SuperCoach NRL cheapie Dylan Egan says he is ready for round one

He has surged to prominence as the hottest player in SuperCoach. And get excited because Dylan Egan says he is ready for the NRL.

You can forgive St George Illawarra fans for feeling a little excited when it comes to rising star Dylan Egan.

The teenage back-rower represents a great hope for the Dragons faithful who have not had a lot to cheer about in recent years.

He leads a next crop of young talent including the likes of fellow uncapped players Viliami Fifita, Savelio Tamale and Hamish Stewart who the Dragons hope can lead them back into a premiership force.

Egan has long dreamt about wearing the red and white. The Gerringong product rose through the Steelers lower grades captaining the Harold Matthews and SG Ball teams.

Dylan Egan of the Illawarra Steelers. Photo: Denis Ivaneza

“As a Dragons fan growing I’d try and catch as many games as I could on the hill,” Egan said. “With all my mates we played knee footy so I probably did that more than watching the games.

“When I was young I thought I could kick the ball like Jamie Soward. I used to wear a headgear so Sowie was one that I looked up to. As I got a bit older it was Tyson Frizell.

“It would means heaps to my family and friends and myself if I could play first grade.

“I feel like I’m ready for the step up,” Egan said. “This is my second NRL pre-season. I thought I knew what was expected and intensity. It was already a lot higher intensity. A further step than it was last year.”

While Egan is yet to announce himself to the rest of the NRL he has made an early impression on his Dragons teammates. Five-eighth Kyle Flanagan said it took him little time to become familiar with Egan.

“I knew about Dylan Egan when he put me on my backside at a training session,” Flanagan said. “We don’t want to put too much pressure on him. He will play his part at some stage. He is another guy that’s a competitor and a proud Dragon.”

While Kyle might be trying to put a lid on the excitement, his dad Shane did little to quell the excitement when he tipped Egan as a potential round one bolter.

Egan will get his chance when he plays in Saturday’s annual Charity Shield clash.

“I come in here each day just to learn,” Egan said. “Seeing that Flanno has spotted and seen that – it means a lot. I am willing to do what’s best for the club.

“Physically I’ve gotten better. This year has been really competitive with a lot of positions. It’s good to come in and get pushed. Blocker (Blake Lawrie) has pushed a few of the younger ones to do our best for the club.”

Originally published as SuperCoach NRL cheapie Dylan Egan says he is ready for round one