St George Illawarra slumped to their lowest ebb in 68 years of top-flight rugby league at Kogarah, flogged 38-0 by arch-rivals Canterbury and with their season in tatters.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
St George Illawarra Dragons 0
Canterbury Bulldogs 38
The St George Illawarra Dragons are continuing their fight to secure a spot in the top four against the in-form Canterbury Bulldogs. Join The Roar from 4:10pm (AEST) for live coverage of the match.
Kurt Mann and Jai Field stepped up to the task last week in the absence of Gareth Widdop to deliver an impressive 20-10 victory over the Wests Tigers, following three successive losses.
Ben Hunt has huge expectations to live up to, with Paul McGregor’s men needing the direction they so desperately lack without Widdop.
Hunt will also be looking to his forwards to lay the platform against a big Dogs pack, with State of Origin representatives Tyson Frizell, Tariq Sims and Jack de Belin asked to put in 80-minute performances in the absence of Paul Vaughan.
Jason Nightingale will start on the wing, in his final game at Jubilee Oval, with Jordan Pereira dropped to the bench. He is joined there by Luciano Leilua, while Leeson Ah Mau starts at prop and Frizell returns to the back row.
The Bulldogs again have Matt Frawley starting at halfback, keeping Jeremy Marshall-King on the bench.
Five-eighth Lachlan Lewis proved the difference last weekend, kicking the match-winning field goal to secure a 27-26 victory over the Warriors.
With their forward rotation of Aiden Tolman, David Klemmer, Josh Jackson, Rhyse Martin and Adam Elliott, Canterbury can challenge the best in the competition, as shown by recent wins over the likes of the Tigers and Broncos.
The biggest test will come on the left flank, where Brett and Josh Morris have struggled in recent weeks, conceding a handful of tries against the Warriors.
The Red V have traditionally struggled against the Bulldogs, winning only 12 games as a joint venture in 35 fixtures.
Prediction
The Dragons will escape with a narrow win that will put them closer to a top-four finish.
Dragons by 4.
Join The Roar from 4:10pm (AEST) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
The Barry
Roar Guru
A party because we smashed a top eight team 38 to NIL !!!!
Cousin Claudio
Roar Guru
Someone please check the betting records on this match.
Peeko
Guest
Unfortunately comps are played over 25 rounds
Max power
Guest
A party because the moved from 13th to 12th?
Jack
Guest
That was pathetic to watch for anyone let alone a Dragons supporter. Heartless display of rubbish. Hunt, McDonald, Lafai, wouldn't get a run in reserve grade. James Graham, come on! Was watching what was supposed to be a top four side but seriously St George played like they are wooden spoon contenders. Every St George and rugby league supporter has got to know what's going on here. All sides play with injuries and get by. If St George had 17 Tyson Frizzells every St George supporter would be happy. Unfortunately their chief playmaker doesn't want to run. Release Ben Hunt. His mind is not on the job. Don't command a HUGE salary and dish out that absolute CRAP. Under 12's could play better than that. As a saints long term supporter I officially resign and start following afl.
SourDough
Guest
Yeah, that all makes next year seem potentially quite exciting. But... losing the Mozzes! Look, i get there were salary cap issues and we had to let players go. I get that they both wanted to try to find an option where they could play together. Still, if we do now have a little money (and it seem like we might, cos we are chasing a couple of players) can we please throw something at JMoz and plead with Cronulla (ugh) to let him off that contract? I mean the Mozzes aren't going to get to play together anyway, and as much as i respect BMoz, losing him hurts less cos he wasn't as much a Bulldog (though, he always plays hard and proper). I reckon JMoz could be convinced to stay and the Sharks might understand sentimental reasons. I've followed this team since about 1990 and most of my fave players over the years have managed to win a GF with us. JMoz won't even if he stays (unless next year is a miracle) but he should finish his career here. Not to mention his experience and defence would be crucial for a young team on the up.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Have to say I was way wrong about the Dragons coming back into form. That was pretty terrible, worst performance whole year and at home too. That said the Dogs are really looking good and really happy to see them come through all the troubles they've had this year. Lost their 'big signings' but boy have they unearthed some good players in the process. Pay is a good coach and he really has done well considering the issues this year and will definitely be a force next year.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
And you to JB! Cheers. Go Dogs! :-)
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
Glad u enjoyed CPB take care mate
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
Well said Baz I’m hoping Montoya can step it up next year him with Smith I’m hoping can provide us some spark and Lewis with Foran looks good enjoy the win mate?
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
Absolutely Baz and geez it was good to see smiles from the boys, They looked like they were actually having fun and rightly so. Good stuff! Hoping for a good one next week to make it 5 from 6. Go Doggies!
JVGO
Guest
You won by so much this week that the Sharks can almost take next week off. Smart tactic.
jamesb
Guest
I don't think McGregor is the man to go forward into next year. These late season fade outs are recurring too often under him.
The Barry
Roar Guru
What an afternoon. I was reasonably confident but the Dragons were good against the Tigers last week. We lost Jackson to a HIA and then Martin for the game, 15 minutes in. Klemmer was great. He made 150 metres by half time. Elliott played well. I thought Ogden and Fualalo were strong off the bench. Tolman’s second half of the season has been the best he’s played in maybe four years (he should still stay away from the ball on the 4th and 5th). Lewis is so calm and composed. Holland is playing well and I agree with Danno that he’s going hard at everything and playing to his best every week. Smith has been great the last six weeks or so. I loved him eyeballing Dufty, then taking that jump step forward and burning him on the outside. His third try look on from the moment Hoppa went across to him. But this time he faked Dufty outside and stepped in. Brilliant! I’ll really miss the Morris boys and the team will too. I think they’re still in the top five or so for their positions in the comp. Now the Dogs are playinga bit more footy they’ve shown they still have the pace and the skills but they also defend well and do all the 1%ers. Not sure who replaces them or how. Up into 12th now which isn’t fantastic but still positive based on how things were looking 6-8 weeks ago. We rank 10th on for and against. Eight losses by six or fewer, more than any team in the comp. Hopefully positive signs for next year. Big game against the Sharks next week.
JVGO
Guest
I think the fans need to speak up honestly...just not good enough.
jamesb
Guest
Cheers Johny Your team has unearthed some good young quality players in Lewis, Martin and Smith. If the Dogs can somehow replace the Morris twins, then i reckon the Doggies are a chance to make the eight next year.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Enjoy it JB. Your blokes played excellently today.
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
Heads up James at least ur playing finals and have a chance I sincerely wish u and Scotty and the rest of the roars Dragons fans the best
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
The Dogs are having a paaaaaarrrtttyyyy...... the Dragons in the bin! Sorry Scotty ?
jamesb
Guest
As a Dragons fan, there's not that much else to say.