Ryles unleashes burning desire
August 24th 2008 09:19
nothing could stop him - Ryles was the main man against the Warriors
Dragons prop Jason Ryles is the twin of St George Illawarra in the NRL. Both can destroy and be destroyed.
On his day, Ryles can be the most dominant forward in the competition with the ability to make more metres than any other big man in the toughest code in the world.
However, fans and critics alike have seen Ryles implode and became probably the worst forward in the NRL. He could drop the simplest of passes and concede the stupidest of penalties, none more costly than the one he conceded against the Sharks earlier this season in golden point.
But Ryles can be class. His tenacity to perform in the big games has him once again displaying the form that made him a regular in both Origin and test matches.
The Warriors were made to feel the wrath of the 115 kilo forward as he pounded New Zealand into submission, making 200 metres from his 18 hit-ups.
The big V on Ryles’ jersey shone on the faces of the WIN stadium faithful as they themselves applauded a man that will be leaving Australian shores to take up a two year contract with French rugby league club Les Catalans.
On the back of Mark Gasnier’s departure to French rugby, Ryles will be sorely missed by the Dragons.
His character both on and off the field will be lost to Wollongong, who have had a habit of producing some of the NRL’s finest talent.
Considering most of the Dragons’ roster are local products, perhaps Ryles’s departure will be filled easier than expected.
After all, the Dragons have forged the likes of Ben Hornby, Matt Cooper, Chase Stanley, Jason Nightingale, Mark Gasnier and Ben Creagh into fully fledged internationals.
But judging by what we saw against the Warriors on Sunday afternoon, Ryles is still a fundamental aspect of Nathan Brown’s men.
The Dragons forward is still eager to gain the one thing that has eluded him during his eight year tenure in the NRL - a Telstra premiership.
It is the one goal that remains to be crossed after playing 15 tests for Australia and eight Origins for NSW.
After experiencing failed attempts in 2005 and 2006, maybe it could be third time lucky for one of the NRL’s most enigmatic, yet brilliant forwards.
As the clock winds down on his career down under, Ryles could have finally found the tonic to display his best football come the finals.
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