Jamie Soward and the St George Illawarra Dragons will travel to Skilled Park this afternoon to face up against the Gold Coast Titans with both teams reaching for form after two straight losses. Join us for live scores and commentary from 3.00pm AEST.
Only one win separates these two teams on the table entering Round 9, but the 6th-placed Titans are the favourites to take care of the 12th-placed Dragons at home.
St George will likely have to generate a few more opportunities in this game to get past the home side, who are averaging 20 points per game, while the Dragons are languishing with just below 15 points per game, third lowest in the league.
Last week the Titans lost a close game by one point to the Warriors in New Zealand, although centre Jamal Idris impressed with two tries.
The Dragons were outclassed by Manly, who opened up a 14-point lead by halftime and held on to win 24-18.
The Dragons are focused on getting a good start this afternoon, as emphasised by coach Steve Price in the media this week.
Another big storyline this week was the Dragons signing of oft-troubled fullback Josh Dugan, who was sacked by the Raiders in March due to off-field issues and was re-registered by the NRL just this week.
Dugan’s presence may soften the loss of top winger Brett Morris, who’s out after recent knee surgery.
The Titans, in contrast, are getting key players back from injury this week, with wingers David Mead (broken jaw) and Kevin Gordon (hamstring) returning from extended absences.
Devout Saint
Guest
Why do you say "Jamie Soward" and the the St George Illawarra Dragons will travel to Skilled Park this afternoon? lol
Bazzio
Roar Guru
Pay-back penalty for the huge off-side that wasn't called when Dave Taylor intercepted
Bazzio
Roar Guru
I think he's not sweet because he's sour at being let go
Boomshanka
Guest
If that was ruled obstruction by an honest video referee, then last night's third try by the Bulldogs deserves the issuing of a gold watch. Sydney clubs continue to enjoy the 50/50 calls, making a mockery of the system. This great game is risking being spoilt by the men in pink.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
FULLTIME St George Dragons 14 – 15 Gold Coast Titans Thanks for joining us on the Roar, stay with us for Panthers/Storm later this evening. Titans will be up against the Broncos in a Queensland derby next Friday, and the Dragons face up against the Eels on Saturday.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
FULLTIME St George Dragons 14 – 15 Gold Coast Titans The home side wins a nailbiter! Soward had a chance right at the death to keep his team in it but it fell about 10 metres short. Strong second half by the Titans, they could well have had a much bigger margin of victory if Zidwell didn't have the disallowed try. Lots of mistakes from both sides kept it close, and plenty to improve on. Turned out to be a good decision by Sezer to take an early field goal and put the pressure on St George, who couldn't provide the answer.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
80' St George Dragons 14 – 15 Gold Coast Titans Dragons take possession on their 40 with 40 seconds remaining. Soward is in position, but his kick falls short, he didn't have enough time!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
80' St George Dragons 14 – 15 Gold Coast Titans Titans trying to take a slow set here, but they've knocked on! One more chance for the Dragons, can they get into field goal range?
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
79' St George Dragons 14 – 15 Gold Coast Titans Good run from Quinlan to take them past halfway. Good set by the Dragons, 52 gained, but a knock on by Prior on the last! The St George bench just went from hopeful to devastated.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
78' St George Dragons 14 – 15 Gold Coast Titans Knock on by Taylor! Titans had a chance there to kick another point, Dragons have to get the ball all the way down the other end.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
77' St George Dragons 14 – 15 Gold Coast Titans Titans now with possession moving over halftway, they'll be looking to waste time now. And Vidot obliges with a knock-on from the bomb.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
76' St George Dragons 14 – 15 Gold Coast Titans He's fine. Soward looked to take a Golden Point from around 35 out but it was blocked by the Titans at the line.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
75' St George Dragons 14 – 15 Gold Coast Titans Nightingale is down injured, got a bit too involved with Dave Taylor.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
75' St George Dragons 14 – 15 Gold Coast Titans Only five minutes to go! Dragons retake possession from their 20 after a Sezer kick goes dead.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
74' St George Dragons 14 – 15 Gold Coast Titans St George could take a field goal attempt here if they wanted, but they want to Vidot in the corner instead, and he's brought down on the last by Bailey.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
73' St George Dragons 14 – 15 Gold Coast Titans Changeover in midfield as Minichello is tackled on the sixth. Good position for the Dragons in the Titans half.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
72' St George Dragons 14 – 15 Gold Coast Titans Soward makes some magic! He gets past a man and passes to Vidot, who puts a bomb up that Gordon takes uncontested. No support from the Dragons.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
71' St George Dragons 14 – 15 Gold Coast Titans Just a incidental slap. Sezer kicks a bomb and Vidot is up to the task. Dragons showed good strong defense but they've got to get up the other end!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
70' St George Dragons 14 – 15 Gold Coast Titans Gold Coast takes the tap. Falloon hurt now, clutching his face.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
69' St George Dragons 14 – 15 Gold Coast Titans Bird down after a solid hit, got an arm to the chin from Dan Hunt.