Dragons coach Paul McGregor believes his players will be inspired to play their best football against Penrith on Saturday night with a number of players in the mix to play State of Origin football given their final chance to impress.
NSW coach Brad Fittler will name his first Blues team for Origin I at the completion of round 12. Given St George Illawarra’s outstanding start to the season, catapulting the red V to the top of the NRL table, the Dragons could find themselves providing several players to representative football.
Tyson Frizell and Ben Hunt are considered certainties for NSW and Queensland respectively. But a number of other players are believed to be a chance given their form and Fittler’s desire to put his own stamp on the team.
Jack de Belin, Tariq Sims and Paul Vaughan could be part of the NSW forward pack alongside hooker Cameron McInnes who is in a battle with South Sydney No.9 Damien Cook. While Euan Aitken has plenty of admirers and could be chosen in the centres.
McGregor said after the 25-18 win over Canberra in Mudgee on Sunday Origin selection would be a big motivator ahead of the Panthers clash.
“It’s important to win at any time of the year [but] it’s important to win after a loss. And we know what we’ve got coming,” he said.
“I don’t know how many [players we’ll lose to Origin] obviously. Next week we play another quality team the week before the team gets picked so I’m sure all the players in my shed will be really keen to go out there and play at their best. In front of what will be a good crowd, the selectors, Freddy and co. Give themselves every opportunity to make that Blues jumper.
“One would think Benny is a shoe-in for Queensland. We’ll worry about Origin when it comes up, to be honest. When we know a little bit more about it. We’re certainly putting things in place with our young guys.”
Part of that plan has been rolled out in recent weeks with five different young players chosen in the Dragons’ No.17 jersey, with two making their NRL debuts as McGregor looks to ensure his youngsters will be ready if called upon.
Hame Sele came off the bench against the Warriors, while Jacob Host played against the Roosters. Young hooker Reece Robson was handed an NRL debut in the big win over Melbourne at Kogarah, with Zac Lomax earning his maiden NRL appearance a week later against Souths.
Young forward Blake Lawrie was included in the team that beat the Raiders, giving McGregor options should St George Illawarra lose a number of senior players as expected.
The Dragons could also lose Gareth Widdop, James Graham and Jason Nightingale to the Denver Test.
