THE Dragons are feeling the effects of Paul McGregor’s decision not to rest his Origin stars throughout the season.

That is the opinion of Fox League expert Braith Anasta, who believes the club is playing tired at the wrong time of year because their Origin players weren’t managed properly.

“The Dragons forwards are really fading and I think McGregor has a lot to answer for, with him not resting his players during the Origin series,” Anasta told NRL 360.

“Their go forward is non-existent, there is no real impact or quick play-the-balls.

“Off the back of that, you are asking a halfback, who is out of form to try and come up with points.

“He’s being asked to carry the team and I feel for Ben Hunt at the moment.”

McGregor was perhaps fearful of the second half of the season fades, that have plagued his side in previous seasons, but there is no doubt his Origin players needed a freshen up at some point.

The Dragons have now lost six of their past eight games, which has seen them drop from first to sixth, ahead of a final round clash with the Knights.

However Anasta hasn’t seen any signs that they can turn it around before the finals.

“They were poor against the Bulldogs, just with their intent and those one per cent plays, which you really need at this time in a long season,” Anasta said.

“They miss Widdop because he is their heart and soul and it has been a disaster without him in the side.”