Breakout 2016 just the beginning for Frizell

The 25-year-old wrecking ball was named with the ‘c’ next to his name when coach Paul McGregor unveiled his 18-man squad for the tournament on Wednesday with Joel Thompson, Jack de Belin and Tariq Sims the the other veterans in what is a predominantly youthful squad.

It follows a hugely successful season on the personal front for the Corrimal product that saw him make impressive State of Origin and Test debuts and establish himself as one of the game’s most damaging forwards.

The captaincy honour is likely to be a one-off for 2017 but it is indicative of the leadership role McGregor will demand of his only incumbent Test forward this season.

“It’s pretty special to be able to captain the club in any kind of game,” Frizell said.

“I know it’s only the Nines but being the given the role to captain the boys is a pretty big honour for myself.

“We do have a pretty young squad, there’s only a couple of guys over 25, and having played at the club for a while now you do see yourself in that kind of leadership role.

“Things won't change too much in the way I approach my footy and the way I am around the boys but wherever I can help as best I can going through the year, giving my input her and there, I will.

“It’s hopefully going to be a different kind of year [to 2016] for us this year and if I can put my best foot forward I’m sure it’s going to help the team.”

Frizell has not long returned from the Kangaroos successful Four Nations campaign in the UK and admits he hasn’t had long to reflect on a whirlwind 2016. 

“It’s all gone pretty quick now we’re already coming into the start of the 2017 season,” Frizell said.

“I got a small opportunity to play in the NSW team and then it all built from there. I was there for a while waiting for my turn and then I finally got my opportunity and in those situations you want to make the most of what you’ve got and I thought I was able to do that.

“It’s probably something you look back on more when you finish because things have happened so fast but it was a very memorable year for myself to play in the teams that I did.”

Frizell’s personal fortunes came in stark contrast to the Dragons forgettable 2016 campaign but, having signed a three-year contract extension with the club in September, he won’t be resting on his laurels this season.

“I’m definitely glad it’s out of the way but it wasn’t something I wanted to do to be comfortable,” Frizell said.

“It was something I wanted to do to be at the club long-term and hopefully make a change in what I see the club doing in the future as well.

“I’m looking to build on the ‘16 season and not just look back on it as a good year for myself. Hopefully I can bring that into 2017 so we can perform as a team and really build something here at the Dragons.