St George Illawarra’s offensive woes could be a thing of the past as Gareth Widdop sparked their attack in a way not seen in five NRL seasons in the Dragons’ 44-24 round one thumping of Wests Tigers.
Widdop had a hand in four of the Dragons’ seven tries and kicked eight goals from eight attempts, before 19,860 fans at ANZ Stadium on Sunday, to give the joint venture hope their days of a sputtering attack are over.
Watch highlights from the Dragons vs Tigers clash:
It was the most points the Dragons have scored in a single match since they thumped Manly 48-18 in round 18, 2009.
The Tigers started the better of the two sides to lead 12-0 after 11 minutes and 18-6 after 20 minutes.
But from there it was all the Dragons as they outscored the Tigers 38-6 in the final hour in Widdop’s first game for the club since he joined them this season on a four-year $2.2 million deal.
“It was a great win in the end, after they lead early we just had to stay composed and work our way back into it,” Widdop said.
“I was always confident I could come in (and make a difference).
“I always though it would take time but we have worked very well.
“But there is a lot to improve on. We need to keep getting better.”
Dragons coach Steve Price said Widdop brought a level of composure to his side that has been lacking in recent seasons.
“There was a level of calm in his performance,” Price said.
“He is a great leader and a great supporter of what we are trying to do here.”
Dragons skipper Ben Creagh said Widdop had already made a significant impact in his short time at the club.
“He has a lot of experience in those attacking situations so he is just what we need in our side,” Creagh said.
“We are always looking to score a lot of points and we will take a lot of confidence and belief out of that.”
But the Tigers confidence is certain to take a knock.
After opening the scoring through Pat Richards in just the fifth minute and James Tedesco illustrating he has lost none of his scorching pace, despite knee problems, five minutes later to race 60m to score the Tigers started the season in promising fashion.
But after Widdop put the Dragons ahead 20-18 at halftime courtesy of a penalty goal after the siren, the home side piled on the points in the second stanza with Ben Creagh, Gerard Beale, Michael Witt, Tyson Frizell, after a 14th minute touchdown, Mitch Rein and Adam Quinlan all scoring in the runaway win.
The victory was a significant turnaround from their thumping at the hands of South Sydney in their final trial.
“It was very pleasing, I was very happy with the way we rebounded from that,” Price said.
The Dragons admitted to targeting young Tigers halfback Luke Brooks in attack, a tactic that was successful.
Tigers coach Mick Potter was upset his team couldn’t hold the momentum of their good start.
“It was a disappointing second half,” he said.
“There were some poor last tackle options and they really put us under pressure.”
Michael Witt left the field in the second half with a shoulder injury and is doubt for the Dragons round two clash with the Warriors, alongside Jack de Bellin (leg).
Liam Fulton was knocked out in a clash with Tedesco, and didn’t return in accordance with the new concussion rules.
Tigers prop Aaron Woods was put on report for a 37th minute high shot on Dragons winger Brett Morris.
Devout Saint
Guest
Instead of continuing to play Kyle out of position, he would be better served going back to reserve grade and playing 80 minutes at 5/8. There he could get his confidence, timing and fitness back. Personally I would like to see Kyle 5/8 and Widdop halfback.
boonboon
Roar Pro
They flogged the warriors last year in the first round too
Avatar
Roar Guru
Good win by the Dragons, especially when they looked lost at 18-6 down midway through the first half. Gareth Widdop was the biggest purchase the Dragons made over the off-season and his debut match was anything short of impressive. He will only continue to get better and better as the season progresses. Aware that they were mesmerized by Tigers halfback Luke Brooks last time, the Dragons did a good job shutting him down as well. Good times ahead, but remember it's only round one and this form won't last for long, though they have the Warriors next up, to whom they haven't lost against since 2007. The Warriors are coming off a heavy loss to Parramatta so their confidence will be somewhat down, but playing at home next round will give them a good chance against the Saints.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
He's only played two games!
Charles NSW
Guest
Stanley is better where he is at the moment because he can add the spark where needed He can play dummy half or in the halves but eventually he will demand the 1/2 back spot as his own I agree with the centre position on either player you mentioned, he is giving Farrell a fair go to prove himself What I do like is that we are finally getting players to put their hands up wanting to prove their worth to the team Everything depends on the coach now to go all the way and I personally think they have the arsenal there to do just that if they do not get too many injuries especially in the forwards.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Either Runciman or Mata'Utia need to be given a chance at the centres. Stanley played well but so did Witt so I would not concede the halfback position yet.
