By Nathan Davis
St George Illawarra utility Jake Marketo has confided that the entire playing-group have developed a unique bond both on and off the playing field.
Marketo, 25, who recently returned to the Red-and-Whites on a one-year contract, admits that the whole playing group has become close friends which was encouraged by Head Coach Paul McGregor.
The Holy Cross Rhinos junior has expressed that the pre-season training itself has been an incredible learning experience for him and attributes the Dragons coaching staff for his development.
“I’m really enjoying meeting all the new boys at training, we all are pretty tight at the moment,” said Marketo.
“There are a lot of new faces but we all enjoy each other company so it good.
“Mary has encouraged us to spend time with each other, and we have taken it to ourselves to create friendships and spend time away from football together.
“Apparently in other years the team had been a bit divided, but now the boys are happy to grab a coffee or do some extra training together.
“We are getting very close during training and in our personal lives; I think it’s really making the team stronger.
“I’ve learned a lot from Mary, Ben Hornby and Dean Young over this pre-season and I thank them for it, and I also thank them for the opportunity.
“I’m not sure where they will want me, so I have been working at several different positions.
“I’m working to play wherever will be best for the team, and I haven’t put my mind to just one position just yet.”
