THE Dragons are certainly a club under the pump but, for a player who’s faced plenty of pressure in his career, Adam Quinlan is surprisingly carefree.
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It could be his outstanding form for the Cutters in the Intrust Super Premiership, it could be a successful stint in the UK Super League last season. Whatever it is, Quinlan cuts a far more relaxed figure these days than when he last wore the Dragons No.1 jersey charged with igniting the club’s attack.
Against the Tigers on Sunday Quinlan had a hand in Kurt Mann’s first half try and combined with Taane Milne, who was also called up after strong performances for the Cutters, for a four-pointer of his own to keep the game alive late.
With the club copping it’s fair share of external fire, Paul McGregor said he would like to see the pair’s mindset spread throughout his squad.
“They didn’t have the baggage or criticism going into the game that other players have been under in the weeks leading into it and they went in and played some really good footy,’ McGregor said.
“That’s what you’d like from all the boys now to leave all the criticism they’ve been under behind once they go out on the field and enjoy that environment and the footy they can play.”
It was Quinlan’s second game for the Dragons in almost two years and the 23-year-old said he’s feeling decidedly less burdened this time round.
“For me coming in after a long while I felt no pressure at all,” Quinlan said.
“In previous times I’ve felt more pressure on myself and that hasn’t always worked the best. I thought going in with a free mind would help my game.
“I’ve really got nothing to lose, I haven’t played for a while and I don’t think people are expecting too much of me. I just go out there not worried about anything and just try to play footy which is what I do best.”
While the Dragons attacking woes have been well documented, Quinlan and Milne have been standouts in a Cutters outfit sitting second on the ladder having scored more points (479) than any other side in the Instrust Super Premiership. Quinlan said that confidence helped both with the step up.
“Playing with him in the Cutters side I knew if [Milne] went out there and backed himself he’d cause them plenty of headaches which he did and fortunately he set me up for a try there,’ Quinlan said.
“The way we’ve been going for the Cutters, we’re sitting in second, and the side’s been playing really well.
“Everyone’s been playing with a lot of confidence there and I just came into the [Tigers] game and tried to play how I do there, just back myself and if I make a mistake just move on, it happens.”