Reed to Keep Starting Role Despite Dragons' Anzac Day Rout

The St. George Illawarra Dragons endured a brutal Anzac Day clash, succumbing to a crushing 62-16 defeat at the hands of the Sydney Roosters. This heavy loss, which extends the Dragons' losing streak to 12 games, including eight this season, was particularly stark in the highly anticipated NRL debut of 20-year-old halfback Kade Reed. Handed the crucial number seven jersey by interim coach Dean Young, Reed was thrust into the spotlight on one of the Dragons' most significant regular-season occasions.

Despite the overwhelming scoreline, Reed provided glimpses of potential that have earned him the coach's continued faith. He was involved in some of the Dragons' few attacking threats, including a disallowed try and a play that forced a goal-line dropout. Young acknowledged Reed's challenging circumstances, stepping into a struggling team on a high-pressure day, but expressed pride in his effort and saw "good signs" despite areas needing improvement.

“

I was proud of him. It's a tough ask going into Anzac Day when you're 0-7, and I thought he did his best. He's got a lot to work on, but I thought there were some good signs there.

From the perspective of ABC Australia, while the result is undeniably poor, the focus on Reed's debut offers a narrative of hope amidst the gloom. Young's decisive backing of the young halfback signals a commitment to rebuilding and developing talent, even in the face of significant adversity. The coach's experience with the North Queensland Cowboys' dramatic turnaround in 2021 provides a potential roadmap, emphasizing the importance of sticking to a plan. For the Dragons and their supporters, the path forward is undoubtedly arduous, but the emergence of young talent like Reed offers a crucial, albeit small, beacon for the future.

“

Kade will be our halfback against the Newcastle Knights.