Matt Attard previews the Saturday afternoon clash between the Dragons and the Bulldogs. This is what we have to look forward to.
FORM LINE
St George Illawarra Dragons
Dragons fans are rejoicing a rise in form that sees the red and white enter their clash with the battling Bulldogs at WIN Stadium just two points outside eighth spot.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
The Bulldogs grabbed their first win of the season with a 22-2 win the last time these sides met, but the form of each team just weeks later couldn’t be more contrasting.
SQUAD NEWS
St George Illawarra Dragons
1. Matthew Dufty 2. Jason Saab 3. Euan Aitken 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 7. Adam Clune 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Ben Hunt 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Trent Merrin 15. Josh Kerr 16. Tyrell Fuimaono 17. Jackson Ford 18. Jacob Host 19. Tristan Sailor 20. Tim Lafai 21. Korbin Sims.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
1. Nick Meaney 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Kerrod Holland 4. Marcelo Montoya 5. Christian Crichton 6. Kieran Foran 7. Lachlan Lewis 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Luke Thompson 14. Sione Katoa 15. Sauaso Sue 16. Renouf To’omaga 17. Ofahiki Ogden 19. Dean Britt 20. Jake Averillo 22. Chris Smith 23. Brandon Wakeham.
KEY STAT
A revelation since being recalled, Dragons fullback Matt Dufty has scored eight tries from his past 10 games at WIN Stadium and he’ll be on the lookout for more against a Bulldogs team who parted ways with their coach earlier this week. The speedy custodian is fleet footed, creative and gutsy. He, along with halfback-turned-hooker Ben Hunt, have rejuvenated the Dragons and sparked them into a hot run of form.
BATTLE TO WATCH
Corey Norman v Kieran Foran
On the back of a solid platform, Corey Norman has been able to combine with the likes of Dufty and Euan Aitken for the much-needed spark that has them notching wins on their belt. He is beginning to settle, finding the form that had him touted as a long-term Origin player early in his career. On the other hand, Kieran Foran is trying his hardest to orchestrate points on the back of very little opportunity. He has looked dangerous all season and is a creative leader but sadly is missing the polish from those around him.
GAME DETAILS
There is simply no way anyone can tip the Bulldogs here. A rough week coupled with their abysmal form and the rise of St George means there’s only one way to go.
Dragons by 18.
Date: Saturday, July 18th.
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong.
Kick-off: 3:30pm.
