Written by: Rufus Rex

The Dragons stand at the crossroads again ... A season that on the whole has been forgettable is now showing a glimpse of being something much more.

The Eagles game almost a month ago had all but the most ardent fan thinking about next year and the changes that would be required to the team. However fate stepped in to help us. The Doggies were caught for cheating, the Tigers and the Raiders both beat the Storm and the Panthers lapped the Eagles. Results had turned in our favour and the dragons made the top eight. Indeed even if the Dogs were still in the comp the Dragons would have finished 8th. With nine wins from 24 games the Dragons survived.

Again the masses were critical. Consistency has not been a highlight of the season and the prospect of tackling Newcastle at home seemed daunting. True we had beaten them the week before, but Newcastle had not tasted
consecutive defeats and Danny Buderus was again available. The first 10 minutes of the game brought my fears to a head. The Knights forwards looked dominant, the decisions were going their way and it looked like a long drive home was in store. Again fate stepped in. Andrew Johns left the field injured and a few minutes later Mark Riddell entered the fray and lifted the Dragons to a win. We had survived a close game and were still alive in the finals.

After game analysis showed that the dragons did not play as well as the previous week but they won a close game against the odds. Earlier in the season these games were getting away from us - the Roosters and Storm games especially. But still we survive.

Now we stand at the crossroads. Saturday night. The Sharks are circling. Are we ready? The Sharks are hurting after consecutive defeats to the Roosters. Their coach is lobbying for _his_ interpretation of the rules. The press are
highlighting their lack of finals success. The Sharks will be ready. They will be focussed. The will be hungry. They can be beaten. My fear is will we be ready. Will we be focussed. Will we be hungry. Will we beat them?

Like a match struck in the wind, the fast flickering flame of success could easily be snuffed out. HAVE FAITH. The one intangible, missing for months has surfaced. It is seen in the eyes of the players. It is heard in the voice of the army. It is felt in the hearts of all those who answer the call. THE DRAGONS HAVE PRIDE IN THEMSELVES. I saw it from the hill at Newcastle. The rapture as Riddell scored, jubilation as Barrett crossed the line. THESE MEN KNOW WHO THEY ARE. THESE MEN KNOW THEY ARE DRAGONS. You can feel it reading the posts of the army. You can sense the fear in the followers of other teams. THE RED V IS AGAIN A BADGE OF COURAGE. A strong Dragon team is good, a PROUD Dragon team is amazing.

So to those who chose to wear the Red V come Saturday remember these things. Be READY - to win 11 premierships in a row takes preparation, to win a premiership now takes preparation. Forget the regular season, the dragons are in the finals. We must be ready for this night. We must be ready to tackle the opposition. Be FOCUSSED - for 80 minutes the game will hang in the balance. The simplest of things will tip the balance. A missed tackle, a dropped ball, a big tackle, that extra burst of power as you hit the line and crash through it. Something like this will be the difference between survival and oblivion. For the entire game you must be FOCUSSED. Be HUNGRY - want the ball, want to hit the line, want to tackle, want to support, want to chase. Be there for each other and others will be there for you. Draw strength from the Army. They are as hungry as you. The army want you to win and will be there for you. And above all BE DRAGONS. The RED V unites players and fans. We have a common goal. Beneath EVERY RED V BEATS THE HEART OF A DRAGON. HAVE FAITH, BE PROUD.

By RufusRex

Join a discussion
Legends World of Sport: Dragons Forum
League Unlimited Online: Front Row Forums