In a game that could not sum the entire round of NRL better, the Dragons came out in the second half after up 10-0 then down 20-14 won the half 32-4.
It was a Benji Marshall master class in the second half playing razzle dazzle footy to heap pressure on the Knights players for another week and excel the Dragons into the Top 8.
>>MATCH REPORT: Dragons revive season by thrashing Knights
The game was all theirs in the first 10 minutes after two quick tries from both Dugan and Rein deflated the Knights. However, if the Knights were deflated, they showed no signs of it in the remaining 30 minutes. A 95% completion rate on top of pressure relieving penalties allowed Gidley, Mamo, Ross and Clydesdale to shock the Jubilee crowd and lead at Halftime.
That’s where the cliché of ‘Game of two halves’ kicked in.
The Dragons forwards powered through the Knights forwards, similar to what the Knights did in the first half for Widdop to step past some shoddy defence and score the opening try of the second half in the 45th minute. Frizell was then the next beneficiary of some nice halves passing to extend the Dragons lead and completely demoralise the Knights. However, Randalls try in the 58th minute gave the Knights hope.
Enter Benji Marshall.
In one of the tries of the season, Marshall collected his own kick, sprinted to the sideline, dummied to Nightingale, gave it to Widdop who passed it to Rein who attempted an over the head throw to finally fall into the lap of the creator in this entire set of events- Benji Marshall.
Soon after, Matthews scored for the Dragons to put the game beyond doubt with Dugan getting a last minute try to put the icing on the cake for the Dragons
The Dragons now move into 7th having and finally broken the losing drought as more pain is inflicted on the Knights who will be ‘contesting’ the wooden spoon.
FULLTIME
DRAGONS 46
KNIGHTS 24
The 10th placed St George Illawarra Dragons host the 14th placed Newcastle Knights at Jubilee Oval in Round 20 of the NRL. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1:50pm (AEST)
The Dragons are in desperate need of a win having lost seven in a row, while the Knights will want to win to not only do well by club legend and interim coach Danny Buderus but save their own careers.
The last time these two teams faced off, the Dragons ground out a 13-0 victory in horrendous conditions in Newcastle.
Craig Garvey replaces Heath L’Estrange on the Dragons bench, with Ben Creagh starting in the front row and Will Matthews returning to the bench.
For the Knights, Carlos Tuimavave is in at five-eighth, with Sione Mata’utia moving into the centres and Jake Mamo onto the wing. Kurt Gidley returns to fullback and Tyler Randall replaces Danny Levi on the bench.
The Sims brothers have easily been Newcastle’s best this season and will need to be on their game against the Dragons pack.
The key men for the Dragons is Benji Marshall and Gareth Widdop, and although they have not played all that bad over this losing run they need to control this game.
For the Dragons to win they need to control possession, get the early lead, and defend like their lives depend on it. They also need to play more lateral – what brought them success early in the season was having shooters close to the opposition try line giving the halves options to create one-on-ones. If they can do that, the Knights do not have the defence to stop it.
If the Knights can get quality possession off the back of their forward pack, they can expose the Dragons’ edges and create space for Mata’utia and Mamo.
Prediction
Although people still believe the biggest myth in rugby league – that teams win the game after their coach has been sacked (it is actually the game following the week of the sacking) – the Dragons will be too good at home and etch out a comfortable win.
Dragons by 16.
Will the Dragons bounce back into form at the expense of the Knights, or can the Newcastle boys pull out a win for their town, coach and themselves to pour more misery on the Dragons?
Join The Roar from 1:50pm (AEST) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks Andrew, Good call! Busy weekend for you mate.
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
I think argument is made even stronger that Ah Mau had such an impactful game in the entire scheme of the game.
