The St George Illawarra Dragons have held on for a win after keeping the Cronulla Sharks scoreless in the first half.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Cronulla Sharks 16
St George Illawarra Dragons 10
Defending champions the Cronulla Sharks will play host to the St George Illawarra Dragons tonight after an up and down start to the season for both sides. Catch all the live scores, highlights and action on The Roar from 6:30pm (AEDT).
After a disappointing eight-point loss to the Broncos to start their title defence, the Sharks got right back on track with a blistering performance against the Raiders in Round 2.
They shot past last year’s biggest movers, putting on 42 points to 16 in a demolition job away from home.
They’ve nearly been written off already in 2017 to go back-to-back but much like last season, the Sharks still have plenty to prove despite the competition still being so young.
On the other hand, the Dragons have done the opposite.
They kicked off their season with a massive win, coming out of Round 1 as the surprise packet of the competition after running over a hapless Panthers outfit to start their season with a bang.
It was short lived, however, putting in a scrappy effort against the Eels at home to let in 36 points in Round 2 and suffer their first loss of the season.
The writing was on the wall after just 38 seconds when Russell Packer knocked on from the kickoff and Parramatta crossed the line inside one minute.
With two vastly differing performances, it’s anyone’s guess as to what half of the Dragons will turn up tonight in tough conditions against the defending premiers.
In terms of historical advantage, the Dragons have won 19 to the Sharks’ 18 overall with one draw, but it’s St George who has won four of their last six games against Cronulla.
Team News
The Sharks welcome back Valentine Holmes after recovering from a hamstring injury during the week.
He will not be joined however by big Tony Williams and Fa’amanu Brown who were both sent down to NSW Cup this week after being named in an extended squad leading up to the game.
For the Dragons, coach Paul McGregor will come into the fixture unchanged, retaining his side from their defeat against the Eels.
Prediction
After an undulating start to their title defence in the opening rounds of the 2017 campaign, the Sharks will be looking to win and win big here at home tonight to really get their season kicking.
The Dragons have had two extremely contrasting weeks in the comp but one has to feel that their performance last week will be more in line with the rest of their year.
Sharks to win by 16
Catch all the live scores, highlights and action on The Roar from 6:30pm (AEDT).
Paul
Guest
"The NRL admit the Roosters winning try was from a forward pass", no kidding! 70% of the passes from dummy half are forward but not called because it would slow the game & be bad for tv. Here's a thought, if you are going to ignore the most fundamental rule in league then why not ignore them all. Good job to spot the "forward?" pass just before half time tonight. Maybe Specsavers should renew their sponsorship. Said it before, still applies. NRL you are a joke. Maybe it's about time for James to do what his dad tried to do & set up an alternative comp, then the fans may get a fair go. Seagulls!! 30 NQL 8 Bulls$&t.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Dragons deserved the win, Sharks need to learn you can't just show up for one half and win games this season... especially when you're the defending premiers and every team will be up to take you on.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well, that's 2 more wins than I thought we would have after 3 weeks. Oh when the Saints, Oh when the Saints go marchin' in!
The Barry
Roar Guru
More refs fault? Dragons have a very tough pack. Simple game plan but effective when they hold the ball. Widdop looks better taking the ball to the line than he has for years. They'll be tough to beat.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Paul
Guest
"McDonald surrendered in the tackle", the players don't decide when the tackle is made, the ref has to call held. If he doesn't call before the player for in touch then it's a scrum to the defending side. I'm with Blocker, the refs are a joke & the NRL have got their heads in the sand or maybe Sepp has got a new job after FIFA kicked him out.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Connor Bennett
Editor
80' The Dragons draining every play the ball as the home fans let out some boos of disapproval. Macdonald nearly spills it over the sideline but he holds onto it and the Sharks are looking defeated now. Sharks – 10 Dragons – 16
The Barry
Roar Guru
Poor discipline from the Sharks...plenty of silly penalties. Refs mustn't want them to win the comp this year...?
Connor Bennett
Editor
79' Can you believe it?? SHARKS KNOCK ON!! Jayden Brailey knocks on out of dummy half just 15 metres out from his own line and that is a massive mistake for the home side. Surely that's the game. Sharks – 10 Dragons – 16
Connor Bennett
Editor
78' Quick set from St George and Widdop finishes it off with a peach of a kick, breaking the winger and fullback to find the sideline down inside the 10 metre line. Fantastic field position and more time off the clock. Sharks – 10 Dragons – 16
Kenw
Guest
Josh McCrone's kicking game is laughable for a first grade half (if that's what he is). Love him in the defensive line though but might as well have a forward there if that's his strength.
Connor Bennett
Editor
77' Cronulla are really running out of time now but they're charging hard into the Dragons half. They're desperate for this as Maloney fakes over to the left wing and cuts the kick back into the middle. But Dugan reads it beautifully and saves the day!! He's been superb at the back in the second half. Sharks – 10 Dragons – 16
Connor Bennett
Editor
76' The Dragons again pump the ball into touch through McRone but this time the pressure from the defence forces him to slice it off the side of the boot and it's out on the full. Sharks – 10 Dragons – 16
Connor Bennett
Editor
75' The Sharks are just tossing the ball around all over the place here... and Lewis grubbers through down the right wing!! Nightingale gave chase and wins a sloppy penalty against the Sharks who pushed him in the back to take him out of the play. A few really poor penalties from the Sharks tonight. Sharks – 10 Dragons – 16
Connor Bennett
Editor
74' Neither side giving an inch in defence over the last few minutes. The Dragons send the ball long downfield... but the Sharks have space to work with!! Edrick Lee latches onto the pill and turns up to halfway. The St George defence is now on the backfoot as Fifita shuffles it across to the right sideline now. Sharks – 10 Dragons – 16
The Barry
Roar Guru
Vaughan's back in origin contention for mine. He's awesome...
Connor Bennett
Editor
73' Cronulla working it all over the park here looking for some kind of gap in the defence... and they nearly do through Holmes on the left edge!! The bomb goes up but Dugan is up to the task and the visitors breath a sigh of relief. Sharks – 10 Dragons – 16
Joe
Roar Rookie
Paul Vaughn would be close to buy of the season. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have paid top dollar but he has been outstanding for the Dragons.
Connor Bennett
Editor
72' Paul Vaughan again making a line break!! The big fella has made a few barnstorming runs tonight, showing plenty of speed for his size. The Dragons pump the ball into touch on the last play to burn some time. A 10 metre scrum coming up for the Sharks now. Sharks – 10 Dragons – 16