The Dragons have run out deserving 19-14 winners at Cbus Stadium on the Gold Coast this afternoon, after leading 18-6 at halftime. After not scoring a point in their past two matches, the Dragons laid on three first half tries.
REPORT: WIDDOP SHINES, DRAGONS WIN
The Titans tried hard all day, but generally didn’t offer a lot in attack. Their last tackle options were generally bombs, which were generally handled well by Josh Dugan.
Gareth Widdop and Josh Dugan were strong in attack for the Dragons, with McCrone’s kicking game also effective. Jack De Belin and Mitch Rein both worked tirelessly in defence for the Dragons.
David Mead and William Zillman had to do a mountain of work at the back for the Titans fielding kicks. Ryan James, David Shillington and Luke Douglas all worked hard in the Titans’ forward pack.
The Titans will be disappointed with another close loss, it is becoming a bit of a habit. But you certainly can’t fault the effort they put in each week.
Final score
Titans 14
Dragons 19
The Gold Coast Titans host the St George Illawarra Dragons at Cbus Super Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3pm (AEST).
The Dragons are playing in Queensland for the third week in a row, and will be hoping to at least get on the scoreboard this week after being thumped 36-0 by the Cowboys and 26-0 by the Broncos in their last two matches.
St George Illawarra have the worst attacking record of any team in the NRL at the moment. They have crossed for only six tries in the first six rounds of the competition (James Tedesco has scored eight for the Wests Tigers), and they’ve scored just 40 points in the first six matches. Jarrod Croker has scored 58 points on his own for the Canberra Raiders.
Benji Marshall returns from a hamstring injury this week at halfback for the Dragons, in place of Josh McCrone who has been named on an extended interchange bench. At 31 and off contract at the end of this season, Marshall is playing for his NRL future over the next few matches.
In other St George changes, Kalifa Faifai Loa replaces Peter Mata’utia on the wing, while backrower Siliva Havili comes onto the bench in place of Jake Marketo.
After winning three of their opening four matches in 2016, Gold Coast have lost to the Broncos (24-16) and Cronulla (25-20) in their past two games. They have performed above expectations in nearly every match this season, with young half Ashley Taylor playing strongly behind a committed Titans’ forward pack.
Taylor’s halves partner once again this week will be fellow rookie Cameron Cullen, who is playing just his second NRL game in place of the injured Tyrone Roberts.
Titans’ coach Neil Henry initially named an unchanged squad this week. However lock Greg Bird was unsuccessful in having his high tackle charge downgraded at the judiciary on Wednesday night, and will miss this week’s match through suspension. 18th man Eddy Pettybourne comes into the Titans’ squad as his replacement.
Prediction
Both teams will be desperate to win to keep in touch with the top eight. I’m tipping the Dragons will break their 2016 Queensland “duck” by putting points on the scoreboard and winning a close match.
Join The Roar at 3pm AEST for live score updates and debate in our live blog.
Craig Swanson
Guest
When is Tim Lafai going to get more ball? Just 8 carries for the game. This bloke will win us games so give him the pill playmakers. Leeson au Mau's figures were poor again. Perhaps a stint in NSW Cup may lift him out of his lethargy. Gotta say that Joel Thompson has lifted his game the last two weeks. He certainly needed to. Mary needs to give Dunamis Lui more game time. He is big and powerful with some ball skills.
Craig Swanson
Guest
Finally something for us forlorn Dragons diehards to cheer about. Widdop is so much better when he takes on the line rather than kick every play. Keep Packer on the bench. He is lucky to even be there. Jack de Belin for a Kangaroo jumper soon.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
For the amount of time he played (39 minutes) he definitely had an impact, but I still rate the 3 I nominated above him overall.
danwain
Guest
No love for Packer John, thought he made a huge impact off the bench
Scott Pryde
Expert
Haha you know the go Jason! You cover a Manly game, I'll cover a Dragons game.
