Mary Maidiotis
St George Illawarra Dragons centre Dylan Farrell is looking forward to potentially lacing-up his boots in the season opener against the Melbourne Storm at Jubilee Oval Kogarah next Monday.
Farrell, 23, believes he has been impressive enough in the pre-season trials to warrant selection in the first-grade team after a disappointing 2014 season, with two pectoral muscle injuries limiting him to just six games.
The Culburra Dolphins junior had been named on the bench for the World Club Series fixture against the Warrington Wolves but ended up starting in the 18-12 win.
“It was a great experience, I had never been to England before so the chance to go over there and play footy and show how much hard work we put into the preseason was really good.” said Farrell.
“The game was a really good test for our forwards who have copped a lot of criticism in the past, but I thought they really stood up and took it to the Wolves forwards on their turf.
“It’s weird that despite the weather over there, the Wolves weren’t afraid to throw the ball around, and to throw offloads and long balls.
“It’s really hard to defend when they’re playing like that but luckily we turned up as a team and defended it, so I’m really proud.
“Obviously we’ve got a tough game against Melbourne and with such a big squad, Mary has a difficult job to do picking a team for round one, but I feel as though I’ve done a pretty good job in the trials and hopefully I’m there.”
