St George Illawarra Dragons hooker Mitch Rein is ready to play his part for the team against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park on Sunday.
The Kiama Knights junior admits he is in good spirits for the marquee Mother’s Day fixture having just returned from his maiden representative call-up for the NSW Country Origin team.
Rein is aware that the Red-and-Whites need to return to form against the competition leaders and is poised to roll-up his sleeves to help secure the win.
The Dragons will be without the services of winger Jason Nightingale who is expected to miss four games with a knee injury and are waiting on progress reports on injured trio Josh Dugan, Trent Merrin and Tyson Frizell.
“It’s going to be a great day playing on Mother’s Day and whoever takes to the field wearing the Red V will do so with pride,” said Rein.
“It’s unfortunate that we’re without the services of Jason for the game but hopefully the other three blokes will be given the all clear if they pass their fitness tests.
“Everyone had a good rest and I managed to relax a bit after getting my first representative start playing for Country.
“I got to play with a good bunch of guys and it was beneficial for me to test myself in a different playing environment.
“One day I would like to get a crack at playing State of Origin but there are still a few errors in my game I need to correct before I’m ready.
“We’re all expecting a big crowd for the game against the Bulldogs and being Mother’s Day I reckon there will be a few mums in the crowd.
“We’ve had some close game recently and if it means having to go that extra mile to get the points I’ll do just that on Sunday.”