PNG Broncos fan88
Guest
Friend offered nothing in that second half, was so slow out of dummy half that got caught with the ball more than once. Henry should have let on Mortimer in the last quarter against the tired Dragons forwards in the middle. Score line flattered the directionless Titans. Deserved win by the Dragons, hope they produce another cracker on Anzac Day.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
It was a good game, plenty of positives for the Dragons to take out of that after a hard few weeks.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Roar MVP Points 3 – Josh Dugan: a great all round game. Safe under the high ball, plenty of metres in attack, and a crucial try-saving ankle tap on a flying David Mead to save a try. 2 – Ryan James: An enormous effort in both attack and defence for the Titans. 170 metres in attack and 60 tackles. 1 – Gareth Widdop: Was a big reason the St George attack improved this week. He took the line on and was creative, scoring a try himself as well creating opportunities for his outside men. Thanks for joining me on tonight’s coverage, hope you enjoyed it. Feel free to leave your comments and make sure you log in to the live Roar blog of the Bulldogs/Warriors clash at Westpac Stadium at 5.30pm (AEST).
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Good short kicking game from McCrone. Widdop going to the line - hallelujah. Will Mathews great all round game in defense and attack. Fai Fai Loa - awesome defensive game, stayed on his wing and backed his inside man to make the tackle. Great return effort and in the air. Havilii added the extra dimension needed in attack - he goes to the line and puts players in holes. Quick, flat passes out of dummy half as well to get the Dragons over the defensive line. This is the service we need. A mix of dummy half styles like the Cowboys puts defensive lines in two minds. Take a bow Josh Dugan - another massive effort. Paasi was huge for The Titans in the absence of Bird.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
MATCH SUMMARY The Dragons have run out deserving 19-14 winners at Cbus Stadium on the Gold Coast this afternoon, after leading 18-6 at halftime. After not scoring a point in their past 2 matches, the Dragons laid on 3 first half tries. The Titans tried hard all day, but generally didn't offer a lot in attack. Their last tackle options were generally bombs, which were generally handled well by Josh Dugan. Gareth Widdop and Josh Dugan were strong in attack for the Dragons, with McCrone's kicking game also effective. Jack De Belin and Mitch Rein both worked tirelessly in defence for the Dragons. David Mead and William Zillman had to do a mountain of work at the back for the Titans fielding kicks. Ryan James, David Shillington and Luke Douglas all worked hard in the Titans' forward pack. The Titans will be disappointed with another close loss, it is becoming a bit of a habit. But you certainly can't fault the effort they put in each week. Try scorers (St George): Gareth Widdop, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Jack De Belin Top tacklers (St George): Jack De Belin 53, Mitch Rein 46 Top metres gained (St George): Josh Dugan 220, Mike Cooper 180, Russell Packer 171 Try scorers (Gold Coast):Agnatius Passi, Tyrone Roberts Top tacklers (Gold Coast): Ryan James 60, Luke Douglas 46 Top metres gained (Gold Coast): David Mead 249, William Zillman 223, David Shillington 196
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Plenty Scott, always plenty of respect for Roar veterans. Your little challenge has me burning too, I'll get myself sorted and cover that Manly game too.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
And now a win too!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
He was, luckily it didn't cost them in the end.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Thanks Jason, I agree, that must have been the reason.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Full-time The hooter sounds and its victory for the St George! Titans threw it around but couldn’t find a way through. Dugan cleans up a chip kick on full-time. Gold Coast 14 St George 19
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Roberts kicks the penalty. 43 seconds to go! Gold Coast 14 St George 19
John Coomer
Roar Guru
79’ Penalty Titans. They are taking the 2, but time will beat them even if they land it. Taylor back to his feet and walks off the field. Gold Coast 12 St George 19
John Coomer
Roar Guru
79’ Medicab now on the field for Taylor. Potential penalty Titans for the Widdop hit on Taylor. Gold Coast 12 St George 19
John Coomer
Roar Guru
79’ Titans throwing it around in desperation but Dragons defence holds. They are now back in possession after a heavy Gareth Widdop hit on Ash Taylor, and will close this one out. Gold Coast 12 St George 19
John Coomer
Roar Guru
78’ Short kick off from the Gold Coast but the Dragons retained possession, but knock-on on the 3rd. Scrum feed Titans on their own 30 metre line. Gold Coast 12 St George 19