Gorden Tallis savages Dragons pack

Hunt has been the subject of constant criticism during their late-season fade which saw them win just three of their final nine games.

The Dragons limped into the finals with Queensland playmaker Hunt taking most of the heat for his game management and kicking.

The Red V will meet Brisbane in an elimination final at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

And Brisbane great Tallis delivered Paul McGregor's side the ultimate motivation just four days out from the clash with his former clubs, saying their big men had let down their playmakers.

"No (Hunt) doesn't need to justify (his pay cheque). It's a bit like Mitchell Pearce - I really feel sorry for Ben Hunt," Tallis said at the Fox League finals launch.

"His forwards have been getting outplayed. No one has mentioned those guys.

"The only guy who had a go against the Bulldogs was (Tyson) Frizell and he's been outstanding. He's had an unbelievable year.

"And Ben Hunt he's the flavour of the month and the people that don't know anything just keep on using his name."

The Dragons bounced back into the winner's circle against an under-manned Newcastle last weekend but are under pressure not to bow out in straight sets after leading the competition after 16 rounds.

While the joint venture sit equal third for yardage this year - with an average of 1428 metres per game - there has been a drop off which coincided with their tumble down the ladder.

According to Fox Sports Stats, the Dragons have lost the yardage battle in each of their last 10 games.

Not since their 32-8 defeat of Manly in round 15 have they got on top of their opposition in terms of metres made and Tallis said their big men deserved to take the heat.

"There's not a guy playing the game, other than Andrew Johns and Wally Lewis, that can win when your forward pack is being out-played and they can change the momentum with a kick or a pass," Tallis said.

"No matter what happens, if your forward pack is being dominated, you aren't going to win the game.

"And the Dragons forwards have let down their backs."

BATTLE IN THE MIDDLE

St George Illawarra's yardage compared to their opposition over their last 11 games

* Newcastle - 1366m to 1385m

* Canterbury - 1240m to 1919m

* Wests Tigers - 1430m to 1440m

* Parramatta - 1129m to 1812m

* Warriors - 1564m to 1574m

* Sydney Roosters - 1420m to 1603m

* North Queensland - 1293m to 1375m

* Wests Tigers - 1493m to 1563m

* Melbourne - 1093m to 1665m

* Parramatta - 1390m to 1440m

* Manly - 1503m to 1334m

Source: Fox Sports Stats.

Australian Associated Press