St George Illawarra Dragons young guns Josh Drinkwater, Nathan Green and Adam Quinlan have the opportunity to prove their worth against the Mudgee Dragons and Illawarra Cutters at WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on Friday.
All 21 years of age, they will join the 27 man squad and each shared their thoughts and what they hope to get out of the coming match.
Halfback hopeful, Josh Drinkwater believes he knows what to expect from the teams and is confident in his assessment of their capabilities.
“It’s going to be a difficult game against Mudgee, we aren’t really sure what will be coming at us but I’m sure they’ll play some really good footy and be full of energy.
“The Cutters will be out there to prove a point; they’re a Reserve Grade team and they are going to want our spot so they will definitely be ready for the match, but so are we and we can’t wait to get out there.”
Coveting a position at centre, Nathan Green is confident in his abilities and is adamant the Red V have what it takes to showcase their new skills on the field.
“I’ve mainly been working on my attack at training; I can’t wait to get out there on the field on Friday and hopefully all our combinations click.
“It’s going to be great to get back out there after all the fitness we’ve been doing these past 12 weeks; it’s our time to get out there and show everyone what we can do.
“I’m looking forward to running out there with Gareth Widdop, but pretty much that whole right side with Sam Williams, Leeson Ah Mau, Josh Dugan and Dylan Farrell; hopefully we can pull a few combinations together and attack well.”
Another in the running for halfback, Adam Quinlan is hoping to showcase his skills and don the Red V for his second season with the Red-and-Whites.
“For the trials I’m just hoping we can have a good game and the team will be great out there on the field and have a really good performance.
“My goals for 2014 are to play as much first grade as possible and try to cement a spot in first grade; I know it will be tough with all the quality players we have here but hopefully I can get in there somewhere during this season.”
This will be the first match for the “new-look” Dragons and the first opportunity for Red V Members and fans alike to see the squad in action over four 20-minute quarters.
Dragons new recruits Gareth Widdop, Sam Williams, Dylan Farrell, Mike Cooper, Matt Groat, Willie Mataka, Josh Ailaomai, Joel Thompson and Peter Mata’Utia will all be in action and get their first look at the Dragons home sheds at WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah.
Ben Creagh, Brett Morris, Jason Nightingale, Michael Witt and Dan Hunt were not considered for selection as they are carrying minor injuries.
Admission to WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on Friday will be FREE for kids aged 14 years and younger while adults will be charged $5 at the gate on the day.
If you can't make it to the game, you can follow Live updates on Dragons Official Twitter, and a full Match Report will be available post-game at www.dragons.com.au
St George Illawarra Dragons Squad 27 Man Squad v Illawarra Cutters & Mudgee Dragons
Leeson Ah Mau, Josh Ailaomai, Gerard Beale, Jack Bird, Mike Cooper, Jack de Belin, Josh Drinkwater, Josh Dugan, Dylan Farrell, Tyson Frizell, Craig Garvey, Kiti Glyman, Matt Groat, Nathan Green, Bronson Harrison, Willie Mataka, Peter Mata Uta’Utia, Will Matthews, Trent Merrin, Adam Quinlan, Mitch Rein, Charly Runciman, Kyle Stanley, Jack Stockwell, Joel Thompson, Gareth Widdop, Sam Williams.
Match Day Details:
Friday, February 7
Location: WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah
4:45pm – Gate A Opens
5:00pm – NYC v Sydney Roosters
7:00pm – NRL v Mudgee Dragons & Illawarra Cutters
Admission Details: Adults $5, Kids aged 14 years and under FREE at Gate A (no pre-purchase available)
Hospitality: Food and beverage facilities will only be operating from the Western outlets.
Merchandise: The Dragons Merchandise Van will be located outside Gate A.
Red V Member Pack Collection: Red V Membership will be available for purchase from the Red V Tent located on the Southern Hill.
A limited amount of packs will be available for collection from the Red V Tent; they can be collected from 4.45pm until 7.30pm.
Ticketed Members have been posted a collection coupon which can be redeemed for the 2014 benefit pack. Members are reminded that packs cannot be collected without their collection coupon.
Click here for more details on pack collection!
