St George Illawarra Dragons prop Tyson Frizell is positive about the team’s new field combinations ahead of the clash with the New Zealand Warriors at Eden Park, Auckland on Saturday.
The Wales international struck twice for the Red V against Wests Tigers in the opening round victory with Head Coach Steve Price opting to play him as prop-forward as opposed to the second-row.
Frizell admits the shift in position allowed him to showcase a different aspect of his game and is looking forward to doing the same against the Warriors.
“I’m very happy with our performance in Round 1; there are still little things that we need to work on but we’ll build on the confidence from the win,” said Frizell.
“It’s the first time I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of the team and we have put so many points on the board.
“We still need to work on our defense but we’re very happy with our attack.
“We are paying particular attention to our combinations; they are coming along very well and we’re really happy with them.
“It’s good to get one try but I’m very happy to get two; it all comes down to everyone being in the right place and our ball play.
“It was disappointing to see Michael Witt go off with a dislocated shoulder but I hope he’s doing okay and will be right to play on the weekend because he is an integral part of the team.
“Jack de Belin copped a pretty bad knock so he’s looking after his injury and we are hoping he can pull through for the Warriors game too.
“The Warriors are very tough at home and we’re expecting them to play strong in front of a home crowd; it will be a good test for us.
“We need to step up this week and use our confidence from Round 1 to come out on top over in New Zealand.
“I had been training a little bit to play as prop on Sunday but that was the first game that I have played there; it was a bit different but I am happy just to go out there and do my job for the team.
“The transition to prop is something I’m still working on but I’m happy to play wherever and play to the best of my ability.
“Playing in the heat and in the middle on Sunday definitely took a toll on the body but I will get used to it and it will make me a better player in the long-term.
“It will be a test for the little guys in the team when we clash with the Warriors on Saturday but hopefully we can play well and come away with the win.
“New Zealand are always a tough team and we’re expecting them to be fired up in their first home game of the season.”
