Will the table-topping St George Illawarra Dragons continue to silence their sceptics or will the South Sydney Rabbitohs overcome the loss of Sam Burgess? Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting at 7:50pm AEST.
While many were expecting Paul McGregor’s men to figure in this year’s finals race, very few were anticipating such an impressive start to their 2018 campaign.
Their undefeated start to the year bears resemblance to their early success last season. The Red V won six of their first seven games to storm into premiership contention only to win six of their remaining 17 fixtures.
This year, however, the Dragons appear to have an extra edge with new halves pairing Gareth Widdop and Ben Hunt currently forming the most formidable partnership in the competition.
Their outside backs have also been strong with the St George Illawarra backline combining for the second most run metres in the competition with 2475.
South Sydney search for their third-straight win on Friday night yet will have to do so without Sam Burgess. The inspirational forward was controversially suspended for two weeks for a raised elbow on Bulldogs centre Josh Morris.
His absence, however, is offset by the return of halfback Adam Renyolds with rookie Adam Doueihi reverting back to the bench. Meanwhile, Dane Gagai has been named on the wing for Friday night’s clash with Hymel Hunt shifting to his spot in the centres.
The Rabbitohs may have got out of jail against Canterbury off the back of two late tries yet coach Anthony Seibold would have been disappointed with his side’s 13 errors.
South Sydney will have to improve their ball handling if they are to overcome a firing Dragons outfit.
Prediction
The Dragons’ winning streak will have to come to an end sometime but they do not look like slowing down anytime soon and certainly not against an unconvincing Rabbitohs side.
Dragons by 14.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting at 7:50pm AEDT.
Mycall
Guest
The first was obvious that the ball didn't hit the turf, hence the call from the bunker. The 2nd if it wasn't obstruction, which is was, the last pass was forward. If anything, I think that the Dragons are lucky that Dufty's try wasn't interrogated further to be sure that Ingles wasn't tackled without the ball. I think it was probably ok, but not sure because they didn't really show that part of the replay.
Mycall
Guest
Neither of them were tries, so it would have been unlucky if one of them was awarded and changed the game.
Phil
Guest
We should have had both the disallowed tries. 1st was not conclusive proof ball didn't hit the ground so should have been refs call. 2nd the 'obstruction' prob helped Reynolds get over to try and tackle Nene. So we were the better team and they were rarely back 10m too.
steveng
Roar Rookie
This was one disappointing game for all of us Souths fans, Yeh the Rabbits defended well but they just don’t have an attack and/or anyone to consistently be in control. Cook made some unbelievable breaks that one at least should have been a try, if he would have passed it. Reynolds just doesn’t do anything for this side (useless, except for his goal kicking). For the life of me, I can’t understand why??? Gagai??? took that convention (not that it mattered) Doueihi is a star and should be our permanent 1/2 in every game. I’m sorry as this very painful to say ‘Souths just don’t look like a top 8 side’, they might just flum it into the 8 but, they will get no where on last nights performance. Hope I’m wrong.
LachyP
Guest
The Broncos will miss the 8. No forward pack other than TPJ, no game management, no chance. Worst Broncos side they've ever put together. Would be 0-4 if it wasn't for the ref's missing a massive forward pass vs the cow's plus the wrong penalty against the Tigers. On ya bike champ
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Pathetic have our talent you obviously need it.
R N
Roar Rookie
Probably... but, although I am a cows supporter there’s alot to like about this dragons side... playing a good brand of footy and have alot of players that I genuinely like! Surely JDB is a walk up for origin!
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Um let me think of a little known team called the Melbourne Storm... Just about unbeatable last year but look at them now...
danwain
Guest
Plenty of juniors in the dragons team mate, wouldn't aiming hope anger at them when the market dictates it. Also Wayne had a play at hunt and did against it, he should be who you are annoyed with.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Fair enough, only saw the second half which had the dragons score one try against the run of play and a bit of complacency in defence towards the end so thats all I can judge on. And with the difference coming down to penalty goals its hard to see the first half being much better...
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Yea especially with the fact that Ben Hunt was youth development player through the Broncos but unfortunately money dictates the game congratulations another good player in your team that is bought.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
My point is the lack of quality from the other teams is making the Dragons look better then they really are.
danwain
Guest
Are you just a bit salty that your Broncos are rubbish?
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
And the Dragons took full advantage like any good team would. I don't see your point. The Cowboys are hopeless at the moment and Brisbane are inconsistent. Teams can only play what is in front of them.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Broncos and Cowboys were not even a shade of what they are capable of. In that Broncos game they made that many errors it was a joke.
Rob
Guest
The Dragons are a quality team. They weren't at their best tonight but still put another 2 points in the bank. In this current NRL season 5 straight wins is fairly good effort.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
I don't think they are overrated, they just had an off game. Souths were strong in defence too. Saints have smashed the Broncos, Titans and Knights and I mean completely dominated them. They are definite Top Four chances this year.
Forty Twenty
Guest
The third Burgess would have been handy tonight.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
MATCH REPORT: The Dragons have overcome a fast-finishing Rabbitohs outfit 16-12 to record their fifth consecutive victory. The home side appeared well in control as they headed into the final ten minutes of the game ahead by fourteen points. However, two late tries to Cody Walker and Greg Inglis reduced the deficit to four with goalkicking the only difference between the two sides. Gareth Widdop opened the scoring in the third minute courtesy of a penalty goal. The Red V dominated field position early in Friday night’s contest and finally converted it into points in the 19th minute when Euan Aitken barged past Inglis to cross over. Paul McGregor’s men appeared to have extended their lead in the 30th minute when a left-side raid saw the improving Nene McDonald fly over out wide. However, the try was controversially disallowed for obstruction. The only other points of the first half came on the siren as Adam Reynolds opted to kick for the two just shy of half time. Despite having several chances to post points, the Dragons headed into the sheds with just a six-point lead. South Sydney were brave in defence in the opening forty yet they found themselves further behind just four minutes after play resumed. A dropped ball was scooped up by Ben Hunt inside his own half and the halfback immediately linked with a sprinting Matt Dufty who streaked away to score. A penalty in the 52nd minute saw Widdop extend St. George Illawarra’s lead to fourteen. At that point many expected the Dragons to race away with the win but the Rabbitohs continued to hold strong in defence and they were rewarded for their determination in the 72nd minute when Walker outpaced Aitken to score Souths’ first try of the night. A strong set saw the Rabbitohs march down field and a six-again call eventually saw them capitalise when Inglis barged over out wide in the 74th minute. A nervous finish ensued for the undefeated Dragons yet a mistake by Walker inside the opposition twenty relieved pressure and saw the Red V hold on for a tense 16-12 win. Next week the Dragons host the Sharks at WIN Stadium on Friday night as they go for six-straight while the Rabbitohs look to bounce back in the local derby against the Roosters on Thursday night at Allianz Stadium.
jamesb
Guest
Whilst Souths had a seven day turnaround.