How the Dragons plan to end Canberra's hoodoo Ex Canberra players Joel Thompson, Josh Dugan Sam Williams and Bronson Harrison are now in Dragons players. Source: News Corp Australia If you can't beat 'em, buy 'em. Victims of rugby league's most talked-about hoodoo, St George Illawarra will next year field a host of former Canberra players who've been instrumental in keeping them winless against the Raiders since 2007. Back rower Joel Thompson and halfback Sam Williams have been reunited with ex-team mates Josh Dugan and Bronson Harrison, both of whom joined the Dragons last season. During their time in the ACT the quartet never tasted defeat against St George Illawarra, who have now spent the past 13 season searching for a win in the Nation's capital. As the fascination with Canberra's dominance has grown, Raiders players have spoken of their pride in keeping the curse alive. An inspirational video is shown before all St George Illawarra games, and, after Canberra triumphed in Wollongong last season, skipper Terry Campese spoke of his delight upon reading Dragons players discussing the hoodoo on Twitter prior to kick off. "At Canberra, there was an element of not wanting to be the team that gave up the streak we had over St George Illawarra," Williams revealed. In the week leading up to the game there's always lots of talk about the hoodoo. Thinking back, they've always been really close games and Canberra just happened to keep winning. That's how a good rivalry is formed. The clubs are close together and now there's a few former players at the Dragons who know one another. It's those types of games you look forward to and remember. While Dugan was outstanding in his debut season with St George Illawarra, the NSW Origin fullback feels his game can reach another level with the understanding of Williams, Thompson and Harrison. The 23-year-old also eschewed a holiday during the off-season, preferring to tackle sand hills and boxing bags during October. "It's great to have some familiar faces around; I grew up playing with a lot of these guys in the Under 20s," Dugan said. Hopefully this will be the year we break the hoodoo. Williams had the chance to join St George Illawarra a year ago, but elected not to request an early release in the hope of establishing himself in the Raiders halves. But after being selected to represent Country Origin, the Cooma product was shuffled back to NSW Cup when Campese returned midway through the year. He's now locked in a three-way battle with Kyle Stanley and Josh Drinkwater to wear the Dragons No. 7 jersey. "I guess I could have been here a little bit earlier, but I've got no regrets at all, even though I would've loved to play more first grade last year," Williams said. If I played better at times I could've stayed there, but you probably learn a lot more about yourself in NSW Cup. It's important that you're character is strong. You need to have the right attitude and put in 100 per cent. This year it's very lucky the way things have worked out with a few former team mates - it will certainly help me fit in and feel comfortable.