2021 NRL Round 12, Tigers 34 Dragons 18 – Report

Craig Cauchi reviews Friday nights Indigenous round clash between Tigers and Dragons. Here’s how the game went.

SCOREBOARD

Player of the Year Points

3 pts – Daine Laurie (Tigers)
2 pts – Luciano Leilua (Tigers)
1 pt – Tommy Talau (Tigers)

MATCH REPORT

1st Half

The game started in a frenetic fashion with both sides creating early breaks. Neither could capitalise on their opportunities. Tigers were running harder and finding much more space in the Dragons defence. A couple of power runs from Luciano Leilua kept the Dragons defence on the back foot. It led to James Roberts crossing for the first try at the 15 minute mark of the match. The Tigers continued to dominate up the middle of the field and as they moved into decent field position on the last, a Luke Brooks kick was collected by the Tigers and thrown out for Nofoaluma to score. The Tigers steamed up the field off the kick and with the Dragons back pedalling, the outside backs took advantage, creating the space for Daine Laurie to cross for their third.

HALF-TIME: Wests Tigers 18 St George Illawarra Dragons 0

2nd Half

The Tigers made two errors to start the half and gifted the Dragons good field position. The defence held strong until a final play kick was spilt by Talau and grounded – rather nonchalantly – by Wiliame for the Dragons first points. The Tigers returned to a three try lead with a cross field kick landing in the hands of Alex Seyfarth to score his debut try. Ill-discipline cost the Dragons multiple repeat sets and Daine Laurie took advantage of a tired defensive line with a bullet pass out for Tommy Talau to score. The Tigers continued to take advantage of their dominance after a Dragons error allowed Mbye to run a beautiful short side play for Roberts to score his second. Tariq Sims made another line break and from his quick play the ball the halves combined – Norman taking the line on and passing off for Hunt to score. Norman set up the Dragons next try with a late grubber kick for Amone to score with no Tigers in sight.

FULL-TIME: Wests Tigers 34 St George Illawarra Dragons 18

Injuries

to be advised

Match Review Committee

Luciano Leilua (Tigers) – Grade 1 Shoulder Charge – Early Guilty Plea 1 match ban, Guilty at Judiciary 2 match ban.
Tariq Sims (Dragons) – Grade 1 Dangerous Contact Head/Neck – Early Guilty Plea $1,900 fine, Guilty at Judiciary $2,550 fine.

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