The term annus horribilis was brought to prominence by Queen Elizabeth II in famously describing her tragic 40th year on the throne in 1992.
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The term is latin with a pretty simple meaning – a horrible year.
For the St George Illawarra Dragons that term can be safely applied to the year 2016.
Lucky it’s the Chinese year of the monkey, because it is certainly not the year of the Dragons.
On Monday an already bad year for the Dragons got even worse.
Let’s recap though first.
Firstly, the Dragons are sitting at 11th on the ladder with eight wins from 18 games.
While finals are still a remote possibility, the Dragons lack of attacking play has drawn harsh criticism and often made for less than enjoyable viewing.
The Dragons run to the finals is not going to get any easier.
On Friday night the Dragons encounter the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium, the same venue where on Sunday they were spanked by the Tigers.
Dragons star Leeson Ah Mau is also unlikely to be available, facing at least possibly three weeks on the sidelines due to a careless tackle charge.
The Dragons then face the might of the Brisbane Broncos at WIN Stadium and are then away to the rampaging Sharks.
Talk about “frying pan into the fire”.
There have also been reports about growing fan discontent with chief executive Peter Doust copping the brunt.
There are also big changes in the wind.
It was reported earlier in the year, by the Illawarra Mercury, the WIN Corporation and its billionaire boss Bruce Gordon is looking to take a 50 per cent stake in the club, thus freeing it from the NRL’s shackles somewhat. That deal remains on the table.
Then comes the news two of the club’s players have been charged relating to a drunken night on the town after the Dragons’ reserve grade match, which was the night before the loss to the Tigers on Sunday.
The Dragons have reported the matter to the NRL’s Integrity Unit, which has been exceedingly busy lately. It all adds up to what the Queen would correctly refer to as an “annus horribilis’’ for the Dragons.
Well, here’s hoping it can only get better for the Dragons and the club is not relying on the Chinese zodiac for its fortunes to turn around. According the Chinese zodiac the next year of the dragon is not due until 2024.