St. George Illawarra Dragons
52
Match Complete
Brisbane Broncos
24
| J. Bird |  | 79 | ||
| M. Dufty |  | 77 | ||
| 72 | | T. Gamble | ||
| 71 | | J. Arthars | ||
| C. Norman | | 65 | ||
| B. Hunt | | 64 | ||
| M. Ravalawa | | 57 | ||
| C. Norman | | 51 | ||
| J. Kerr | | 50 | ||
| C. Norman | | 45 | ||
| C. Ramsey | | 45 | ||
| C. Norman | | 40 | ||
| M. Dufty | | 39 | ||
| C. Norman | | 34 | ||
| G. Beale | | 32 | ||
| 31 | | J. Isaako | ||
| 30 | | T. Robati | ||
| 27 | | J. Isaako | ||
| 26 | | T. Robati | ||
| C. Norman | | 21 | ||
| B. Wiliame | | 20 | ||
| C. Norman | | 13 | ||
| J. Bird | | 12 | ||
| 8 | | J. Isaako | ||
| 7 | | D. Mead |
| 9 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 8 | Conversions | 4 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The St George Illawarra Dragons will look to get their season back on track when they host the Brisbane Broncos tonight at Netrstrata Jubilee Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEST).
The Dragons started 2021 on fire, winning four of their first five games under new coach Anthony Griffin. But since a humbling Anzac Day loss to the Roosters they have lost their way, a win against the lowly Bulldogs their only win in the last six weeks.
The Broncos showed some spirit in a meaningful away win against the Roosters, but that has been somewhat diluted by a poor showing against the Storm last week, conceding 40 points at home.
A host of changes to both sides with injury, suspension and Origin will all play a factor. The Dragons welcome back Josh Kerr and Matt Dufty but lose Tariq Sims to Origin duty. The big news, though, is the return of Jack de Belin on the bench, having spent two years out of the game. He had limited minutes in the NSW Cup last week, and it is uncertain how much game time he will get this week.
The Broncos lose Xavier Coates and Payne Haas to Origin duty. Tyson Gamble returns in the halves, with Anthony Milford again dropped. Alex Glenn and Matthew Lodge also return to bolster the pack.
The Dragons have won four straight games against the Broncos. They have won all three games between the two at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
Prediction
The Dragons cling to the top eight by a thread with half of the season gone. They might have started the season well, but that seems like a long time ago now, and they’re struggling to find form. Team changes haven’t helped, but they need to get back to the tough defence that started the season and play off the back of that. They were poor against the Tigers last week and will be eager to get off to a better start.
Matt Dufty could well be the difference in this one. While the Dragons may not want him, good things just seem to happen around him. There is plenty of experience in the spine, but he is the X factor and the source of points when they need it.
The Broncos got their win over the Roosters a fortnight ago through aggression and by building pressure. They agitated their opponents and threw them off their game, and they will be looking to do the same to the Dragons. They need a big output from Tevita Pangai Jr and Matt Lodge in the middle to win this one.
I expect this to be a dour and scrappy affair with some desperation from both sides for different reasons. With the Dragons playing at home and welcoming back Matt Dufty, I expect them to have enough points in them to get a close win and keep their season alive.
