A big comeback from Wests Tigers fell short as the St George Illawarra Dragons booked their place in finals with a 2-point golden time victory.
>>MATCH REPORT: Dragons secure finals spot in golden time
St George 32 def. Wests 30
The St George Illawarra Dragons face off against the Wests Tigers in the final round of the 2015 NRL season. Join The Roar for live scores from 5:30pm (AEST).
The Tigers’ chance at playing finals might have evaporated weeks ago, but they still have a chance to manipulate the top eight with a win against the Dragons today.
Currently the Dragons sit in eighth place, a game clear of the Sea Eagles and also 61-points clear in the for-and-against.
This means that if the Dragons suffer a big enough loss, and the Sea Eagles can summon a big enough win against the Sharks on Sunday, the Dragons could have their place in the finals ripped from their grasp.
What would have Dragons fans nervous are last week’s results for both sides.
The Wests Tigers looked inspired against the Warriors, bouncing back from a tough week of media scrutiny to secure a 34-point win against the Warriors.
The Dragons on the other hand suffered a tough loss to the lowly Titans, 28-26 on the Gold Coast.
In team news, Jake Marketo and Eto Nabuli come in for Joel Thompson and Dylan Farrell for the Dragons. Craig Garvey moves to 18th man and George Rose moves on to the bench.
For the Tigers, Kyle Lovett has been added to the bench. The rest of the side is unchanged from their Warrior-defeating side from last week.
Can the Tigers cause a big upset and leave Dragons fans holding their breath for Sunday’s results?
Or will the Dragons suck up the pressure and hit the finals with a win under their belt?
Join The Roar for live scores for the Dragons versus Tigers from 5:30pm (AEST). If you are watching the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
Charles
Guest
The Dragons have done what they set out to do by getting into the final eight! Now they take on the Bulldogs in a sudden death which will be very difficult for them to win against Especially if Widdop is not available due to injury Time to throw the ball around and turn them forwards of theirs, inside out We can do it, we really can, up the Dragons!
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Their back line can match it with the best of them, the forwards aren't names but they aren't too weak in that regard. They'll probably lose out fairly early because a couple of sides with really strong forward packs are in the lower half of the eight.
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
Dragons just don't have the playing talent to match the other 7 teams in the finals. You might not agree but it's a fact.
SpongeBob
Guest
There is a huge gulf between the top few and the rest. I think most tippers would agree this season has been very 50/50 most of the time, which is reflected in the ladder. Only a few 'sure wins', and even then... 6th to 16th isn't much in it at all, any side could easily beat another, and they have throughout the season. They're all pretty hopeless and it shows. Outside of a lucky wins here and there (9 times out of 10 the Storm beat the Knights for example) the majority of the teams haven't really done anything, it's only a 50/50 win loss against the other hopeless chaps that have kept them going. The only difference to other seasons is there hasn't been a team who is just so utterly hopeless even the hopeless teams can flog them easily.
Muzz
Guest
You can put those 8 wins down to Bennett's legacy. The Knights should be so grateful.
jamesb
Guest
Team coming last has equaled the record for most wins. So even though your saying the Dragons are "closer to coming last then they are to first", you have to admit, eight wins from a team coming last is abnormally high.
SpongeBob
Guest
40 points top of the table. 20 points last. Dragons on 28 points. Closer to coming last then they are to first.
smell the fear
Guest
8th is middle of the table
Scott Pryde
Expert
Exactly!
Scott Pryde
Expert
I agree the last penalty was absolute rubbish and that is coming from a Dragons supporter. However, it would have been six again, all be it with very little time left for us to try something. We were looking more likely in golden point and frankly were the better team for 60 minutes. The last 20 let us down for sure but it was a massive improvement for the most part on previous weeks. Desperation defence was there and the attack seemed to be flowing all right if we are honest. I'm not going to stand here and tell you we will win next week, but we will give it a red hot go. Whilst we may be out of form, if we can get anywhere near where we were earlier in the season then we will give whoever we are playing a major scare whether that is the Bulldogs, Sharks or the Storm. You have to remember this team was leading the comp for a period of time.
Jayme May
Guest
So what the Tigers were on end of some dud calls. That happens to the Dragons more often than not. Only last weekend Dragons were duded when the Titans were awarded 2 tries that should have been disallowed
SpongeBob
Guest
Dragons are closer to last place then they are to first. Require a miracle to advance.
SpongeBob
Guest
Should be no video ref. Sometimes they'll overrule a call, other times a blatantly wrong call on video will be made yet they say nothing. Needs to be all or nothing. Too open for conspiracy when one team gets a dud call yet nothing, then the other team gets a dud call and magically the video ref fixes it... all a bit convenient.
perplexed
Guest
referees decided the winner here, dragons were pathetic and will be eliminated first week of semi's. the coach has made excuses for this team for the last ten weeks. tigers were by far and away the better team, and I support the dragons.
JAYDEN :)
Guest
Who attempted field goals
Muzz
Guest
Another basketball type finish. Gee these refs are good.
The Barry
Roar Guru
i can't remember the last time I saw a penalty for markers not being square - let alone in golden point. If that's how they're reffing fine...but why has it changed now?
jamesb
Guest
Gee, we have made the eight. Why am I not excited?
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
Referees have totally ruined this game. The Tigers have been by far the better team in this second half, they deserve to be leading. Dragons are terrible, will get absolutely belted next weekend.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Honestly - what is going on with the refs. They look at a video replay that clearly shows Nabuli hitting the ball down and into touch and they still give the Dragons the feed. There's just no answer to this. It's an all time low. There is no excuse for that decision being made after a replay.