By Rachael Price
St George Illawarra Dragons utility Gerard Beale is focused on breaking the alleged “hoodoo” associated with the fixture against the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium, Canberra on Saturday.
The New Zealand international is aware that the Raiders have not lost against the Red-and-Whites in the nation’s capital in over decade but is mindful of the importance surrounding bucking this trend.
Beale, 24, has been named as fullback for the trip south following Head Coach Paul McGregor’s decision to rest Adam Quinlan and is mindful that the team must win if they are to mathematically qualify for the Finals.
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“It’s coming to the end of the season and every game counts,” said Beale.
“Losing to the Penrith Panthers is just going to make getting to the Finals more difficult for us, but we have to make sure to win the next four games.
“We know we have the potential to do some damage in the competition and we want to be there at the end of the year.
“It starts now and it starts with the Raiders.
“They played really well against the Parramatta Eels, they were just unlucky to lose; they’ll be itching for a win.
“There’s a lot of hype around the Dragons and Raiders going head-to-head so they’ll definitely be up for the game.
“There has been talk of a hoodoo but in all honesty we know what’s on the line and we know we have to be ready come Saturday.
“I have been enjoying my time playing in the centres but the fullback role is not one that is unfamiliar with me.”
