By Jack Brady (NRL.com)
Agile St George Illawarra centre Gerard Beale is excited about the prospects of experiencing the annual Anzac Day game between the Dragons and Roosters for the first time.
Beale, who missed last year's game due to a season ending anterior cruciate ligament injury, has been assured by teammates that the occasion will not disappoint.
"All the boys have said that you get pumped up for it so I expect the Roosters to come out hard. It's going to be a good game. If we do things right we'll get ourselves in a good position," Beale said.
"I was talking to Jason [Nightingale] before and he was saying as soon as you run out the crowd really gets you and just the atmosphere so I think we are lucky to get this game.
"I'm definitely looking forward to it and put on a good performance."
With the Dragons coming off a solid win against the Warriors last weekend, they shook away the disappointment of their recent heartbreaking and controversial loss to the Storm.
"We took a lot of confidence out of that win [against the Warriors]. It was a tough couple of weeks there so to get that win has really brought the spirits up in team so hopefully we can continue that so hopefully we can continue that," Beale said.
Despite last week's win, Beale realises that the Dragons' backs will be up against the wall, regardless of the situation, especially when it comes to the Roosters.
The reigning premiers snapped a three game losing streak against the cellar-dwelling Cronulla Sharks last weekend.
"I think they're going to be ready on such a big occasion," Beale said.
"They did really well against the Sharks and I expect them to come out with their best this week. We just have to make sure we're on our game and doing everything at training."
Beale will get no better opportunity to prove his worth on one of the biggest stages the regular NRL season has to offer.
Opposing regular internationals in Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Michael Jennings on Anzac Day is a mission in itself, especially with the centre still a chance to make his sixth Test appearance for the Kiwis next Friday night.
