St George Illawarra Dragons second-rower Will Matthews believes the team’s quality will stand-out against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at the SCG on Sunday.
The Red-and-Whites enter the encounter having lost their two opening games with the most recent being a 30-2 loss against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Shark Park, Cronulla last round.
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The Kyogle Turkeys junior concedes that game was not an accurate reflection of the hard work put in by the playing squad during the pre-season and is adamant the team can turn it around against their traditional rivals.
Dragons fullback Josh Dugan has reverted back to the familiar role as the team’s custodian and is presently being monitored as he recovers from a minor hamstring strain suffered last round.
“We started really well and were completing our sets and the other things we needed to do and they were struggling to go with us there for a bit,” said Matthews.
“All of a sudden we dropped too much ball and gave away too many penalties and found ourselves on the back foot of the game.
“You can’t win footy games when you’re playing like that.
“There is still a lot of confidence in the team and we know we haven’t started the season the way we would have liked to yet.
“We just need to keep backing ourselves and that starts against the Rabbitohs this round.
“Getting a win against them would get the ball rolling and hopefully be the start of a few more.
“Josh would be a massive loss as he is a quality player you want in your team but he is training well and being assessed around the clock.
“We have some good outside backs who can step-up and fill the void if need be.”
Game Day Activations
The fixture will be recognising and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1966 Premiership - the last in the world record run of 11 Premierships between 1956-1966.
The Dragons will have a “History Walk” activation with different pieces of memorabilia celebrating the historic 11 Premiership wins between 1956-66 at the Victor Trumper Concourse (Level 1).
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Jersey Information & Auction
The Dragons will also commemorate the occasion by wearing a special Heritage Jersey recognising the 11-straight Premierships and 85 players involved.
The Dragons player-worn Heritage Jerseys will be available for auction via the official website between Thursday, March 17-Thursday, March 24.
