St George Illawarra have maintained their red-hot run of form with a sixth successive NRL victory, seeing off the Sydney Roosters 14-12 in a dramatic Anzac Day encounter at Allianz Stadium.
The wild weather that lashed Sydney for much of the week returned midway through the first half, forcing officials to take the players off the field due to lightning, with the Dragons leading 10-0 after tries from Peter Mata’utia and Mitch Rein.
More than 21mm of rain fell as the two teams returned to the change rooms before play resumed after a 30-minute break in front of a crowd of 35,110.
It was the first time since 2009 that lightning had forced players off the field when an electrical storm pounded Newcastle in a game against Brisbane in which players were kept off the field for 40 minutes.
On Saturday, the break in play resulted in halftime being reduced to eight minutes but, just before the interval, the Roosters managed to get on the scoreboard when Shaun Kenny-Dowall pounced on a handling error from Josh Dugan with James Maloney adding the extras.
The slippery conditions made life difficult for the players in the second half.
But there was no bigger error than the one made by lead referee Gerard Sutton who refused to use the video referee to check to see if Dragons centre Dylan Farrell had scored a try.
Farrell chased after a Gareth Widdop grubber kick and replays clearly showed he was able to get a hand to the ball in front of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and a try should have been awarded.
Two Widdop penalties extended the Dragons’ lead to 14-6 but a Tuivasa-Sheck try, converted by Maloney, closed the deficit to two points.
But Paul McGregor’s side again showed their mettle with steely defence to hold off the late onslaught to inflict a fourth straight loss on the Roosters for the first time in Trent Robinson’s tenure.
Ken
Guest
That's kind of the Dragons trump card. Dugan and Merrin are locks for Origin but the rep level halves aren't Aussie, giving great stability.
The Kooms
Guest
They did play smart. Think they made 3 errors all game, which is amazing. Benji's kicking was first class, kicking low against the wind in the first and then launching those torpedo punts in the second. He has lost his speed and his running game but he still has plenty to offer. Mike Cooper has been playing the house down too, has very good tackling technique. He put a rampaging Sam Moa on his back late in the game, text book stuff.
Charles NSW
Guest
This is one of Dragons best wins ever and I have seen many! The way they are working hard to create one of the best defensive teams in the competition is brilliant Coach McGregor played smart in this game and deserves a lot of credit in what he has done since taking over To get this team not only competitive but as a real threat has created belief with the Dragons fans This team is transforming with all the players improving on each game
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Anyone who still don't believe the Dragons are the real deal this season are kidding themselves. this coming from a Penrith fan. Since the doggies game Ive found it hard to doubt St George. I reckon dragons will end up being knocked out in the prelim
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Dragoooons have a real toughness about them this season. Early days of course but if they can hold this kind of form in the middle part of the season ( during Origin ) they will set themselves up for a top 8 spot. If I was a Chooks supporter I wouldn't be too worried, all there losses have been close. It doesn't take much to string a few wins together particularly with there quality roster.
Justthetip
Guest
I am dead against players faking injury but Trent Robinson's holier than thou speeches about players staying down is more outrageous than the act of a player feigning injury. Hargreaves running style was out of control for a long time and caused serious injury to players but this was never an issue for Trent, only opposition coaches. You coach a side that has attracted numberous stars for non NRL player wages and an endless stream of third party revenue. You have only ever seen this as smart moves in the best interests of the roosters. Tough luck to the raiders for doing the right thing by the NRL, but that's footy. Well Trent have the class, decency and respect for the code by not chucking a tantrum when you feel dudded. That's footy mate.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
The Dragons are clearly top 8 material, and maybe top 4 contenders, subject to injuries. The good thing this year, is that if they can get into the top 4, then they will be feared because of their defence and will have a real chance of going all the way not just making up the numbers. The Dragons have Souths next up who will need to take the Dragons seriously particularly with the return of Frizzell.
The Kooms
Guest
Great win by the Saints. Their attack's been comming along on nicely and Benji can be brilliant without the brilliance is a good thing. But its too early to start believing.