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The Dragons have run out deserving 19-14 winners at Cbus Stadium on the Gold Coast this afternoon, after leading 18-6 at halftime. After not scoring a point in their past two matches, the Dragons laid on three first half tries.
REPORT: WIDDOP SHINES, DRAGONS WIN
The Titans tried hard all day, but generally didn’t offer a lot in attack. Their last tackle options were generally bombs, which were generally handled well by Josh Dugan.
Gareth Widdop and Josh Dugan were strong in attack for the Dragons, with McCrone’s kicking game also effective. Jack De Belin and Mitch Rein both worked tirelessly in defence for the Dragons.
David Mead and William Zillman had to do a mountain of work at the back for the Titans fielding kicks. Ryan James, David Shillington and Luke Douglas all worked hard in the Titans’ forward pack.
The Titans will be disappointed with another close loss, it is becoming a bit of a habit. But you certainly can’t fault the effort they put in each week.
Final score
Titans 14
Dragons 19
The Gold Coast Titans host the St George Illawarra Dragons at Cbus Super Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3pm (AEST).
The Dragons are playing in Queensland for the third week in a row, and will be hoping to at least get on the scoreboard this week after being thumped 36-0 by the Cowboys and 26-0 by the Broncos in their last two matches.
St George Illawarra have the worst attacking record of any team in the NRL at the moment. They have crossed for only six tries in the first six rounds of the competition (James Tedesco has scored eight for the Wests Tigers), and they’ve scored just 40 points in the first six matches. Jarrod Croker has scored 58 points on his own for the Canberra Raiders.
Benji Marshall returns from a hamstring injury this week at halfback for the Dragons, in place of Josh McCrone who has been named on an extended interchange bench. At 31 and off contract at the end of this season, Marshall is playing for his NRL future over the next few matches.
In other St George changes, Kalifa Faifai Loa replaces Peter Mata’utia on the wing, while backrower Siliva Havili comes onto the bench in place of Jake Marketo.
After winning three of their opening four matches in 2016, Gold Coast have lost to the Broncos (24-16) and Cronulla (25-20) in their past two games. They have performed above expectations in nearly every match this season, with young half Ashley Taylor playing strongly behind a committed Titans’ forward pack.
Taylor’s halves partner once again this week will be fellow rookie Cameron Cullen, who is playing just his second NRL game in place of the injured Tyrone Roberts.
Titans’ coach Neil Henry initially named an unchanged squad this week. However lock Greg Bird was unsuccessful in having his high tackle charge downgraded at the judiciary on Wednesday night, and will miss this week’s match through suspension. 18th man Eddy Pettybourne comes into the Titans’ squad as his replacement.
Prediction
Both teams will be desperate to win to keep in touch with the top eight. I’m tipping the Dragons will break their 2016 Queensland “duck” by putting points on the scoreboard and winning a close match.
Join The Roar at 3pm AEST for live score updates and debate in our live blog.
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