St George-Illawarra Dragons were looking to lift themselves off the bottom of the NRL ladder when they hosted South Sydney on Saturday afternoon.
Result
St George-Illawarra Dragons 36
Tries: Ben Hunt 15th; Mikaele Ravalawa 19th; Jacob Liddle 50th; Jaydn Su’a 60th; Michael Molo 66th; Jaiyden Hunt 72nd
Goals: Zac Lomax 17th, 32nd, 51st, 61st, 68th, 72nd
South Sydney Rabbitohs 30
Tries: Richard Kennar 8th; Keaon Koloamatangi 36th; Isaiah Tass 53rd; Jacob Host 76th; Lachlan Ilias 77th; Campbell Graham 79th
Goals: Blake Taaffe 54th, 77th, 78th
Report
South Sydney Rabbitohs went into the game missing their three most influential players. Latrell Mitchell (calf strain) and Cameron Murray (groin) weren’t named in the side, while Cody Walker withdrew on the eve of the match with a quad injury.
With 61% possession in the first half the Dragons made it clear that they wanted to run around the Rabbitohs and would go into the break 12-8 ahead. The opening try to Ben Hunt was spectacular as he scooted down the sideline thanks to a pass on the outside by Mat Feagai. An uncontested kick by Dean Hawkins saw Keaon Koloamatangi score in the shadows of half time to keep the Rabbitohs in the contest.
An error from Blake Taaffe resulted in Jacob Liddle scoring 11 minutes after the break but that was soon nullified with Damien Cook breaking down the right before Isaiah Tass scored to make it 18-14 to the home side.
The Dragons skipped away with two key Rabbitohs errors by Taas (escort penalty) and Richard Kennar (knock on) resulting in tries to Jaydn Su’A and Michael Molo. With ten minutes remaining it appeared the 17,357 strong crowd would go home happy with the Dragons up 36-14.
But the Rabbitohs weren’t finished and struck three time in four minutes as Campbell Graham led a stunning fightback to be within six points with two minutes to play. However, Ryan Carr’s men were able to hold on and drag themselves from the bottom of the ladder.
It’s likely that Carr has coached his last game as interim coach with reports that Shane Flanagan will join the club this week.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS
Embed from Getty Images3 – Ben Hunt (Dragons)
2 – Jaydn Su’A (Dragons)
1 – Campbell Graham (Rabbitohs)
