St George Illawarra Dragons National Youth Competition team lock Nathan Leatigaga is excited about taking the challenge to the Sydney Roosters in their Preliminary Final at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park on Friday.
The Young Dragons enter the encounter well rested and prepared following their much deserved week off after a thrilling last minute win over the North Queensland Cowboys Cowboys in the Qualifying Final fixture recently.
Leatigaga, a graduate of the Illawarra Steelers SG Ball team, is expecting a physical challenge against a tough Roosters side, however, he is confident the team can reproduce the performances that saw them prevail over their opponents twice before earlier this season.
“The team has been training pretty well and the coach just upped the intensity last week, during the training session,” said Leatigaga.
“We have all been putting in some hard effort, and preparing as best we can to be ready for this week.
“I think as a team, one through to seventeen every week, everyone’s been putting in the effort and really pushing for each other.
“The Roosters were really tough, especially through their middle earlier this year.
“They’ve been really physical when we have played them, so if we can start well against them and really take the challenge to them, I think we should be fine.
“Mat Head as a coach has been really good for me personally.
“He is a very honest coach and he is very upfront about things so he will tell you what you’ve done wrong, and what you’re doing right, and he is always pushing you to do your best.
“All the boys are pretty excited and ready for the challenge on Friday so it should be a good day for us.”
