Although disappointed to have missed the opportunity to be part of this year’s State of Origin decider, Jaydn Su’A has firmly fixed his focus to helping the Dragons play finals this year.
Omitted from Billy Slater’s Maroons Game Three side, Su'A was tipped to fire by his coach Shane Flanagan and played like he had a point to prove against the Broncos, starring in his side’s 30-26 win at Suncorp Stadium.
Playing in front of family and friends, the former Bronco said he was frustrated with how he and his side let the Broncos back into the game in the second half, saying that was a key area to improve.
“I wouldn’t say I played well, I had a pretty good first half, but I was pretty disappointed the second half, especially individually, I let the boys down defensively,” Su’A said.
“But look, we've got the win, so I'm not going dwell on it too much, but there's definitely a lot to work on.
“It’s a pass mark and we'll enjoy tonight, but we've got a big few games coming up.
“It'll be really interesting to see where we're at because I thought we were good for one half tonight.
Jaydn Su'a Try
“But it's not a good indication of where we're at; we've got a long way to go and I thought we're getting there.”
Having worked his way back into the Maroons squad this year for Games One and Two of the series, Su’A was left out of the team for next week’s decider, with Slater making changes following the heavy loss at the MCG, also citing a need for scans for a quad complaint.
Cleared from any damage, the Samoa international was honest about his feelings to not be joining the Queensland squad again, but said while he trusted in the call made by Slater, he vowed to return to play Origin.
“I was disappointed, but that's just the way it goes and the way the ball rolls and Billy knows what he's doing,” Su’A said.
“Just spending the two camps I got to spend with him (was good), it is crazy the knowledge he has and I'm really fortunate, really grateful for him to give me those two games.
“I was confident that I could get back to that stage and I got back there and I haven't lost any confidence not being there for Game Three.
“I'll do whatever I can to get back to that team.
“It's a special team and it's obviously something that all Queenslanders strive for.
“It was probably my biggest motivating factor going into the year and I got there; but I didn't stay there, which is disappointing.
“But it's just about getting a bit more consistent and working on a few things I need to work on.”
With the Dragons momentarily back in the top eight pending other results this round, featuring in the finals this year was driving factor for Su’A moving forward.
“That's honestly my biggest goal now, getting this great club back to where it belongs,” Su’A said.
“I think we've got the team to do it. We've got the coach to do it.
Christian Tuipulotu 1st Try
“Everyone believes in the systems we have in place this year and I think we can surely do it.
“We've got a few things to work on … (but) if we don't believe in ourselves, who will?
“We've still got about seven games left and we've got a hard run coming. We've got Penrith at home and then Melbourne away, so that's a good indication and then we'll find out where we really are.
“If we're a finals team, we'll compete well and I think we'll do that.”
The Dragons have the bye in Round 20 and will be back in action to host the Panthers in Round 21.
Match: Dragons v Panthers
Round 21 -
home Team
Dragons
10th Position
away Team
Panthers
2nd Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
