By Adam Bagnall and Jake Bull
St George Illawarra Dragons prop Jack Stockwell believes that the team’s recent form can continue against the Penrith Panthers at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Sunday.
The Dragons, who will wear a specially designed jersey as part of ‘Close the Gap’ round, credits a solidified forward pack brimming with confidence for the turnaround which might be further be bolstered the round by returning duo Dan Hunt and Tyson Frizell.
The Picton Magpies junior laments having had a disrupted start to the campaign after succumbing to a hamstring strain and hopes despite the increasing competition for sports that he can continue his recent good performances and keep his place in the team.
Click to see how Jack Stockwell handles himself in the Alfa Romeo Chef’s Challenge!
“I had a couple of injuries at the start of the year which impacts on performance and fitness a little,” said Stockwell.
“Now I’ve come back and trying to cement my spot on the bench there, so I’ve done that the last few weeks. I’m pretty happy so now I just want to stay there now.
“There’s a couple of players coming back soon with Dan Hunt, who has played with the Illawarra Cutters and Tyson Frizell who is being monitored, so it shows the depth that we’ve got in the forwards so hopefully I can stay in that bench spot and get a go.
“The boys really ripped in the past few days at training and are happy to get a good start to the week coming off a loss and we’re really pumped for the Panthers this week and hopefully we can turn it around.”
“As a forward pack we are really buying into our strengths and building confidence.
“I love WIN Stadium; it’s one of my favourite grounds and playing there this weekend against the Panthers with Jamie Soward involved will be good, so I think all the boys are looking forward to it.
“We’ll just stay positive and try and win as many games as we can and try and cement our spot in the top eight that’s our goal.”
