Wests Tigers vs St George Illawarra Dragons: NRL live scores, blog

Match result:

St George Illawarra have recovered from a Ben Hunt horror show to jump into the NRL top four with a 20-10 win over Wests Tigers.

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Final score
Wests Tigers 10
St George Illawarra Dragons 20

Match preview:

The Wests Tigers are in a must-win position as they try to keep their shot at making the finals alive when they host the St George Illawarra Dragons. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:30pm (AEST).

The Dragons are in freefall and, should they lose this match are likely to become the team most in danger of the Tigers stealing a top eight spot from.

With the Broncos winning last night, they move four points clear of the Tigers, joining the Warriors and Dragons on 28 competition points.

Paul McGregor’s men have now lost five of their last six matches, with the club reaching a new low last week after being towelled up 40 points to four by the Parramatta Eels.

At this stage, it’s hard to see the famous Red V winning again this season and, if that’s the case, the Tigers need either two huge wins or three wins by any margin to move into the top eight, displacing the Dragons for the second straight season after a strong start.

What that means is the Tigers will not only need to win, but they will be in a ruthless mood in doing so. The for and against turnaround of this game could be crucial, so Ivan Cleary’s men, who have been embroiled in the coaching merry-go-round, can’t afford to let up.

With Cleary now committed to the club for the remainder of his contract, the Tigers must be on from the first minute after a stuttering performance last week saw them only just hold off the Raiders 22-20.

The victory means they have won four of their last five in a run which started with victory over the Dragons at Kogarah during Round 18.

Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah have been in great touch for the club and if their forwards can rip in, St George Illawarra may find life tough.

It’s hard to put your finger on exactly what has happened at the Dragons, but they look tired, gassed and as if there is nothing left to offer.

That’s incredibly concerning before a trip to Leichhardt. Gareth Widdop is also missing this week, joining Paul Vaughan on the sidelines as Kurt Mann comes into the halves.

It may not be a huge loss though, given Widdop’s form, alongside halves partner Ben Hunt has been woeful. Of course, there is little they can do when the forwards are being belted each week.

Prediction
The Tigers have been on something of a roll and will be absolutely desperate. The Dragons look like they are out of puff and with the game at Leichhardt, it’s hard to see the Red V getting things turned around here.

Tigers by 8.

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