7.9.12 Start of the under-20s game between St George Illawarra and Penrith.pic chris lane
7.9.12 Start of the under-20s game between St George Illawarra and Penrith.pic chris lane
ST GEORGE Illawarra will need to combat Canterbury's monster forward pack if they are to inch closer to a debut under-20s grand final appearance.
In preparation for the clash against the minor premiers at Allianz Stadium tomorrow afternoon, Dragons coach Justin Holbrook has warned his troops to fight fire with fire.
"Their forwards are big and talented and have a few off-loads," Holbrook said. "We have to be very strong in defence and very physical and contain them."
The Dragons are boosted by the inclusion of Jack Stockwell — who made his NRL debut this year. Stockwell will pair with Wests Tigers bound prop Jack Buchanan to combat Canterbury's 215 kilogram combined front-rowers Leilani Latu and Oliver Gordon.
"If we can limit their off-loads and have good line speed then we should be OK," Holbrook said. "Our attack has been good."
Holbrook watched his side pile on 44 points against Penrith to score the most decisive victory in the first weekend of the finals.
They face a tougher proposition against a Canterbury side who lost 24-20 to Wests Tigers last Friday.
The match kicks off at 5.15pm.