002: Mark Riddell 10t+44g+1fg = 129 pts (18 games)

TEAM 2002 - FULL SQUAD Click on the pic for larger image (220 kb) Player movements, 2002: Gains (to play in 2003): Brett Firman (Sharks); Lee Bennett (Roosters), Henry Perenara (Storm), John Cross (Panthers), Don Dickson (McLean), John Wilshere (Panthers) and Hassan Saleh (Wests). Losses: Nathan Blacklock (Rugby Union); Justin Smith (Souths); Willie Peters (Souths); Lee Hookey (Souths); Jason Hooper (St Helens); Ben Ross (Panthers); Clint Hill (Tigers); Jason Kent (Sharks); Christian Hill (Eagles); Shane Millard (released). LOWER GRADES GRAND FINALISTS Telstra Stadium Sydney, 6 October 2002: While the Dragons' First Grade side failed to go on with it in 2002, the lower grade First Division and Jersey Flegg sides both qualified for their respective grand finals. The Nathan Brown coached Jersey Flegg side were runaway leaders in 2002 but the minor premiers fell at the final hurdle going down by one point in the grand final (23-22) courtesy of a Roosters' field goal with only 90 seconds remaining. First Divsion side, coached by Mick Potter went down in similar circumstances losing the lead with only four minutes remaining, the defending premiers going down to the Bulldogs by two points (24-22).

RETURN TO KOGARAH: Saints to play five games at Jubilee in 2003 Kogarah, 05 September 2002: The Dragons will be playing at Kogarah Jubilee Oval in 2003. The St George Illawarra club confirmed the move today by official media release. The Dragons will play five 2003 NRL home games at Kogarah and seven home games at WIN Stadium, Wollongong. The pre-season Charity Shield match against Souths will remain at Aussie Stadium (SFS). Dragons chief executive officer Peter Doust made the announcement at Kogarah Oval. "Aussie Stadium [Sydney Football Stadium] is an outstanding sporting facility … but it is not in our community," said Doust. Doust said the Dragons Board unanimously decided to return to Kogarah Oval following overwhelming support from three local councils, state government local members, local community, St George Leagues Club and Dragons fans. The Dragons left Kogarah Jubilee Oval in 1999 after it was revealed that it no longer complied with the NRL criteria for home grounds. Intense lobbying from the R2K (Return to Kogarah), headed up by Lachlan McLean and support from Football club CEO, Robert Stone were instrumental in getting the Dragons back to the St George district. Although the actual date and opponent have yet to be announced, its understood the first Return To Kogarah match was quickly sold out with fans swamping the club for reservations. more: The search for a St George home ground - click here

Coach Farrar makes way for Nathan Brown Kogarah, 09 October 2002: St George Illawarra coach Andrew Farrar (pictured) has been released from the final year of his contract and will not be head coach in 2003. Former St George player, Nathan Brown has accepted the head coaching job. Former Canberra Raiders' and Australian five eighth, Laurie Daley has been appointed as a consultant to Brown while former Dragons' forward, David Barnhill has been appointed assistant coach. Also joining Brown, Daley and Barnhill will be former player, Paul McGregor who was later appointed as assistant strength and conditioning coach. The announcement that Brown will take over was made at 11am today followed last night's four hour club board meeting and ends weeks of speculation. The decision ends Andrew Farrar's involvement with the Dragons. Farrar was appointed co-coach in 1999 with David Waite. Farrar was then appointed as sole head coach in 2001. Nathan Brown's playing career was cut short in 2001 when x-rays revealed a spinal defect. He remained with the club as a trainer and then a coach of the Jersey Flegg side in 2002. Brown enjoyed considerable success with the U/22s Jersey Flegg side and was making a mark for himself as a trainer at representative level. Despite these achievements, Brown's appointment is widely regarded as a gamble with the former hooker becoming the youngest head coach in NRL history. Dragons media release - click here