Dragons tipped to fall victim to their own success
CRAIG Bellamy has laid down the challenge to St George Illawarra, predicting they’re set to pay a heavy toll for their State of Origin representation.
While the Dragons are riding high at the top of the NRL ladder ahead of tonight’s clash with third-placed Melbourne, they are facing an Origin drain the likes of which they haven’t felt in seven years.
Paul McGregor will be missing Ben Hunt, Paul Vaughan, Tyson Frizell, Jack De Belin and Tariq Sims when the sides clash at AAMI Park.
Not since 2011, when they had eight Origin players in their ranks, have the Dragons had so many players absent due to state duties.
As well, Gareth Widdop, James Graham and Leeson Ah Mau were involved in the midseason Denver Test.
While Bellamy has not wavered from his belief the Dragons are the NRL benchmark, he argued it all took an emotional and physical toll.
“I don’t think they’ve had a big representation in Origin in the past few years,” Bellamy said.
“This year they have. With a couple of their top players in Gareth and James Graham having to go to Denver, we know the effect that had on Nelson (Asofa- Solomona).
“It’s a new experience for them this year, having so many guys in rep footy.
“If you’ve got a lot of players playing Origin, that really affects you. I think they’ll find it’ll probably affect them after Origin too. ]
“Sometimes if you’re playing your first Origin series, it takes a lot out of you physically and mentally.”
The Storm will have six players on Origin duty in Billy Slater, Will Chambers, Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi, Tim Glasby and Josh AddoCarr.