Manly’s title aspirations were dealt a major blow last night, as they were steamrolled by defending premiers St George Illawarra 24-6.
Built as a possible Grand Final preview, the Sea Eagles had the perfect opportunity to announce themselves on the big stage.
However they were reduced to just another notch on the belt of the Dragons.
Missing arguably their best defender in Beau Scott, the Dragons’ defence was simply breathtaking.
They took what has been the corner stone of their success for the past two and half seasons to a new level last night as they defended as if their season depended on it.
It was suggested the Dragons had been in a mid season form slump, having only picked up one point from their last three games. The Origin period of the year is always a battle and injuries to key personnel had several ‘experts’ alleging the Dragons were in a form slump.
Those thoughts were laid to rest with a complete performance that will be remembered for a very long time.
Missing representative players Matt Cooper, Beau Scott and Ben Hornby, and up against a team that were coming off six straight victories, the Sea Eagles threw absolutely everything they had at the Dragons but to no avail.
I challenge you to tell me when the last time you saw a team defend 36 consecutive tackles inside their own 20 and keep their try line in tact. It just does not happen in modern day rugby league.
The Dragons self-belief rose another level on the back of one of the best defensive displays seen in years.
Back at WIN Stadium for the first time in this season, you would have struggled to find one of the 18,974 fans not on their feet applauding what they witnessed. The game was won at that moment.
Manly had gone into the game as equal premiership favourites. They came out of the game wondering what they had to do to break down the Dragons brickwall.
Games are certainly won on defence and last night that was proven without any doubt.
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