By Mary Maidiotis
St George Illawarra Dragons prop Jack de Belin believes intensity will be crucial as his side looks to take on the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane on Friday.
De Belin, 24, was given the opportunity to slot into the five-eighth position against the New Zealand Warriors after halfback Benji Marshall left the field with an injury.
The Cootamundra Bulldogs junior admits the positive vibe within the squad will be beneficial as the Red-and-Whites aim to continue their winning form as they charge towards the finals.
“Everyone’s pulled up well, there’s a really positive vibe around, we’ve won two games in a row and there’s a great feeling around the place,” said de Belin.
“I was really happy with the switch during the Warriors game when I had to cover for Benji, it’s a little different having to defend out wide but ball playing comes naturally to me so I really enjoyed it.
“I had to play off the back of Gareth, looking back on it, it was pretty easy since they didn’t come down that side much but if they were to pick on me, it may have been a different story.
“I played five-eighth a little bit when I was younger but I always defend in the middle and I’ve always wanted to be a ball-player so I got my chance on the weekend.
“We’re going to have to bring lots of intensity from the outset into the Broncos game because they try to blow sides off the park.
“The last time we played them was really physical and it’s a game you’re going to have to play for the full 80 because they’re a side who likes to get into the grind and you can’t switch off at any point.”
