Euan Aitken has already scorched an “embarrassed” Greg Inglis this season.
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But after missing out on a State of Origin spot, as Latrell Mitchell and James Roberts provided some of the attacking spark to spearhead NSW’s series win, Jack de Belin reckons Aitken will have a point to prove against the Roosters on Sunday. Mitchell finished with a personal tally of 24 points in the 56-24 of Manly last weekend, as if Aitken needed any reminder of his threat as an attacking weapon.
“It’s a good challenge there, I suppose Euie will definitely be taking it personally,” NSW and Dragons forward de Belin said.
“Strength-wise, Euie is strong as they com, he’s built low to the ground and stocky, while Latrell is a big boy.
“It came down to those guys for the Origin centre spot and Latrell won out and did a fantastic job.
“I suppose Euie is going to want to have a point to prove and he’ll play well.”
The fourth-placed Roosters are two points behind on the NRL ladder, but will leapfrog the Dragons on for-and-against with victory at Allianz Stadium. In April, Aitken surged into Origin considerations when he beat Inglis on the outside to score. Aitken has 10 tries in 18 games this year, while Mitchell has eight in 16, plus two more during the Origin campaign, as well as an NRL goalkicking strike-rate of 80 per cent.
Roberts has seven in 15, including a double against the Dragons in round one.
Dragons left-sided centre Tim Lafai backed Aitken to shut Mitchell down.
“Everyone knows the kid’s a freak, he’s a good talent and a reason why the Roosters are going well,” Lafai said.
"… Euie has been awesome, he’s been on of the best defensive centres (in the NRL this year).
“That right edge will do their homework and go into this game with the right mentality.”