Riddell denies off-field dramas led
to sacking

St George Illawarra cult figure Mark Riddell has denied off-field behaviour had been responsible for his sacking from the starting side. Dragon's coach Nathan Brown has dumped hooker Riddell to the bench and handed his spot to rookie Dean Young for Friday night's clash at Newcastle.

A Sunday newspaper alleged Riddell had been behaving badly in several Sydney pubs and recently turned up to training in clothes he'd been wearing out the night before.

But the 22-year-old says he was demoted because he hadn't been playing to his potential, meanwhile the coach won't comment on the situation.