4:05 pm SUNDAY AUGUST 25th 2024 WIN STADIUM WOLLONGONG NSW
Dragons Look to Cement Top Eight Spot in Crucial Clash Against Sharks
The St George Illawarra Dragons will aim to solidify their spot in the NRL top eight as they face arch-rivals Cronulla in what promises to be the match of the round at WIN Stadium.
Surprise Package: Dragons Defy Odds in 2024, Aim to Solidify Finals Position
The Dragons have been the NRL’s surprise package in 2024, defying pre-season predictions—including mine—that had them pegged for the wooden spoon. Under new coach Shane Flanagan, they’ve undergone an impressive rebuild. Despite a shaky start against the Titans last weekend, Flanagan’s side rallied, overcame the early setback, and climbed into eighth position. Defensively, they had to dig deep in the second half, but their resilience secured the victory.
Dragons
1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Mathew Feagai 4. Max Feagai 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Jack Bird 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth, 14. Toby Couchman 15. Ryan Couchman 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner ,18. Lyhkan King-Togia 19. Mikaele Ravalawa 20. Michael Molo 21. Jesse Marschke 22. Connor Muhleisen
The Dragons remain without Kyle Flanagan, who is still serving his suspension for biting. Jack Bird, who performed admirably and scrambled brilliantly, will retain the number six jersey. Meanwhile, Ray Faitala-Mariner returns to the bench, replacing Lykian King-Togia.
Sharks Eye Top Four Finish as They Face a Resilient Dragons Side
Cronulla had a brilliant win over Newcastle in golden point last Sunday, they were low on troops and had every reason to lose a game of football. But, they stuck to their processes and managed to find a way to win. Dan Atkinson had a terrific game, leading his team brilliantly around the park and again showing his case to partner Nicho Hynes for the conduct of the semi-finals.
Key Battles: Can the Dragons’ Defense Hold Off the Sharks’ Forwards?
To overcome the Dragons, they need to frustrate their attack, much like the other top-four teams have done (excluding Melbourne, of course). If they can create early opportunities and get inside the Dragons’ heads, they could wrap this up quickly. Their forwards will need to step up as well. Oregon Kaufusi delivered his best performance as a Shark last weekend, but he’ll need his supporting cast to rise to the occasion with him.
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes , 14. Jack Williams 15. Royce Hunt 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Thomas Hazelton , 18. Mawene Hiroti 19. Billy Burns 20. Tuku Hau Tapuha 21. Chris Veaila 22. Niwhai Puru
Referee. Ashley Klein, Touch Judges, Liam Kennedy, Kieren Irons, Bunker. Grant Atkins.
Prediction
The Dragons were dominant against the Titans last week, while the Sharks narrowly escaped with a golden point victory over the Knights. With everything on the line, both teams are under pressure. A loss for the Dragons could see them slip out of the Top 8, while a loss for the Sharks might drop them out of the Top 4. If the Dragons are fully focused, they could pull off a win at home.
However, I can’t envision a scenario where Cronulla loses this game. They need to keep winning to stay in the race with the Roosters and avoid a trip to Melbourne. The Dragons will put up a strong fight throughout, but I believe they’ll just fall short in the end.
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