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
FULL TIME WRAP In a game that could not sum the entire round of NRL better, the Dragons came out in the second half after up 10-0 then down 20-14 won the half 32-4. It was a Benji Marshall master class in the second half with the Kiwi(Scottish ha!) halfback played razzle dazzle footy to heap pressure on the Knights players for another week and excel the Dragons into the Top 8. The game was all theirs in the first 10 minutes after two quick tries from both Dugan and Rein deflated the Knights. However, if the Knights were deflated, they showed no signs of it in the remaining 30 minutes. A 95% completion rate on top of pressure relieving penalties allowed Gidley, Mamo, Ross and Clydesdale to shock the Jubilee crowd and lead at Halftime. That's where the cliché of ' Game of two halves' kicked in. The Dragons forwards powered through the Knights forwards, similar to what the Knights did in the first half for Widdop to step pass some shoddy defence and score the opening try of the second half in the 45th minute. Frizell was then the next beneficiary of some nice halves passing to extend the Dragons lead and completely demoralise the Knights. However, Randalls try in the 58th minute gave the Knights hope. Enter Benji Marshall. In one of the tries of the season, Marshall collects his own kick, sprints to the sideline, dummies to Nightingale ,gives it to Widdop who passes it to Rein who attempts an over the head throw to finally fall into the lap of the creator in this entire set of events- Benji Marshall. Soon after, Matthews scores for the Dragons to put the game beyond doubt with Dugan getting a last minute try to put the icing on the cake for the Dragons The Dragons now move into 7th having and finally break the losing drought as more pain is inflicted on the Knights who will be 'contesting' the wooden spoon. FULLTIME DRAGONS 46 KNIGHTS 24
Scott Pryde
Expert
5 minute sin bin needs to come back.
The eye
Guest
have to agree with what vossy was banging on about the ah mau dog shot..why wouldnt you have a forward take out jt in the semi if theres no game penalty..
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
FULL TIME DRAGONS 46 KNIGHTS 24
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
80' CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Widdop converts and goes 9/9 to move the Dragons into the top 8 and break the drought. DRAGONS 46 KNIGHTS 24
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
79' DRAGONS TRY Benji Marshall double pumps and gives a wonderful pass to Dugan who sprints through the line to put the icing on the cake. DRAGONS 44 KNIGHTS 24
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
78' A cut out pass by Benji is nearly intercepted by Ross by drops the ball and the Dragons will get the ball and another set of six on their 40. DRAGONS 40 KNIGHTS 24
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
76' The Knights earn a penalty for interfering with the play the ball and they take the quick tap on the Dragons 10. Beau Scott takes a run at the line but drops the ball and the Dragons will now get a scrum feed 10 out from their own line DRAGONS 40 KNIGHTS 24
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
74' An offload by Sims is intercepted by Ah Mau who gets a pass to Widdop but the ball is knocked out by Gidley and the Knights will get the scrum feed on their 40. DRAGONS 40 KNIGHTS 24
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
73' Dugan bombs a try as a brilliant chip by Marshall is regathered by Dugan who is caught on the last. DRAGONS 40 KNIGHTS 24
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
72' The Dragons compete the set after points and the kick is taken by Gidley. The Knights now work it out of their own half. DRAGONS 40 KNIGHTS 24
jamesb
Guest
Yee hah, we are going to finally win one. Widdops kicking has been superb.
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
70' CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Widdop converts to extend the Dragons lead to 16 DRAGONS 40 KNIGHTS 24
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
69' DRAGONS TRY The video referee confirms and the Dragons will win todays game and move into the Top 8. DRAGONS 38 KNIGHTS 24
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
69' VIDEO REFEREE Possible try here for Matthews who collects a ricocheted kick and falls over the line. On field decision is Try. DRAGONS 34 KNIGHTS 24
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
68' The set after points is completed by the Dragons after a kick is defused Mamo. An incredible kick chase by the Dragons ragdolls Mamo back to earnt Their side a dropout. Dragons well on top here DRAGONS 34 KNIGHTS 24
Andrew Konstantinidis
Roar Guru
66' CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Widddop again converts from the sideline and the Dragons lead is extended to 10. DRAGONS 34 KNIGHTS 24
jamesb
Guest
What a freaking try! What about Benji and Reins pass lol.