This week, Wayne Bennett said 2011 will be his last year with the Dragons. So now, in the space of a few days, we have the great player Darren Lockyer calling it quits and the great coach calling it quits. Whos’ next? The great commentator – Rabs?

Everyone loves a timely retirement. There’s no point in over staying your welcome, or waiting until the magic turns sour. But what’s with retirement announcements three weeks into a new season? Are these things spur of the moment or preconceived for dramatic effect? Why not wait until season’s end?

Makes you think. Perhaps it’s all about inspiring the club to loftier heights. The old, “win one for the Gipper” routine. Who’s the Gipper? Well, back in 1920s Indiana, football coach Knute Rockne rallied his underdog Notre Dame to a famous victory over Army by telling them their ill teammate Gipper had made it his dying his wish the team win one for him. So in this analogy, yes, Bennett is the Gipper and he wants the team to win a Grand Final for him. (Basketball fans may prefer the Gene Hackman – Hoosiers version of the story).

This week the Dragons face the Knights in Newcastle and look favourites. But will they have enough against a Knights side, who despite a loss to Manly last round, have piled on the points in the first three weeks of the season?