Pressure for spots driving Dragons to develop

The Dragons moved to 4-0 for the first time in the joint venture’s history after Sunday’s victory over the Knights. The win was typified by a bruising defensive effort, with the likes of Tyson Frizell, Jack de Belin and Leeson Ah Mau seemingly attempting to one up each other with bigger hits and stronger carries.

McInnes believes it’s this competitive drive that has allowed the forwards to lay the platform for the team in each of their four victories.

“You get a buzz from one of your mates doing a good carry or a big hit and we’re all happy for each other and we feed off each other,” McInnes said. “We’ve got Leeson coming off the bench and I think Leeson’s probably one of the best forwards in the game right now if you’re going over the last month of footy and he’s coming off our bench.  

“That’s not just a credit to how much depth we have, but how well we all push each other, so if we can keep playing the way we are and working hard for each other, we’ll keep rolling on.”

It isn’t just the forwards battling for positions in the team, with talented backs Kurt Mann and Jai Field unable to lock down starting positions. Winger Nene McDonald has gone from strength to strength, while Matt Dufty has made the fullback spot his own. 

Mann has adopted a utility role for the side and he believes the benefits of the Dragons depth have been evident on the field.

“Everyone needs that push and drive from players,” Mann said. 

“There’s competition all over the park. We’ve got Leeson playing out of his skin on the bench there, he’ll be pushing really hard. All the boys have been really competitive and at training it’s the exact same.”

McInnes has been one of the form hookers through the first four weeks of the competition and he has quickly emerged as a leading contender for the Blues number nine jersey. 

Dragons captain Gareth Widdop is confident he would thrive in the Origin arena.

“Cam’s one of the best trainers I’ve seen,” Widdop said. “He’s certainly very dedicated, it’s no wonder why he’s playing so well, it’s because he works so hard, he’ll never let you down.

“I doubt he’ll be thinking about Origin, he’ll be thinking about team first, keep doing the things for the Dragons and I have no doubt if he gets selected he’ll do a good job.”

True to form, McInnes, is refusing to look as far ahead as State of Origin, instead hoping to build on each performance, with his focus firmly directed towards Friday night’s clash with South Sydney.

“I just think if I can play consistently well each week, then that’ll work itself out,” McInnes said. 

“If we keep winning and keep going well, then there’s always a chance I’ll be there. One game doesn’t make a difference but if I just keep playing well each week, that will make a difference.”