MUDGEE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 19: Dragons players huddle before the round 10 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Newcastle Knights at Glen Willow Sporting Complex on May 19, 2019 in Mudgee, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

The Dragons nearly boycotted the round 10 clash against the Newcastle Knights due to their displeasure in the Jack de Belin case, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

The club was reportedly so confident that he would be successful in his challenge of the NRL's no fault stand down policy, that when he didn't get off they considered protesting the decision.

St George Illawarra were out in Mudgee about to face the Knights when they discovered de Belin's suspension would be upheld, and reportedly seriously considered boycotting the Glenn Willow Oval clash.

It is believed that Craig Young, former Dragons great and a member of the club's integrity department, convinced the team to play for the fans.

The Knights went on to smash a dispirited Dragons outfit 45-12, with Paul McGregor's side going on to win just four of their remaining 14 matches.

The report also revealed that prior to bringing in the new stand down rule, NRL boss Todd Greenberg met with rugby league gurus Wayne Bennett, Phil Gould and Mal Meninga.

Bennett reportedly predicted that if the ban was introduced, the Dragons would finish last.

1 COMMENT

  1. Wayne Bennett should be running the NRL with Phil Gould as Chairman, we need some strong heads at the helm, the game is floundering under the current management structure, Peter V’landys, will need a free reign if he is to have any impact at all. Toddy needs to step down!

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