RUGBY LEAGUE
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Injured centre Matt Cooper turned wrestling coach at WIN Stadium yesterday, as the Dragons prepare to combat Canterbury's imposing forward pack.
Cooper is battling an ongoing toe injury and wasn't named in the St George Illawarra line-up for Friday night's clash at ANZ Stadium, after again missing training.
But he put his defensive knowledge to use to lead the forwards through a rigorous tackling workout.
Tyson Frizell, who has been named at lock to replace NSW rep Trent Merrin, said the Dragons were focused on winning the ruck battle.
"They've got big boys, they're going to be tough to handle on the ground, so we've got to be top notch when it comes to that," Frizell told the Mercury.
"We've been a bit down on that the last couple of games, so we've worked on that [at training].
"We changed our game plan a bit to accommodate what they do, but it doesn't change all our structures.
"We're wary of those big boys using that passing play, so hopefully we can shut them down on Friday."
While the Bulldogs have been inconsistent this season, props Aidan Tolman and James Graham played dominant roles in the physical 24-14 victory over Brisbane.
Under coach Des Hasler, the Bulldogs stretched opposition defences last year with key forwards, including Sam Kasiano, passing before the line and offloading to create gaps for their outside backs and Dally M winner Ben Barba.
Dragons prop Michael Weyman said he and Dan Hunt were determined to step up to the challenge after a disappointing showing in the 19-0 loss to Penrith last Saturday.
"Me and Dan had a good yarn about it the other day," Weyman said.
"We're ready to go, we weren't happy with how we performed as a whole group and me and Dan personally weren't."
Daniel Vidot and Matt Prior were named as the left-side combination for the Dragons.
Leeson Ah Mau comes on to the bench, with Frizell starting at lock.