St George Illawarra Dragons vs Gold Coast Titans: NRL match result, highlights

Match result:

St George Illawarra have all but consigned Gold Coast to the NRL wooden spoon with a drought-breaking, face-saving 40-28 win over the Titans.

Final score
Dragons 40
Titans 28

Match preview

The NRL continues this afternoon with the St George Illawarra Dragons taking on the Gold Coast Titans at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 3pm AEST.

While most of this weekend’s round will have a large bearing in the top eight, this game will have an impact at the other end of the ladder. A win for the Dragons will see them kick three wins clear of the wooden spoon. A loss would mean the Titans are right on their heels.

A season, which started full of hope, finally closed for the Dragons last weekend after a 12-4 loss to the Parramatta Eels. The Dragons had their fair share of the ball but they couldn’t create enough chances to win the game.

A lot will hinge on the performance of Ben Hunt, Gareth Widdop and Corey Norman and their ability to create chances for an underrated backline.

Blake Lawrie has been ruled out with James Graham shifting to prop and Patrick Kaufusi starting in the backrow. Jackson Ford will make his debut off the bench.

After the sacking of their coach followed by a 58-6 hiding from the Roosters, the Titans really are playing for pride this weekend.

Their season has been nothing short of diabolical and Justin Holbrook will have his hands full in 2020. Perhaps the Titans can spur themselves on with news of Michael Gordon’s retirement.

Jai Arrow will return at lock, with Jai Whitbread shifting to prop. Jesse Arthars comes onto the wing in place of Anthony Don whilst AJ Brimson replaces the injured Gordon at fullback.

Prediction
We can expect a better performance from the Titans this afternoon.

However, at home, albeit in front of a small crowd, the Dragons should win. If they don’t, I do hold fears for Jubilee Oval.

Dragons by 8

When: 3pm AEDT
Where: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
TV: Fox League
Online: NRL Live, Foxtel app or Foxtel now
Betting: St George Illawarra Dragons: $1.31, Gold Coast Titans: $3.40

St George IIlawarra Dragons
1. Corey Norman 2. Jason Saab 3. Euan Aitken 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Ben Hunt 8. James Graham 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Patrick Kaufusi 12. Tariq Sims 13. Tyson Frizell.

Interchange: 14. Jeremy Latimore 15. Korbin Sims 16. Jackson Ford 17. Luciano Leilua.

Gold Coast Titans
1. Alexander Brimson 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kallum Watkins 4. Brian Kelly 5. Phillip Sami 6. Ash Taylor 7. Ryley Jacks 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Nathan Peats 10. Jai Whitbread 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Sam Stone 13. Jai Arrow.

Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Moeaki Fotuaika 16. Brenko Lee 17. Bryce Cartwright.