RUGBY LEAGUE - DRAGONS
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Captain Ben Creagh believes composure in key moments is the final missing ingredient in the Dragons late tilt at the finals.
Poise and composure were the hallmarks of the Dragons 2010 premiership-winning side in which Creagh was a key member, but it's something the current crop are still learning under Paul McGregor according to the 243-game veteran.
While they clearly boast a far bigger offensive arsenal under McGregor's remodelled attacking structures, Creagh said the Dragons need to to learn to build pressure with the football to match it with the top sides.
"Those top sides we've played ... they're at the top of the league for a reason. They're clinical, they're consistent every week in their performances particularly in their attack. They complete sets well and they don't give away too many errors," Creagh said.
"We've got a bit to go towards being that type of footy team."
The Dragons threw plenty at the defending premiers on Saturday night prompting Roosters coach Trent Robinson to praise his side's defence despite conceding 22 points in the victory.
The Dragons completed at above 90 per cent and had 55 per cent of the ball against the Roosters but struggled for cohesion and direction just a week after running in 28 points against a drama-plagued Tigers outfit.
Creagh said it's something his side will have to address in a hurry as they face an uphill battle to finish in the top eight.
"Our attack's come a long way from where it was eight or nine weeks ago. We have a lot more plays now and a lot a more attacking options but I think sometimes we've just got to be a bit more patient," Creagh said.
"We're trying to score points on too many plays and I think we did that on the weekend.
"It's about patience with the ball, trusting our attack and our structures we've got in place and not overplaying things and not rushing things."
Creagh said no-one typifies those traits more than the Panthers outfit the Dragons will face on Sunday in a match shaping as a must win for his side.
"They complete their sets well and they really don't give you an inch."