Dragons to unveil monster halfback

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THE Big Red V is set to go up a size in 2014, with Kyle Stanley preparing to become the NRL's biggest halfback.

Having turned sizeable five-eighth Trent Barrett into a halfback for the joint-venture's inaugural campaign in 1999, St George Illawarra will go even bigger in the No.7 next season in the form of 188cm and 96kg Stanley.

Traditionally the domain of the smaller, crafty playmaker, Stanley is big enough to play in the back row.

It's safe to say there will be no easy targets in the Dragons defensive line next season, as Wollongong begins to resemble the land of the giants.

Josh Dugan has added to his frame at fullback, while Gerard Beale is looking to add bulk in his comeback from a ruptured knee, as he aims for a centre position.

Last season, Roosters' premiership winner Mitchell Pearce at 91kg was comfortably the biggest regular No.7 in the competition, with Newcastle playmaker Jarrod Mullen (93kg), most commonly lining up at five-eighth.

But 22-year-old Stanley, formerly a centre at NRL level, says he's primed for the challenge of taking charge of the Dragons side, having successfully emerged from the darkest place of his career - recovery from a fourth knee reconstruction.

``My body is in good shape and it's the strongest I've been since I came into grade,'' Stanley said.

``I definitely want to cement myself in the halves position. I just love getting my hands on the ball and I'm a ball runner as well.

``I've played mostly five-eighth (as a junior) so halfback is not a foreign position to me. I definitely know what's expected of me and (that I need to) steer the team around.''

Stanley is in competition with youngster Josh Drinkwater and Canberra recruit Sam Williams for the halfback role, with Melbourne signing Gareth Widdop almost certain of starting at five-eighth.

Having been ruled out for another full season in 2013, Stanley has provided a revealing insight into the pressures faced by injured young players who can struggle to cope with the heightened sense of responsibility in trying to provide for their families.

``I can't tell you how tough it was. It was the darkest place I've ever been,'' Stanley said.

``But I've come out the other side and I beat it.

``My fiance Niketa helped me through. I'm playing the game of rugby league for my son Koah ... and also the club, they've stuck by me through the tough times.''

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