Penrith recruit Mitch Rein has unloaded on the “boring” attack of former NRL club St George Illawarra, saying he can’t wait to join the exciting brand of football at the Panthers.
Rein started last week at the foot of the mountains after signing a two-year deal late last month, but didn’t hold back when discussing his “tough year” in Wollongong.
The 26-year-old admitted the Dragons played a boring style of football last year and revealed a number of ex-teammates had been left just as frustrated as him.
“There were some tough times there, if I’m being honest, at the Dragons. A lot of the boys were feeling that as well,” Rein said on Tuesday after training.
“Growing up as a local junior down there at the Dragons and then coming out west – I’d only been here six times just to play and that’s it.
“It’s a massive change and to get outside your comfort zone is something I’m looking forward to and, hopefully, it can get the best out of me.”
Rein, who reportedly asked for more than the $350,000 the Dragons tabled to him last season, said there was an attacking element to his game that hadn’t been on show in the Red V.
“Over the years, the Dragons have played so many different types of footy,” he said.
“Last year wasn’t very enjoyable, attacking-wise. I know it’s pretty well documented that it’s pretty boring – just wasn’t working out very well down there.
“Coming here to an attacking side is going to be awesome.”
He admits he was left jealous of Penrith’s ascension as a free-flowing powerhouse who fell two games short of a fairytale 2016 grand final.
They are expected to be a top-four contender next year.
“I remember texting one of my mates, watching them play in the semi-final and going, ‘How good are they? – this is awesome’,” he said.
“And then to find out I’m going to be a part of that next year, I’m really looking forward to it.”
The hooker is likely to start the 2017 season behind reborn No.9 Peter Wallace, but is still confident of improving after watching a resurgence in former teammate Trent Merrin.
The Kangaroos’ forward is allowing Rein to stay in his house as the former NSW Country Origin representative settles in at Penrith.
“Even talking to him throughout the year ever since he came here, how happy he is, gave me a lot of confidence. It’s good to see him going really well,” Rein said.
“To see him turn around and be enjoying his footy so much gives me a lot of confidence that hopefully I can do the same thing and improve like he has.”
KenW
Guest
Spot on, Merrin lost his place after moving to the Panthers, he did start pretty slow there - and then won back his Aussie spot with a solid back-half of the year. Rein is no big loss, the mistake to have him as long-term no.9 was made before McGregor's time - Cam King was supposed to be the next big thing in 2011, named in the emerging Blues and the obvious replacement for Fien/Young at hooker for Saints. Then he did his pec in the WCC, Mitch Rein gets a shot and managed to cement it with a big heart and a decent running game. But his service was always awful and his decision making limited, I guess they thought it would get better.
LachlanA
Guest
How wrong you are. In 2015 Merrin whilst at the dragons played both origin and the anzac test match. In 2016 after joining the panthers, Merrin was overlooked for both the anzac test and origin. It had nothing to do with Mary. Whilst i agree its time for change with doust, the dragons problem has predominantly been a lack of creativity and organisation at 9 and 7, hence why changes have been made in 2017 and hence why mitch rein was ditched.
Joseph Doueihi
Guest
I have been a Dragons fan for fifty years, I can understand what Mitch Rein is talking about, he's honesty is commendable, Trent Merrrin lost his spot in the origin side playing under Paul McGregor, since he's been at Penrith he is now playing for Australia, the management and coaching staff at the Dragons needs to be changed for the club as a whole to move forward, even Mark Coyne has said that Paul McGregor doesn't know how to get the players respect.
Mike from tari
Guest
Well here we go again, a player dishing out on his previous club, this one because they wouldn't give him the money he wanted, must be up himself this fella, there are better No9's running around in the Queensland Cup than this player.
Lachlan A
Guest
Dragons don't do spoons. For accuracy, Dragons in 1938, Steelers in 1989 and never for the joint venture.
Chook
Guest
When was the last time Dragons were Wooden spooners - It must be their turn
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
FE Pomoz, I haven't actually watched the interview perhaps I just read it in the wrong light. I don't mind players speaking their mind and even being over confident, its great theatre for the game. Just annoys me when a player leaves a club when he has been playing pooy and often the club gets the blame and the player doeant take it on board.
Paul
Guest
The Dragons will lose more than they will win I love a team that losses games however in the end it's better to have a losing streak than chocke in a grand final that hurts a lot losing steaks don't hurt as much as losing grand finals does man it's painful
Pomoz
Roar Rookie
I don't think he trashed the club. I watched the interview and he was respectful in the way he delivered the comments, no vitriol, no emphasis on the negative aspects of the Dragons play. He didn't big note himself or say he would now be a brilliant attacking player at his new club. He acknowledged that the Panthers play a different style of footy and that would be exciting and that was it. I thought he was, humble, honest and respectful in spite of being prompted to tip the bucket on the Saints.
Dutski
Roar Guru
It's a nice problem to have!
Albo
Guest
Wouldn't think so initially ? But Wallace is getting a bit long in the tooth, and he can suffer an injury or three , our Pete ! Rein might get a shot sooner rather than later if he plays his cards right ! But he will still have some competition for the spot as the Panthers do have a couple of handy youngsters developing in the lower grades that could also well slot in at 9 (eg. Zac Docker-Clay, Sione Katoa ).
Dutski
Roar Guru
What do you reckon Albo - will he push Wallace out of the 9?
Albo
Guest
Yep ! As a Panther fan, I have a bit of time for Rein, he generally works hard for his team, but his main focus needs to be on his dummy half play . They don't need anything flashy from him, do your tackles around the ruck and just get the forwards rolling forward and give the ball to Cleary & Moylan when the want it ! If he can do that, he will be a good buy , if not, he can please himself in the NSW Cup !
andrew
Guest
I am neither here or there on Rein, but I like players being honest. This is his honest opinion. Give me more.
zim
Guest
Rein, Widdop and Marshal were all terrible and inconsistent. Going to be a long year for dragons fans in 2017 if their new spine doesn't gel.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Inam happybfor him to prove me wrong when as a specialist hooker he can usurp a half in the hooking position.
Lachlan A
Guest
Please, Mitch Rein has worse service than Telstra. He's the main reason behind the dragons stuttering attack.Tough, good tackler and runner, but has a terrible passing game for a 9.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
I need to go on Facebook comments or twitter to see the dragons fans respond to this. Could be some epic reading considering their thoughts on Rein all year
kk
Roar Pro
VH, Mitch showed glimpses of his impressive attacking skills but was not able to carry the Saints all the time. Wondering if Trent had to widen the doors of his Penrith residence to allow his guest entry throughout. Penrith must have a genius managing recruitment and the salary cap.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
This isnsomething I don't like. What is it woth players trashing their old clubs. I understand that coach lays out the plans but if hisbattack was so great why didnt he show us at the Dragons?