St George Illawarra’s NRL points drought is over and the Dragons have returned to the winner’s circle in the process.
Led by English five-eighth Gareth Widdop, the Dragons picked up their third victory of the season with a 19-14 result over Gold Coast at Robina on Saturday.
Widdop scored a try, set up another and slotted a late field goal to star for the Dragons in the absence of injured halfback Benji Marshall.
The Englishman’s day was soured however when he was placed on report in the dying seconds for a high shot that left Titans’ halfback Ash Taylor prone on the field.
The young gun received extensive attention from medical staff but eventually managed to walk off the field.
NSW State of Origin fullback Josh Dugan also starred for the visitors, picking up 197 running metres and completing several last gasp defensive maneuvers including an ankle tap on David Mead when the Titans’ flyer seemed sure to score.
Widdop put to bed any concerns over the Dragons being held scoreless for a third match when he reached out to plant the ball over the line in the eighth minute.
Agnatius Paasi’s determined effort instantly levelled things for the Titans but further tries to former Gold Coast winger Kalifa Faifai Loa and utility forward Jack De Belin gave the Dragons an 18-6 lead.
The Titans battered the Dragons in the second half but only had Tyrone Roberts’ 67th minute try to show for their efforts as well as a late penalty goal after the hit on Taylor by Widdop.
Titans’ prop Ryan James was also placed on report in the opening half for a crusher tackle on Dugan.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Yeah that try from a rebound off the post was a master class of rugby league coaching and strategy. Good on you for your loyalty Charles but if you think a scrappy win against the Titans makes up for the past fortnight you have the blinkers on. The Dragons are the worst coached team in the comp. Why do you think the Dragons need Marshall back? What does "doing what he does best" mean?
Ken
Guest
He offers more than McCrone, who basically offers nothing except a strong defence. He's not a superstar who can unlock point-scoring riches but he can be influential. If he keeps playing 2 games and then having 3 off though that goes out the window.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Crossfield running is Benji's forte and these days a bit of slow running at that.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Why on earth would you want Marshal back, unless there's some kind of minimum flick passes to nobody quota that I missed seeing in the rulebook.
Charles NSW
Guest
The Dragons finallly got back to the drawing board in scoring tries well done! A long way to go but they showed promise with more players stepping up to the mark. We need Benji Marshal back doing what he does best to add to our attack. Those that called for Paul McGregor to be sacked should hang their heads in shame. You can see he is making every effort to get the best from his team, full credit in doing so.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Benji has surely played his final game for the Dragons, hopefully the coach has the kahunas to let him know.