St George Illawarra Dragons National Youth Competition team captain Patrick Herbert reflects on the season following the 26-20 loss to the Sydney Roosters in the Preliminary Finals fixture at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park on Friday.
The Junior Kiwis representative, playing only his second full season of rugby league, was bestowed the title of skipper ahead of the campaign and he himself admits it took him time to adjust to the added responsibility.
Herbert admits that while he and his teammates bowed out on the eve of battling for silverware contention, he will remember the campaign with fond memories.
“It’s been a really big season for us and we made it all the way to the Preliminary Final,” said Herbert.
“It was a lot of footy to have played in a year and I am happy with my performances personally and it’s been great to have played with a group as tight as this.
“I found taking over the role of captaincy as mentally challenging to start with having the weight of the team on my shoulders but eventually I came to the realisation of sticking to my job and let everyone get on with theirs.
“Our season really started to turn itself around against the Roosters on ANZAC Day and we stepped to challenge them that day but unfortunately it came to an end against them in the Preliminary Final.
“We spent the week in the build-up going through video to spot their weaknesses but they proved to be the better team in the end and especially in that second-half.
“My plan now during the off-season is to go home and spend some valuable time with my family and continue keeping my body in shape ahead of the next pre-season.”
