RUGBY LEAGUE
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Dragons hardman Joel Thompson says his side hasn't forgotten the ignominy of being labelled "soft" at various stages of the 2014 season as they look to build a harder edge this year.
The "soft" whispers began after a mauling at the hands of eventual premiers South Sydney in the preseason Charity Shield and developed into a deafening roar as the Dragons suffered a horror stretch of heavy losses midway through the year.
Former coach Steve Price joined the chorus following a 38-6 loss to the Bulldogs in round nine while Fox Sports viewers heard a mic'd up Willie Mason direct the sledge at the Dragons pack in their final match of the season.
There is no more cutting insult for any footballer, and despite far more dominant displays over the latter half of the season Thompson said the Dragons aimed to put the call firmly to bed in 2015.
"Definitely last year sides were probably thinking of us as a soft pack, and the papers were saying that as well," Thompson said.
"As a group here we've really ripped into the physical side of things.
"We've got Youngie [Dean Young] here and he's got into us and we're really developing that mentality where we are a lot more ruthless."
Coach Paul McGregor added George Rose, Rory O'Brien and Rulon Nutira to bring extra weight to a 30-strong squad but Thompson said the biggest change has been in attitude.
"Looking across the paddock we've got a lot of numbers, but it's making people compete," Thompson said.
"Everyone's competing hard for positions and for a healthy side competition's the best thing.
"Everyone's really working hard and putting pressure on each other and that's what you want this time of year."
The Dragons new-found mentality will be tested by an intense preseason schedule that includes the Auckland Nines, Charity Shield clash with defending premiers the Rabbitohs and a trip to England to take on Warrington.
Thompson welcomed the chance to integrate the new faces and build on a culture he described as the best he's ever been a part of in his 112-game career.
"We're building a really good culture here of hard work and in what needs to be done to make sure we're competing next year and getting into those finals," Thompson said.
"All the boys are happy to be here and excited to come in every day into training and rip in.
"We're really bonding well.
"It's a really good group - everyone gets on and it's probably the best group I've ever been involved in over my time."