Gorden Tallis has launched a scathing attack on the Dragons forwards, saying they’ve let down Ben Hunt
GORDEN Tallis is sick and tired of Ben Hunt copping the blame for the Dragons slump, and the former Red V enforcer has launched a scathing attack on their big men, saying only Tyson Frizell is standing up.
GORDEN Tallis has launched a tirade against St George Illawarra’s pack, accusing them of letting down under-fire playmaker Ben Hunt.
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.
Get ready for cricket like never before. FREE Sport HD + Entertainment until the first 4K cricket ball as part of 3 months free on a 12 month plan. SIGN UP TODAY. T&Cs apply.
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 undermanned 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.”
MORE NRL NEWS
IT’S ON! TONGA V KANGAROOS BLOCKBUSTER LOCKED IN
INJURED STARS AND FAMILY TIES: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WOMEN’S NRL
ENNIS: ASH TAYLOR NEEDS TO TAKE CONTROL OF TITANS IN 2019
PATHWAYS: THE TEAM OF LOCAL JUNIORS THE EELS LET SLIP
‘I LOOK LIKE A GOOSE’: HOW BULLDOGS EMBARRASSED BEATTIE
‘HE’S THE X-FACTOR WE NEED’: VAUGHAN BACKS WIDDOP TO STAR
Originally published as Gorden Tallis has launched a scathing attack on the Dragons forwards, saying they’ve let down Ben Hunt