St George Illawarra have overcome the early loss of playmaker Benji Marshall to thrash an abject Warriors 36-0 in Wellington.
Hooker Mitch Rein stepped up with a brilliant game in the absence of the veteran halfback, who limped off in the 16th minute. Moments earlier, Dragons centre Will Matthews also departed with a dislocated shoulder.
The loss of personnel didn’t affect the visitors, who outclassed the Warriors in all departments, scoring six unanswered tries.
Four of them came in the third quarter, opening up the home defence effortlessly with some slick tries to defy the freezing, wet conditions.
The only thing colder was the Warriors attack.
Clearly missing injured playmaker Shaun Johnson, they lacked fluidity throughout in a fumbling performance which further dents the play-off hopes that looked so solid before embarking on their current four-game losing streak.
The Warriors will be two points outside the top-eight with four rounds remaining but their form and a bleeding points differential suggests there will be no post-season.
Adding to their woes was the exit of winger Manu Vatuvei, clutching a shoulder in the closing stages.
The Dragons ended a seven-game losing streak last week against the Knights and Saturday’s result should keep them ensconced in seventh.
Wing Justin Hunt crossed early through a Marshall cut-out pass which looked suspiciously forward before Rein stretched over for their second.
Livewire hooker Rein came alive after the break, firstly delivering a deft cross-kick which was claimed spectacularly by Jake Marketo.
A Rein break from 60m out put Euan Aitken clear before he sent fellow-centre Peter Mata’utia over in the try of the game.
Gareth Widdop stepped around struggling opposite Chad Townsend for an easy try, adding to the Englishman’s 16-point haul.
Tyson Frizzell scythed over before the Dragons’ final points came from two Widdop penalties as hail pelted down.
The win is the 11th in succession for the Dragons over the Warriors, improving their overall record to 19 wins from 23 in one of the NRL’s more lop-sided relationships.
It was another forgettable Warriors visit to Wellington, where they have lost seven of eight games.
cedric
Guest
I don't know why Warriors let Laumape go? Tomkin has always been out of his depth. I've been called a Tomkin hater, well no, he's just not up there, no try this year, and seriously what other team would he get a gig in. As for slipping over all the time, the answer is what your thinking! 2 Warriors forwards who can bend the line. When you put all your money on a few players and have alot of young guns your gunna get this. Bring on next year, pleeeeease!!!!!!!!!!
stu
Guest
NZ has already been pillaged. There is over 120 kiwis in the nrl. Lets create another Titans. Good idea.
Buzzard
Guest
The Warriors as suck badly!!! Useless, kick them out of the comp and get a 4th QLD team in. Pillage NZ players and good for the comp.
Nath
Guest
I totally agree, they can do no worse than what we saw today. What is with Tomkins continuously slipping over? I also think it might be time to relieve Mannering as captain and give it to Hoffman for next year. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
PNG Bronco fan#88
Guest
Two poor poor performances in a row for Townsend and Tomkins, give the under 20's a go and omit this mercenaries for the remaining rounds. Honestly, when has one of them single handedly won a game for these past two seasons? No pride and heart for the Warriors jersey, send them back home on the next plane. Both D. Haligan and W. Lewis must be vying for mantle of The Worst League Commentator Ever!
Bluebag
Guest
Not Chad Townsend's happiest game. Warriors need more creativity in attack and more starch in defence.