St George Illawarra’s NRL resurgence claimed its biggest scalp with the Dragons handing Manly back-to-back defeats for the first time in over a year with a 17-6 victory at WIN Jubilee Oval.
The Dragons, whose premiership credentials were questioned when they were humbled by Canterbury a fortnight ago, outlasted the Sea Eagles – though the win was only confirmed with Jason Nightingale’s second try of the night four minutes from time.
Down 12-0 at the break, the Sea Eagles courageously got back to within a converted try despite playing with a depleted pack, before a Ben Hornby grubber was pounced upon by Nightingale.
It took all of four minutes for Michael Weyman to have the crowd on its feet, a brilliant Mitch Rein pass sending the burly prop on a 30-metre run to the line which included a delicate side-step around Manly fullback Brett Stewart.
Manly’s bid for a reply was thwarted when Anthony Watmough coughed up possession as the Sea Eagles began a third straight set on the Dragons line, and the arm-wrestle began as both sides struggled to gain an advantage.
Nightingale was denied a try by the video referee in the 23rd minute when he lost the ball over the line, but received more than a touch of good fortune when the man in the video box gave him the benefit of the doubt five minutes from the break.
A deft grubber by Kyle Stanley looked like it had been cleaned up at the back, but Nightingale picked up the scraps with the hint of a knock on before eventually swivelling his way over with the suspicion of a double movement.
A penalty gave Manly the chance to get on the board before the halftime hooter, but their desperation nearly backfired when Jamie Soward raced 90 metres after juggling an intercept only for his touchdown to be denied as the siren sounded for an alleged knock-on.
Pleas from the Dragons for the video referee to be used were ignored by whistleblower Shayne Hayne, replays indicating the try may have had more legitimacy than the earlier Nightingale effort.
The Sea Eagles took little time to work their way back into the game with David Williams scoring after a delightful backline movement, some sleight of hand from Stewart creating an overlap for the winger to go over in the corner.
Stewart almost turned provider again when put into space by Daly Cherry-Evans, but his search for support ended with a pass sailing over the sideline.
Manly upped the ante in defence but the home side withstood the charge before Nightingale made sure of the result with his second.
Muzz
Guest
It was judged a knock on by Soward at the time and Bill Harrigan has come out since and on review of the incident also agreed it was a knock on as Soward apparently touched it into a Manly player before regathering it, but we all know Harrigan will lie through his teeth sometimes to cover for his refs.
D4u
Guest
Can any one tell me what the ruling was , on the Soward NO try ?
PLANKO
Guest
I am happy to see St George win the game but St George's first tries were not tries. This would have drastically changed the way both teams played the game and cannot be underestimated.
NickF
Guest
Rub of the green? Manly won the penalty count 6-5. the telling stat was the missed tackles. 15 to St George Illawarra and 35 to Manly.
eagleJack
Guest
Happy for Weyman's try to be awarded. Flat pass, probably forward, but was great seeing a front rower put on THAT step. Nightingale's try was a clear knock-on. But that was evened out by Soward's non-try which should have gone upstairs. Thought the Saints were the better team and deserved the win. But was impressed by Manly who kept fighting til the end. Can't wait for Glenn Stewart to get kitted up again. Manly's best player by a country mile and our right edge lacks punch without him.
Andy
Guest
Soward would have been run down by the chaser who gave up because of the whistle from the ref.
Muzz
Guest
Agree, Sowards intercept should have gone to the video ref, who knows if it still would have been given. What about a forward pass for the first try and the clear knock on/ double movement for the second try. You only see what you wanna see.
PLANKO
Guest
Please the Saints got the rub of the green at home thus won the game ... I am a Manly fan but I dont have foxtel. This comment came from someone who watched the game on fox saw all the replays and is not a supporter or either team. See you at the fortress if the draw permits.
Maximus
Guest
2 premiership favourites and its not on live TV?? The NRL needed a close match because of the AFL on FTA and thats what they got but that refereing blunder which should have meant a 18-0 half-time lead to the saints instaead of 12-0 nedds a review of that ref..Why didnt he allow play on and go to the video??.
Avid rugby fan
Roar Rookie
Two premiership favourites right here in round 4 Great match!