St George Illawarra have confirmed their status as NRL premiership favourites after a Euan Aitken double fired them to a 34-14 win over Melbourne.
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Final score
St George Illawarra Dragons 34
Melbourne Storm 14
Game of the year looms as table-topping St George Illawarra Dragons brace for defending premiers, the Melbourne Storm. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 2pm (AEST).
After falling to the Warriors 20-12 a fortnight ago, Dragons fans were confronted by an all-too-familiar 6-1 winning record. Paul McGregor’s men had the same form line heading into their Round 8 last season and we all know what happened from there.
However, the Red V emphatically silenced any doubters when they romped to a 24-8 win over the Roosters in last Wednesday’s annual Anzac Day clash. A win this week against the Storm would ensure admiration from the few critics that may remain.
This Sunday’s game will be the Dragons’ biggest test of the year, as they prepare to take on a Melbourne outfit coming off three-straight victories.
Craig Bellamy’s side disposed of the Knights and Broncos by 26 and 14 points respectively, but it was last week’s 50-10 drubbing of the Warriors that would have St George Illawarra fans concerned.
The Storm seemed to have rediscovered their confidence in attack after averaging just 17.6 points in their opening five games. Conversely, their three-game winning streak has seen them score 41.3 points per game. This week they receive an added boost with Dale Finucane and Suliasi Vunivalu set to return from injury.
Prediction
I really cannot split the two sides. In fact, a draw after Golden Point would not surprise. However, with not much confidence, I will take the Storm off the back of their recent form. Melbourne by 6.
DP. Schaefer
Guest
RyDT, Roosters yes and no. yes, because there is the main place where the forward passing rot began and - in my opinion - it could appear that they were virtually coached to push the line under the knowledge that 'to even up and not appear biased' they could get away with a lot. They have been heavily penalised because they infringed a lot, but not penalised to the level of their infringements. and no - my bad, I should have used the word 'officiated' instead of 'reffed' because while they have [possibly] not received the same level of refereeing benefit, they have more than their fair share of officiating benefit (grossly favourable draw, reduced travel, apparently less scrutiny of Salary cap).
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
still whinging i see! come off it mate, you're better than that and to put things into perspective the storm scored only 1 try when the game was there to win all the others were consolation tries, in rugby league context, they don't count! you already know that but you'll count them anyway; so it is a last ditched desperate effort to try and take away from a great win by a great team you'll have better luck against the Titans simply because they're not going so well
RyDT
Guest
Mate are you seriously trying to claim the Roosters, easily the most heavily penalised club in the last 5 years, are given more lenient treatment?
Nick Ferris
Guest
Cameron Smith is a quality kicker and he turned down a few oenalties right in front.
Emcie
Roar Guru
That's an interesting narative
DP Schaefer
Guest
Legitimate??? If you are talking about Addo-Carr's try, Kasiano was lucky he didn't get penalised for that atrocious play the ball. I've seen guys penalised for that, it was a poor effort and he fell into the marker.
DP Schaefer
Guest
:) lol.. Many people have a club they just can't warm to.
DP Schaefer
Guest
Actually de Belin was celebrating the strength of the Dragon defence that kept Roosters out for 3 consecutive p sets on their line so Roosters gave up trying to break through and took the shot.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
KC never fails to entertain me.
Pedro the Saint
Roar Rookie
Ahh 3 Hats, concentrate on your own club and their success mate - u will feel better for it. . .
DP Schaefer
Guest
KenoathCarnt you're making me laugh. That must be one of the craziest comments I've seen on here. It's been obvious beyond question that Melbourne, Brisbane and Roosters have been 'reffed' differently (more latitude) than other teams in the comp for a while. To suggest Dragons won on the back of the ref today is a joke. To suggest any team gets a better run on the close calls than the three above is even more of a joke.
twodogs
Guest
Oh well Brendon, Cam got several chicken wings in and didn't get any whistles so it evens up I guess.
Brendon
Guest
Saw fox get pulled back but no look into the nut sack whack. Surely that counts as a punch?
Emcie
Roar Guru
All good mate. Apologies if I got a bit shirty, house full of screaming kids...
Fight fair
Guest
It I see very hard for storm supporters not to get the rub of the green. They have become very accustomed to getting it!
KenoathCarnt
Guest
LOL because Dragons are angels and dont flop around in the ruck you are delirious. Last week De Balin celebrated the deliberate penalties on their line what a joke of a team.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Well said mate i dont know why but Dragons have all the support in the world. Hopefully a properly refd game when they play in Melbourne. Melbourne would slap Dragons all over the park in a more neutral game at Olympic stadium.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Get outta here. Did you even watch the game?
JoM
Guest
Really? Storm don't have that aura anymore, or certainly they don't this year. Two good wins they have had and the rest of the games they have been ordinary. I don't think teams are scared of them anymore and now that the refs are pulling them up for things other teams get pulled up for it ain't going so well for them is it.
Nick Ferris
Guest
+1