By Jake Bull
St George Illawarra Dragons hooker Mitch Rein believes improved ball security is required against the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium, Canberra on Saturday.
The Kiama Knights junior admits the team have identified several areas for improvement that have been worked on in training this week following the disappointing loss to the Penrith Panthers last weekend.
The NSW Country Origin representative is not buying into any talk of a “hoodoo” and is adamant a berth in the Finals is not out of reach with hard work and a strong work ethic.
Click to read what Gerard Beale says about facing the Canberra Raiders!
“Obviously everyone is disappointed that we came away with a loss against the Penrith Panthers,” said Rein.
“It was a game we could have won, we had our chances and had a lot of opportunities throughout the game but we just didn’t take them.
“One of the things we were disappointed in was our defence and letting them get a roll on over our big boys as well so it’s going to be tough going down to Canberra.
“It was a bit tough on the weekend because we turned over so much cheap ball and had to do a lot more work in defence.
“None of us really believe in the hoodoo and if we go down there, ready to go, we’ll be fine.
“I’ve played the last few years down there in Canberra and it’s always miserable and cold but maybe this year we will have a better chance because we’ve got half of their players with us that we played against in the past.
“A few of the boys played with them over the years and they know what certain players do.
“I’m sure we will do our own video but we will be concentrating on ourselves.
“We’re definitely still going for a spot in the Finals.
“It’s a lot harder now that we lost on the weekend but we’re still a chance so that’s definitely a goal for us.”