Ken
Guest
I'm not sold on Farrell yet either, Runciman looks to be a much better long term prospect. Would hate to lose him because someone else offers him a decent shot at first grade
glenn
Guest
glenn
Guest
talking about the game when fulton was down injured one of the trainers was with him I noticed he had on the same colour as the tigers jumpers(maybe dr) but if he is on the field when they are defending it would look like they would have 14 in defence even if he is behind the line,,i maybe wrong with this what do you all think?
Charles NSW
Guest
There is no doubt that the Dragon have a lot of work in front of them Giving silly penalties away should be drummed out of them for once and all Widdop was oustanding and Ben Creagh did some good work in both attack and defense Kyle Stanley showed what he can do and should be the 1/2 back when fit The Dragon have shown a lot of grunt and purpose to get the job done in their first game of the season In fact their is no reason why they cannot go all the way once they have settled their team They have youth, experience and a great goalkicker in Widdop If you look at their team there are many that have sealed their position in my view already 1. Josh Dugan 2. Brett Morris 3. 4. Gerard Beale 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Kyle Stanley 8. Mike Cooper 9. Mitch Rein 10. Tyson Frizell 11. Leeson Ah Mau 12. Ben Creagh 13. Trent Merrin
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
I think the Dragons cannot afford to go into any game before their horror run without being at full strength. I thought Beale played well at centre but he could have contributed more at fullback. Farrell did not penetrate and made too many errors in defence and attack.
soapit
Guest
pretty ordinary defence led to him being targeted. he'll need to work hard to try and get his defence up so he's not an ongoing target.
Ken
Guest
He looked dangerous early when the momentum was flowing his team's way. As the dragons targeted him in defence and started to roll over the tigers in general he disappeared. Most halves struggle to have impact in that situation and that goes double for the inexperienced. I wouldn't give up on him yet.
Ken
Guest
It was unfortunate but hardly controversial. The play had moved past them and only went on for another 10 secs or so before the try. Can you imagine the mess if attacking teams were called back every time an opponent hit the turf? You'd have half the defending team falling over on every line break. Also unfortunate were two likely held-ups being designated as tries when clearly the ref couldn't have seen anything resembling ball on ground.
Ken
Guest
I was initially surprised when the team was named that Beale wasn't at the back, with Runciman in the centres. I think that is a stronger option. I suspect that Price decided not to move Beale since Dugan is only out for 5 weeks and he needs to build stability and combinations. He sees Beale as the long term centre and needs him to get comfortable there rather than shifting him around for short term gain. Quinlan has never let us down anyway and was quite effective on the weekend.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Very disappointed to see the referees wave play on when two Tigers were on the ground injured (one of whom had to be stretchered off the park) in the lead up to the Creagh try. Proved to be the turning point.
Dave
Guest
Same old same old for the Tigers. They (we) are in for a long season. Defecne disgraceful.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
The tigers started with lots of enthusiasm but ultimately were too short on experience. I thought the halves pairings of Widdop/Witt and later Stanley played well but the dragons fullback and centre positions were not contributing enough. Beale should be moved to fullback and Farrell dropped. Then Runciman/ Mata'Utai could have a try at the centres.
Mr snrub
Guest
In the first 20 minutes the dragons looked unfit and like they didn't know how to win. It's a good thing they bought Widdop as he isn't used to losing. I was concerned with Ashley kline's x-ray vision on the Robbie Farrah try. It looked more held up the anything else to me. With the tigers taking a 12 point lead on that i was very surprised to see the dragons hang in there let alone win. How about the crowd. It looked really empty on tv. Channel 9 barely even cut to the crowd as no one was there. Why put that game there? Two teams that had such poor seasons last year don't deserve a big game venue and won't for a while yet.
Muzz
Guest
The problem is that there are only 5 or so quality coaches in the NRL and imo this is why Flanno may be sort out by other clubs regardless of the ASADA thing. Are the Tigers still paying Tim Sheens? I think the Eels will surprise a lot people this year.