Three stats to fix: Dragons

The Dragons fell just short of the eight last season after winning 12 of their 24 matches but will be hoping a few tweaks statistically will help tidy up what proved to be costly errors last season.

NRL.com looks at three areas the Dragons can improve to help put themselves back into top eight contention in 2023.

Missed tackles

The Dragons missed more tackles (938) than any other team in 2022 and that's something coach Anthony Griffin will be hoping to address.

Despite producing one of his best seasons last year, skipper Ben Hunt topped the competition for missed tackles with 115.

While missed tackles aren't always reflective of poor defence - players who bounce off tackles can have a missed tackle recorded against them - the Dragons also conceded the line breaks per game last year at 5.8.

With uncertainty around how their line-up will shape, Griffin will be wanting to see a more tightened defensive structure in 2023.

Forced drop outs

Perhaps surprising given Hunt's tremendous season last year, the Dragons were the worst in the competition for forcing dropouts and had to work hard for any extra field possession in 2022.

With just 326 for the season, the Red V sat lower than the Knights (30) and Broncos (31) in an area they'll want to improve on to help apply more pressure on their opponents with repeat sets.

Supports

The Dragons were just in front of the Warriors for average with the least supports in 2022.

They recorded 45.5 per game while heavyweights Penrith, South Sydney, the Roosters and Storm all averaged over 55. 

Centre Zac Lomax ranked sixth in support plays in 2022 with 161, however he was the only Dragons player to rank in the top 50 for this category. 

With Dylan Edwards and Clint Gutherson leading the league in support plays, Griffin will be hoping Tyrell Sloan can be the roaming fullback that can push up to back his spine and the rolling forwards.