Sullivan will need to become the giant slayer to save Saints season
ST GEORGE Illawarra rookie Jayden Sullivan is fighting well out of his weight division this weekend, but the Dragons will need some David vs Goliath action from the 80kg playmaker if they’re to keep their season alive.
Sullivan will deputise at hooker this week and is likely a kilo or two lighter than his official weight – meaning he’ll be giving up almost 40kg when he tries to take down the likes of North Queensland’s 117kg monster Jason Taumalolo in the middle of the field.
It’s a tall order for Sullivan, usually a halfback by trade, but the 19-year old held up well in the same role under heavy pressure against the Roosters and impressed Dragons coach Anthony Griffin.
“They picked him out a fair bit with (Jared) Waerea-Hargreaves and (Sio Suia) Taukeiaho, they’re big men but I thought he handled that really well and as the game went on he got a lot more confidence with his dummy half play,” Griffin said.
“It’s the first time he’s had to do it under pressure.
“He exceeded my expectations and he might have surprised himself, playing 65 minutes. It was a pretty high standard game for long periods.
“The only way to take control of our situation is to win tomorrow. That’s what we’re focused on doing.”
Sullivan did well in attack against the Roosters, scoring his first NRL try and running for 64 metres while making 27 tackles.
But the Western Suburbs Red Devils junior also missed eight tackles and will no doubt be heavily targeted by a Cowboys side desperate to snap their ten-match losing streak and restore a bit of pride.
Taumalolo in particular will be making a beeline for Sullivan every chance he gets, but the Dragons dummy half will have the likes of Josh McGuire to back him up as the Red V hope for a finals miracle.
McGuire will have a point to prove in his first clash with his former club after a mid-season move to St George Illawarra.
“I’ve had a chat to Josh. He had a couple of tips, as anyone would coming up against their old club, but he’s an experienced player Josh,” Griffin said.