The St George Illawarra Dragons faithful will be hoping their men in red and white turn up at the Suncorp cauldron. It’s a finals berth on the line when they tackle the flying Brisbane Broncos on Friday night at 7:50pm AEST..
Oh the perils of being a Dragons fan. One week it’s a massive win over the rampant Sea Eagles, the next it’s a drubbing at the hands of cellar dwellers Newcastle.
Playing with about as much consistency as a raw rocky road batter, the question on every NRL fan’s lips is which Dragons side will turn up tonight against a Broncos side full of confidence.
Regardless, they sit ninth and can basically say sayonara to their season if they fall to Wayne Bennett’s men this evening.
It’s not only their volatile form that bodes badly for the Dragons side, they haven’t won at Suncorp since 2009. Their side is unchanged, with Tariq Sims swapping to the bench while Leeson Ah Mau starts.
On the other end of the spectrum, Bennett’s side looks settled, composed, and have been comfortably the best attacking side in the competition in recent weeks.
Couple that with their outstanding record at Suncorp Stadium and the second-placed side will feel like this game is as good as won before the first whistle blows.
Their side is unchanged.
Where the game will be won
Attack, attack, attack. The Broncos will be doing a whole lot of that tonight. They have a spoil of ball-playing options in the form of Milford, Hunt, Boyd, Moga and company, and if they get the ball humming early, it could well be a cricket score.
If the Dragons are going to win, it will have to be off the back of a resolute defensive and kicking game. Expect Gareth Whiddop to control things in the centre of the park, and they have potential to score points if all things go to plan.
Prediction
The Broncos will cement their position in the top two with an attacking frenzy against a brave Dragons side.
Broncos by 10.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:50pm AEST.
The Barry
Roar Guru
You get called irrelevant and meaningless and you think that's indicative of someone who 'gets' what you're saying?
Long Black
Roar Rookie
Disagree. Any player other than Dugan doesn't drop like a sack of tubers. Dropping on to him completes the tackle. McGuire hears the whistle, knows the penalty is against him, gets up and runs back to the line. No carry on, no further groundwork.
BigJ
Roar Guru
Steve thank god you understand what i was trying to say cause Barry certainly didnt.
Wayne Turner
Guest
Amazing the Dragons were ever in that game,and even any chance to make the 8. A team with no number 7 all year - McCrone's been past it all season.Now Mann,who's not a 7,he's really a winger or centre. Mann is terrible at 7. He only has a running game at 7.His kicking is terrible,and passing suspect. Disappointed the Dragons never gave Shaun Nona a chance in first grade at 7.I can't imagine he could be any worse,than McCrone and Mann.Sadly,Nona never got that chance,and is now playing in the Queensland cup,after we got rid of him,before June 30 deadline. Hopefully Hunt will and should fix all that,next season.Couldn't be worse,than the current alleged number 7's. Dugan was mainly terrible tonight - Clueless in defense,injury prone,mistake prone,too slow,and not a centre.Only a fullback,and we don't need him there.Dufty is the future,needs more experience,and put weight back on,he lost from being sick.Dugan past it,and Sharks can have him,for four years too,ha,ha,ha,ha....
steveng
Roar Rookie
Most of McGuire's skills are 'flukes' especially catching that ball, the bloke only runs one up 99.99% of the time and gets tackled and very rarely 'offloads'.
steveng
Roar Rookie
McGuire is a grub, that second flop onto Dugan was unnecessary and a very grubby thing to do. Not a good look for RL. After that tackle, McGuire gets up and thinks he's a hero, by the look on his face.
steveng
Roar Rookie
In Fatty's case it had to do with 'super league' and being the Packers body guard. Remember the press conference where Fatty wanted to take on the whole press gallery. Ever since then Fatty was promoted by the Packers. I've never watched the 'Footy Show' and never ever will do, I don't think Fatty is anything made for a TV show, especially a comedian.
RM
Guest
Agree on all this, although I think Lockyer has actually improved a bit as the season has gone on. A couple of times in the past few weeks I've been surprised by a bit of insightful commentary from him, pointing out what a team is trying to do (or should be) and then being proven right within a few minutes. The only way was up for him, though. He's a pretty terrible commentator, really. Just not cut out for it at all - not a naturally garrulous bloke, Locky...
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
This story is full of crock. How can you peddle such nonsense here? It never happened, the fans got to meet the players after the match. Some locals went as far as handing over bilums (hand made woven bags) to their favourite stars in exchange for a jersey or for boots. Most if not all touring contingents become respectfull gentlemen and are sincere in spreading' the violence against women' message in their time up here. You must be referring to the '91 tour - back then League was a religion and Mal was god. Those days are gone, the PNG kids of this generation have better things to do then chasing after a tour bus. Another fun fact, PNG is not a 3rd world country. It is a developing economy richly endowed with natural resources.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I actually don't mind Fatty. His enthusiasm makes up for the odd slip. He rescued Wally in the incident I was referring to. Wally had no idea what teams were even competing for the eight. Even during the game he drawls in a monotone and comes up with the most blindingly obvious statements "The Broncos will want to score here". Lockyer is horrendous and seems surprised when they throw to him. Fittler rarely seems to be aware there's even a game on. Johns is great from a technical aspect but gushes over every player. Gould can be insightful but he chooses his narrative every 20 minutes and just harps on about it regardless of what happens on the field.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
They're a couple of unprofessional, ill-prepared, unsuitable nongs who are a generation behind the pace as far as sports commentary is concerned. 35 years ago they played footy. Shiny bummed trousers keeping real talent from taking the seats. Surely their employer could reassign them to other duties and promote good people.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Good for you. Not many people are willing to liken themselves to Adolf but you've done it well.
The Barry
Roar Guru
D!ckon's dad.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Please mods let it through...it's all good, it's all good...??
Thomas C
Roar Rookie
bitter much
BigJ
Roar Guru
Who the fuc# is Randyll Tarly
Bill Blazejowski
Roar Rookie
I seem to remember McGuire stepping on a players hand in the ruck in the Eels game. Not a great look for the game but of course Bennett and the media pointed the finger solely at the Eels. McGuire one of the premier grubs in the game.
The Barry
Roar Guru
True AL...that seems like a lifetime ago now...
Fraser
Guest
I've played Kickit touch footy against McGuire. He's even a grub in touch footy, and especially in mixed putting in cheap shots and purposeful ankle taps on the girls. Beating his team in the Grand Final for men's was definitely a satisfying victory. All his mates were boofheads as well, so not surprising. In saying that, the guy has a lot of skill. In Kickit he'll put in grubbers, chip and chase, cut-out passes. He's very good. And a very tough competitor who just doesn't stop. He's really turned it up since getting towelled up in Origin 1.
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
The Eels were Melbourne like in slowing down the ruck and got away with elbows, knees and niggly stuff that night. It was quite frustrating that the officials were quite lenient too. That ruck rifraf wont be tolerated in front of the Suncorp faithful come Thursday. I hope Brisbane return serve with interest as I am sure they have been looking forward to these rematch to exact revenge on grubby Edwards, he will have a target on his chest and pitbull McGuire will be all over him.