Dragons by 4
Game information
Kick-off: 7:50pm (AEST)
Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
TV: Fox League, Channel Nine (NSW/QLD/ACT/NT), 9Gem (VIC/WA/SA/TAS)
Live stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, Foxtel Go, 9Now
Odds: Dragons $1.39, Broncos $3.10 (odds via PlayUp)
Teams
Dragons
1. Matthew Dufty, 2. Cody Ramsey, 3. Brayden Wiliame, 4. Gerard Beale, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Corey Norman, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Blake Lawrie, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Josh Kerr, 12. Jack Bird, 13. Jackson Ford
Interchange: 14. Talatau Amone, 15. Poasa Faamausili, 16. Daniel Alvaro, 17. Jack De Belin
Broncos
1. Jamayne Isaako, 2. Selwyn Cobbo, 3. Herbie Farnworth, 4. Jesse Arthars, 5. David Mead, 6. Albert Kelly, 7. Tyson Gamble, 8. Matthew Lodge, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Thomas Flegler, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. Tevita Pangai Junior
Interchange: 13. John Asiata, 14. Kobe Hetherington, 15. Keenan Palasia, 16. Ethan Bullemor, 17. TC Robati
The Barry
Roar Guru
Haha... definitely. I’ll feel dirty cheering for Souths :sick: :angry: :sick: :angry: :sick: :angry:
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Mate,We shall watch that game with additional interest
The Barry
Roar Guru
I think we’ve got crossed wires My point is the dragons aren’t a very good side and their position on the ladder is inflated by a ridiculously soft draw. The NRL in crisis line was a joke I didn’t nominate Souths, I just mentioned that the Dragons had yet to play the Panthers or Souths You said the Bunnies wouldn’t be a guide as the Dragons could lose by 50 or win by 50 against them… I said I’ll bet Souths win both games against them and offered you a start You asked for 32 points…
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
TB am I missing something here.This conversation started with your claim the form and inconsistences of the Drags had thrown the NRL into Crisis.I nominated 4 Clubs above them on the Ladder who I claim they would be competitive with.You nominated the Bunnies (who have consistently put 40-30 on most opponents, except Pen n Storm,who are not in this conversation)and you offered a start for Saints.Now I see someone furiously backpedaling with insencere conviction for the Pride of The League V The Crisis of The League. However ,as a fair man I offer you to nominate an appropriate start for my approval.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Unfortunately I’m not that big a mug :silly: :silly: You were trying to tell me Souths v Dragons could go either way, now you want a 32 point start !!!!! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
I'll give you that. Maybe 5/8 is a spot, as suggested. Most of his flaws can be fixed with a bit of training and I'd carry a small bod for the attacking brilliance. They could swap him and William or Bird when in their 20 if size is a worry.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Ill be honest i missed the second half. I fell asleep and only woke to see the final scoreboard. Were it a tighter contest i may have been tempted to hit the replay but i failed to see the point.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Good luck to the Dragons for the win. Their staunch long suffering fans deserve it. Not sure if yet another 40+ scoreline is what the game needs but it is what it is in today’s Rugbah League
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
That's a fair argument. I guess my perspective is that if you crash into someone, you're going to suffer. And in terms of punishment, the interpretation of recklessness and intent is often out of your control.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
He has had some problems cleaning up the loose ball but they are small compared to his speed and attacking brilliance.
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
OK TB ...I'm a Mug Punter I'll take up the challenge .NRL Table Rd12 Points D - Bunnies +45 Drags -19,,That 64 pts Diff,say halv that Drags 32pts start Round 20. My wifes a Dogs fan,I know all about your pain.She wont be crying this weekend.
Andrew
Roar Pro
I’d use the analogy the game was by like cheap red wine! Jack Bird now confirmed as a running backrower Billy Burns relegated to reggies indefinitely. JdB what an athlete, he’ll just keep getting better the more game time he gets.
Andrew
Roar Pro
Obviously defence wasn’t a highlight last night. But after watching the replay this morning Jack Bird was great in the backrow he had lots of nice touches. Of course de Belin added an extra dimension, what an athlete he is. Major talking point was the form of Dufty. 2 tries 5 try assists speak for it’s self. The Brains trust at the Dragon’s have some questions to answer in my opinion.
KenW
Roar Rookie
I don't know if the analogy really holds. If you have a complete accident on the road then you pay the incurred costs but this is not punishment. Punitive measures like fines, loss of license, loss of property, loss of freedom only occur if you are judged to be reckless or intentional in your actions.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
KenW
Roar Rookie
Kerr runs good lines and provides a bit of size that the Dragons otherwise lack, but those hands of his give me heart attacks. He just looks like he's going to drop the ball every time he carries into contact - and often does. His catch of the Hunt chip last night though was great!
The Barry
Roar Guru
Haha... backing out Maybe we can revisit closer to J Kah, best gear change in the business... Dogs were 30-4 against the Panthers last week. Poor but better than a lot of sides have gone You know your seasons a dud when you’re looking for the bright side for a 26 point loss... :crying:
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Well it will be less than 37 the Dogs got less week.Assessing J Kahs n T Berrys rides tomorrow is a higher priority than the Drags form.
The Barry
Roar Guru
You can’t make anonymous online bets, but I’ll have a sportsman’s bet with you that Souths beat the Dragons in their Round 20 and Round 25 clashes We’re a long way out but how much start do you want...? :stoked:
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Well playing the Bunnies will be no guide -they could win by 50 or lose by 50.We’d be none the wiser