The St George Illawarra Dragons have kept their top eight hopes alive with a 42-16 thumping of the Gold Coast Titans at home at UOW Jubilee Oval.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
St George Illawarra Dragons 42
Gold Coast Titans 16
It’s a must-win game for the St George Illawarra Dragons when they host the Gold Coast Titans in Round 23. Join The Roar for live score updates from the match and a live blog of the game at UOW Jubilee Oval on Saturday afternoon from 3pm (AEST).
The Dragons are two points out of the top eight after two losses on the trot. Souths scored two tries in the last five minutes last week to upset them 26-24. That could prove costly for the Dragons’ chances of making the finals.
A win today is crucial and they must hope the teams above them stumble over the next four weeks. They have the Broncos, Penrith and Canterbury in the last three rounds.
They have made two changes on the bench from the 17 that faced Souths last week. Hame Sele and Blake Lawrie are in, while Jacob Host and Jake Marketo are out.
The Titans are coming off the back of a 54-point thrashing from the Broncos last week and should be out to restore some lost pride. Defence has been a problem for the Gold Coast all season. They have the second-worst record in the NRL this year, conceding an average of 26 points a game.
Backrower Kevin Proctor is returning from a hamstring injury for the Titans this week in place of Morgan Boyle who drops back to the bench. That pushes Agnatius Paasi out of the squad.
Prediction
St George by 8. They have more to play for.
Join The Roar for live score updates from the match and a live blog of the game between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Gold Coast Titans at UOW Jubilee Oval on Saturday afternoon from 3pm (AEST).
Scott
Guest
Mad Momday always works for a Gold Coast clean out, hopefully Hayne gets a video taken on the day
Scott
Guest
I don't like the Bronco's but they are a different class to St George in attack
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
I was at the game and we looked good for about an hour, the Titans had a good period in the second half but with nothing to play for, they didn't put up much of a fight. Jarryd Hayne did absolutely nothing, offered nothing in either attack or defence and the quicker the Titans punt him the better. Some good performances by the likes of Mann and McInnes and Dufty continues to develop nicely. Only real negative was the paltry turnout, 8000 on a sunny Saturday with the Dragons fighting for their season. I'll remember that next time fans whinge about lack of games at Kogarah
Mr Spock
Guest
Dragons will have to be at their best for 80 minutes next week or they will be clobbered by the Broncos- Penrith should beat the Cows tonight meaning they will be still be 2 points out of the 8. Round 25 looks like an early semi for both Panthers and Dragons Dragons - Broncos/Panthers/Bulldogs- currently on 26 Penrith - Cows/Raiders/Dragons/Sea eagles - currently on 26 - play Cows tonight could go to 28
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Because Henry knows this year is gone, Elgey is on a long contract and Roberts is gone before the calendar year is out.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining me on the coverage, hope you enjoyed it. Feel free to leave your comments on the game.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
» Click here to read the full match report Match report St George 42 Gold Coast 16
Kenw
Guest
Mann is a really enthusiastic footballer, for his size he defends hard and a great support player. I'm just not sure he has the size and skill to really nail down any particular spot. I did find it amusing that the commentators suggested that their was more kicking pressure on Widdop since McCrone wasn't there. Mann is clearly a better kicker than McCrone! Hunt will be the halfback next year though, despite him having a very effective turn at hooker for the Broncs.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Thanks Scott, they looked a lot better for most of today.
M.O.C.
Roar Guru
Taylor stated that is what he wanted. Why does Henry then do the opposite. Elgey is probably a nice guy but he looks like a boy playing with men. Terrible in defence and doesn't add much in attack. No coincidence that the attack improved and Taylor woke up after Elgey went off.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Hunt... Completely forgot he was coming for a moment there. I don't know what we do with Field and Mann, but Hunt/Widdop will be the halves combo.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Totally agree, Elgey has been a massive disappointment this year and they would be much better keeping Roberts as Taylors halves partner.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I'm pretty sure Hunt will be the half next year. Mann is a great utility to play off the bench though as he can cover pretty much every backline position.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Good win by the Dragons. Gave their for and against a decent boost as well. Going to be a good race for a spot in the 8 between a couple of team. Panthers up later tonight with the Cowboys who both need wins as well.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Mann is a very good ball runner, but is he the long term option in the halves? I'm not really sure when Jai Field is sitting there. He is going to be something special, and the Dragons must afford first grade time for both he and Dufty next season from the get go. Mann needs to have a spot somewhere though.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Two points is two points. Sloppy second half, but I'll take that. We need to play for 80 mintues and really test ourselves against Brisbane next week. Dropping the last two almost makes that must win, pending on whether Penrith can get over the Cowboys tonight. Cheers for the call John.
Charles NSW
Guest
Really great to see Kurt Mann being used as 1/2 back. McCrone will be gone next year and this gives Mann time to develop in that position He can do most positions in the backline what a great asset to have
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Full time The hooter sounds and it’s an important victory for St George! St George 42 Gold Coast 16
John Coomer
Roar Guru
78’ Game now winding down, Titans in possession. St George 42 Gold Coast 16
John Coomer
Roar Guru
77’ A big dummy and step from Mann to score under the posts. A just reward for a great game. Widdop converts. St George 42 Gold Coast 16