By Jack Clifton
The St George Illawarra Dragons Junior Representative teams will be in pre-season action once again in games spanning the state on Saturday.
The St George Dragons respective Harold Matthews Cup (U16) and SG Ball (U18) teams will travel to face the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, Narrabeen.
This match-up across the two age levels will be the last hit out before the holiday break and the last opportunity for players to impress the coaching staff before the squads are trimmed down to 25 players.
Both Dragons squads will be looking to press on with the good performances they showed against the Illawarra Steelers where they showed good stamina and ball skills in all of the games.
“Our lead up has been good we are still just focussing on core skills,” said Dragons SG Ball Head Coach Brad Liggins.
“The focus for this trial is to improve on our line speed and put pressure on the opposition with good defence and control of the ruck.”
The Dragons Harold Matthews will commence at 10.30am and will be followed by the SG Ball match at 12.00pm.
The Steelers respective Harold Matthews Cup (U16) and SG Ball (U18) teams will make their annual trek down south to face the Canberra Raiders at Goulburn on the same day.
Both sides will be keen to hit the ground running and continue to develop combinations within the team and this will be the focal point of the trial for both teams.
With limited places in both squads as well, these trials will be layered with intensity and passion as the players attempt to put their best feet forward in impressing the coaching staff.
“We’ve had a really good pre-season and all the boys are looking forward to the trip to Goulburn,” said Steelers SG Ball Head Coach Shane Millard.
“I know they’re ready and rearing to go, and I’m sure those who have really put in during the pre-season will be rewarded for their efforts on Saturday.”
The Steelers Harold Matthews will commence at 10.30am and will be followed by the SG Ball match at 12.15pm.
