Four Pointers: Gold Coast Titans 14-19 St George Illawarra Dragons

Widdop ends the drought

St George Illawarra’s drought of 171-minutes without a point was ended by their skipper Gareth Widdop, as he dummied his way over in the opening exchanges. It was a typical captain’s performance from the English half-back, who also added a late field goal to put his side out of reach, scoring 11 of his side’s points.

Defence wins you games

After the Dragons’ attack had been under fire for the past two weeks, it was their defence which ultimately gained the plaudits for this victory. They were under the pump at the start of the second period, and through sheer determination kept out a number of scoring opportunities, before Tyrone Roberts eventually breached their line with some individual brilliance.

Three on the spin

The Titans have now lost three games in a row, after starting the season in great form they seem to have fallen off in recent weeks. Having said that, two of those defeats, including today’s, have been by only five points, with the other an eight point deficit at the hands of last year’s losing finalists Brisbane Broncos. By no means should Gold Coast be panicking, but they will be hoping that they can end this losing run sooner rather than later.

No Benji, no problem?

Benji Marshall has been at the centre of most media stories coming out of the Dragon’s camp this season, with the half-back unsure where he will be playing next season. He was also targeted following their nilling at the hands of the Champions North Queensland Cowboys, and has sat out the two games prior to that defeat. Marshall is a quality player on his day, but will this display leave St George wondering if he is surplus to requirements?

SCOREBOARD

Gold Coast Titans 14

Tries: Paasi (13), Roberts (67)

Goals: Taylor 2/2, Roberts 1/1

St George Illawarra Dragons 19

Tries: Widdop (8), Faifai Loa (19), de Belin (31)

Goals: Widdop 3/4

Field Goals: Widdop 1