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Saints' winds of change

Dragons' winds of change

02/07/2012 06:24:18 AM

Write down the names Jack De Belin, Cameron King, Mitch Rein, Kyle Stanley and Jake Marketo.

They represent the new era dawning at St George Illawarra following the departure of coach Wayne Bennett and key representative backs Mark Gasnier and Darius Boyd.

The five have all tasted first grade over the past two seasons but will be asked to take a further step up by new coach Steve Price in 2012.

De Belin and Marketo are hard-running forwards with skill, King and Rein are a clever duo set to fight it out for a hooking berth while Stanley is a brilliant utility back who is already part of the emerging Blues Origin squad.

While reluctant to single out individuals, Price made it clear the door is open for a rush of new faces in 2012.

"We've got a number of guys who will get the opportunity to don the Red V and they're champing at the bit," he said before the Dragons' departure for Saturday's trial against the Cowboys in Perth.

"A number of guys will get their opportunity over the trials."

"I won't put any added pressure on them but they will get a fair opportunity."

Half-back Ben Hornby, on the eve of his 13th season at the club, can't remember the last time there were so many spots up for grabs.

"Every time a bloke leaves a club or retires there's an opportunity there for young blokes," he said.

"There are a few spots open (in the run-on side) and a few spots on the bench."

"We've shown in the past we can bring blokes on. They're really excited to get their opportunity and I'm sure they'll go well."

The match against North Queensland will be Price's first in charge but he insists he is feeling no pressure despite stepping into Bennett's large shoes.

He feels ready for the challenge.

"Wayne will go down as the greatest coach in rugby league history and I learnt a hell of a lot off him but I've got to be Steve Price," he said.

"I can't buy into pressure and expectation. I can only do what I can control and that's being the best possible coach I can be."

"I've had a fair apprenticeship and feel that I've earnt my right."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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