Dragons teammates Paul Vaughan, Tyson Frizell, Tariq Sims relishing playing together in Origin cauldron
St George Illawarra may not be travelling so well in the NRL but Tyson Frizell, Paul Vaughan and Tariq Sims are determined to lead from the front for NSW in Perth on Sunday night.
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These are the three Dragons who will be doing everything in their power to keep their state alive in the war to take the Origin throne.
No, this is not a Game Of Thrones episode but a story about St George Illawarra trio Paul Vaughan, Tariq Sims and Tyson Frizell and their quest to blunt the Maroons on Sunday night in Perth.
After posing for this exclusive photo at the team’s Scarborough Beach hotel, the trio spoke of
protecting the middle of the field to give NSW the best chance of success in Origin II.
And the Dragons bond they share is all important in achieving that aim.
“We’ve got each other’s backs,” Vaughan said.
Sims added: “I’ll be ready to rock ‘n’ roll.”
And Frizell: “We all work well together.”
“At some point of the game we could all be playing together in the middle, so we will make that extra effort for each other,” Vaughan said.
“That is what Origin is all about, playing for your mates. The best way to show you have your mate’s back is that you want to play for them and each other.
“It is a big test of your character. Playing in the middle together would be pretty special. You have to do the little things that go unnoticed, that is definitely a big factor about Origin.
“The boys have had an up-and-down season (at the Dragons) but it’s always good to get into camp with some your teammates and keep those combinations.
“It’s also a great representation for the club as well. It’s good to have the boys in here together.”
Frizell has overcome a ruptured testicle and concussion this year to reclaim his position in the Blue side.
Quiet and considered away from football, he transforms into a destructive beast on the field.
And he is pumped to be playing with Sims and Vaughan.
“It’s always nice to see the boys from our team get some rep honours through their form,” Frizell said.
“These two guys (Sims and Vaughan) have been outstanding for us, even though our team hasn’t been going too well.
“They have been probably been the two best forwards in the team, so it’s nice to see them rewarded with another opportunity.”
Vaughan and Frizell will start, while Sims, who played in last year’s winning series, will come off the bench.
“I want to inject myself into the game,” Sims said.
“Where Freddy (Fittler) puts me, either on the edge or in the middle, I’ll be ready to rock ‘n’ roll.
“They (Vaughan and Frizell) were in camp for the last game but to get back into the fold and play my role for the team is very exciting.
“We have had a pretty lean year with the Dragons in club land, so to be able to represent our club, our fans and our families is a huge responsibility but something I am very proud of.
“One of the players I’m most looking forward to playing with is Cam Murray. He is a lively player, he’s aggressive. He plays up for his weight.”
Originally published as Dragons teammates Paul Vaughan, Tyson Frizell, Tariq Sims relishing playing together in Origin cauldron
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