The St George Illawarra Dragons host the Wests Tigers in the first match of a season where both sides are under pressure to perform. Join us for live scores and commentary from 3.00pm AEDT.
The 2013 season was one to forget for both the Dragons and Tigers, who finished in 14th and 15th position respectively on the NRL ladder.
Both Mick Potter and Steve Price are under huge pressure to deliver positive results this season, despite the lack of star power in both rosters.
The Dragons are without Josh Dugan for at least the opening five rounds of the season due to injury. His absence will hurt a Dragons attack that really struggled to fire last year.
Thankfully for them, the Tigers are not renowned for their defensive steel so the Dragons will still have chances to post points if they can dominate upfront.
New recruit Gareth Widdop will be eager to make a mark today against the Tigers in a bid to prove he is the player capable of guiding the Dragons to the finals.
With no Benji Marshall at the helm, the Tigers will rely on Luke Brooks and Robbie Farah this season to ignite their flamboyant attack.
The Dragons though will have vivid memories of Brooks’ electric debut for the Tigers and will target the youngster big time today to ensure he doesn’t produce another standout performance against the Red V.
In a tight contest, the Dragons depth upfront may just see them grind their way a close win.
Dragons by 6
simmo green
Guest
The reality is that we're looking at a ninth consecutive season of non performance. This club had the basis to move forward following the 2005 premiership and has failed to take advantage in a host of areas including succession management, recruitment, financial management, membership, sponsorship, building revenues, connecting with the community etc. By now this 'brand' should have been well and truly consolidated among the most powerful names in the NRL. Regrettably it perpetuates the same poor behaviours hoping for different outcomes. It's all very well having well known ex players and local lawyers sitting on the board, but this club desperately needs people with keen commercial sense and an understanding of what a great coaching structure and a strong connection with the community can do. GWS have more members than we do. If the alarm bells are not ringing at Concord they never will
Blaze
Guest
We'll see, the dragons aren't the same team they were last year... Just thinkin that your all jumping the gun a bit.. Sure there was some attitude lacking but not all is lost... They didn't exactly have a great lead up with men down with infections everywhere unable to train as a squad just before the opening game... All I'm saying is that I'm not gonna judge the year by that game. If everyone wants to give up after that on opening game then I'm sure there's memberships elsewhere available... If it's the same crap in a few weeks then by all means...
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Tigers fans wouldn't be expecting too much this season. However leaking 44 points to a Dragons team that is not exactly an offensive juggernaut is a real issue. Defence is a lot about attitude so much work to do there.
Wayne Keough
Guest
Stuck by them too long to quit. I just want the players to show some pride and aim up. Yes it's the first game of the season but it's the same lack of effort they showed last season
Blaze
Guest
45 yrs? West tigers have only been around for 15... 1st game of the season champ... And of a season where we weren't expecting to be anywhere near top eight... If you wanted to follow a team with a chance this year you should jump now, otherwise expect a tough year as we are left to deal with what sheens/Benji left us with...
Wayne Keough
Guest
I have kept the faith for 45 years. 1 good year. It's time the players looked in the mirror instead of the papers. Tim Sheens destroyed this club. But Weststigers defense is soft.
Blaze
Guest
I'm not reading into this game too much as a tigers fan.... Farah not training in the lead up, missing a few thru injury and a big occasion for the young blokes opening round and all... They'll get better, it's not as if they were gonna win the premiership this year... Bit of perspective needed, this team is a work in progress this year, have some faith
Tom
Guest
Tough day at the office for Wests, they did however show some positive signs. Won't stop my support 4 them.
jamesb
Guest
Good win Dragons This win will probably give Price another 5 year contract extension. Still think Williams should play half back. Might get his chance after an injury to Witt. As for the Tigers, they were missing Simona, Nofa, Halutua, Galloway and Sironon. They also lost Fulton during the game. Tedasco looks set for a big year at full back. As for the Dragons, Widdop was class today. He was MOTM and did give the Dragons attack direction which we sadly lacked last year.
Alan
Roar Guru
Thanks for following guys.
John
Guest
Humiliation. Tigers got serious problems if they can't compete with an undermanned dragons side. Good on the dragons for showing some steel.
Alan
Roar Guru
At 12 nil and at 18-6, the Tigers looked odds on to win well given the strong start from Brooks, Farah and Tedasco in attack. The Dragons though powered home on the back of strong performances from Frizell, Merrin and Creagh upfront. Widdop very strong as well in his debut for the Dragons. Good signs as well without Dugan. Tigers ill discipline and error rate too high and they payed the price. Tigers with plenty to work on but the Dragons with the confidence boost they needed to perhaps make a statement this year. Thanks for your company today and join us for MNF on The Roar. Dragons 44 Tigers 24
Wayne Keough
Guest
Thanks for coverage Alan :-)
Wayne Keough
Guest
Thanks for coverage Alan :-)
Wayne Keough
Guest
Getting very tired of following this bunch no ideas. They only way Weststigers will be at the semi's is if they buy tickets
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Tigers after such a great start have fallen away badly here....not looking too good for Tigers fans. Morris now is nearly a way! penalty to the Dragons again. Tigers afternoon turning real sour. Dragons win! FULLTIME Dragons 44 Tigers 24
Digby
Roar Guru
Nice finish Dragons. Tigers out of puff. Next week Tigers!! Thanks Alan. Rubbish weekend for my teams but still have the Warriors left!!!
Alan
Roar Guru
Great play from Stanley as he stepped through the line before finding Quinlan who puts the icing on the cake for the Dragons. Impressive from the Dragons today. Good signs for the red v. Price will be happy. CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Dragons 44 Tigers 24
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY DRAGONS - Tigers still with plenty of issues to address in defence. Dragons now with a break here. Quinlan now races away to score!!!! Dragons 42 Tigers 24
Wayne Keough
Guest
Same old Tigers then