Who’s really ‘cracking under pressure?’: Stats expose Dragons centre Euan Aitken’s hypocrisy
Broncos
- March 27, 2019 2:12pm
- by Staff Writers with AAP
- Source: AAP
Euan Aitken’s Dragons have struggled to defend without two Origin stars.Source: Getty Images
Dragons centre Euan Aitken has come out swinging before his side meets the Broncos, suggesting their halves have a tendency to crack under pressure.
But after an 0-2 start to the season and a defence that’s leaking points through Aitken’s side of the field, is he really in a position to throw stones?
Aitken took aim at the oft-maligned pairing of Kodi Nikorima and Anthony Milford as the two sides meet at the site of last year’s 48-18 elimination final demolition by the Dragons.
Round 3
“When they are put under pressure, especially their halves, they can sometimes crack,” Aitken said.
“What is important to us is to start well and weather the storm early from their young and exciting forwards.
“If we get the jump on them we can lead from the front really well.”
Aitken’s right-edge has been a turnstile after the Dragons lost their defensive cornerstone back rowers in Tyson Frizell (injury) and Jack de Belin (stood down).
It seems the Dragons have enough problems in their own backyard to be taking potshots at a side that won by 19 points last round.
The Rabbitohs made a meal of the Dragons’ defensive right edge last week.Source: Getty Images
Aitken in particular was burned by opposite number Braidon Burns in South Sydney’s second-half onslaught in round two. Burns torched Aitkens for 166 metres and four tackle-breaks. Aitken committed an error, conceded a penalty and missed two tackles in the loss.
It’s important to note that defence is a team effort, and to blame Aitken on the Dragons’ woes would be unfair. It is curious though to hear him accusing opposition players of cracking under pressure a week after his own side capitulated to the tune of 28 points in the second half to a Rabbitohs side that tore through his side of the field.
It comes after former Broncos half Ben Hunt said he looked forward to facing his old friends in Brisbane.
But he cautioned his teammate against taking the halves too lightly.
“You can get up and put pressure on Milford but he can make you look like a fool and step around you,” Hunt said.
“The best way to limit him is defend together in a line and limit his opportunities.”
In two games since Hunt left the Broncos for the Dragons, he enjoys a 2-0 record.
“He is a weapon we will have to contain.” Broncos back-rower Alex Glenn was quick to pinpoint the Dragons’ danger man - his niggling mate Hunt.
“I know he thrives when he plays against the Broncos,” he laughed. “It’s always about bragging rights to see who gets one up on each other, this week will be no different.
“We have to make sure we don’t show Hunty too much space otherwise he will take those opportunities.
“He’s got a great running game and backs himself to get through a hole. That will be a big focus for us.” The Dragons have begun their season with two losses while the Broncos are riding high after thumping North Queensland 29-10 last round.
- with AAP
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...a/news-story/235df5894c84319f373b11e076f5e648
