NRL trials 2021: Dragons vs Sharks, Anthony Griffin says spots on the line

Dragons’ KFC SuperCoach cheapie prospects will have a chance to earn starting spots for Round 1 in the first trial game of 2021 against Cronulla.

Representative back-rower Tariq Sims will headline Anthony Griffin’s first team selection which also includes exciting young halves Jayden Sullivan and Junior Amone.

Griffin has named a largely young squad to play Cronulla on Friday night in the restricted trial with only players who appeared in less than 12 games last year eligible.

Sims, who played just nine games in 2020, will feature as will experienced centre Brayden Wiliame and prop Daniel Alvaro. But much of the focus will be on the young halves Sullivan and Amone with Griffin declaring a good performance could see one of them partner Ben Hunt in the halves in time for the season opener.

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Tariq Sims will play against the Sharks on Friday after managing just nine games in 2020. Picture: Getty Images.

Corey Norman is facing a one to two game suspension from the NRL for his street fight leaving Sullivan, Amone and Adam Clune in contention to play against the Sharks in round one.

“If they play well, it’s not going to do their chances any harm,” Griffin said. “Coming out of the under-19s, Junior would need to do a lot to put himself in the position to play round one. I’ve been really impressed with him and the way he has trained and how he has looked within the group.

“Jayden had a game last year. If someone shoots the lights out in the first two trials it’s going to be a good pointer as to if they are going to be in the first grade side or not.

“It’s a trial. It’s not worth points but it’s worth a lot for the players and their respect for the club, their teammates and jersey. I’ll see who is hungry and who is not. I would imagine most of them are hungry.”

Sims is expected to play about 25 minutes with Griffin declaring they “want him to play a bit of time”.

Youngsters Max and Mat Feagai will also play against a Cronulla side who is sprinkled with players who have NRL experience including Nene MacDonald, Mawene Hiroti, Braydon Trindall, Teig Wilton and Billy Magoulias.

Jayden Sullivan is pushing for a starting spot at the Dragons, with Corey Norman facing a possible suspension. Picture: Getty Images.

Injury has ruled St George Illawarra outside back Cody Ramsey out. Ramsey has impressed plenty during the pre-season spending time training at centre, wing and fullback.

Griffin hopes the 20-year-old will be fit to play in St George Illawarra’s trial against Parramatta next Thursday.

“He picked up a bit of a calf injury earlier in the week,” Griffin said. “He was going to play.

“He has been good. He has a bit of growing pains at the moment with shin splints and a couple of other niggles. If he doesn’t play against Parramatta he should be right to play in the Charity Shield (on February 27).”
The squad also includes Tyran Wishart the son of Illawarra great Rod who is on a train and contract deal with the club.

Dragons squad:

Daniel Alvaro, Junior Amone, Bailey Antrobus, Eddie Blacker, Luke Chalker, Josh Coric, Mathew Delbanco, Blake Dowel, Kaide Ellis, Mat Feagai, Max Feagai, Jackson Ford, Zeik Foster, Jaiyden Hunt, Nathan Leatigaga, Hayden Lomax, Sam McCann, Sitiveni Moceidreke, Connor Muhleisen, Tony Pellow, Charly Runciman, Shaun Sauni-Esau, Tariq Sims, Tyrell Sloan, Jayden Sullivan, Brayden Wiliame, Tyran Wishart.

Sharks Team:

1. Luke Metcalf 2. Nene MacDonald 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. Kayleb Milne 5. Kayal Iro 6. Jack Williams 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Franklin Pele 9. Kyle Paterson 10. Daniel Vasquez 11. Teig Wilton 12. Josh Carr 13. Billy Magoulias 14. Monty Raper 15. Tom Hazleton 16. Jack Martin 17. Kade Dykes 18. Ryan Rivett 19. Jordan Samrani