JULY 20th, 2023 ST GEORGE DRAGONS v WESTS TIGERS
WIN STADIUM,WOLLONGONG
St George Illawarra and Wests Tigers kick off Round 21 in Thursday night footy with both sides desperate to get away from the bottom of the ladder after disappointing campaigns.
The Dragons are fresh off their final bye of the year and host a Wests Tigers outfit who showed some good signs against the Knights in attack but were ultimately outplayed defensively, particularly on their edges.
With four points between the Bulldogs, who also have another bye up their sleeve, the winner of this match will go a long way towards avoiding the dreaded wooden spoon.
Both sides met each other earlier this year in Magic Round with Wests Tigers coming out on top to secure their first victory of the season despite a last-ditch effort by the Red V in the final minute.
Both teams have endured another nightmare campaign, with the Dragons two points ahead of the Tigers at the bottom of the ladder.
The Tigers are on a six-game losing streak with just three wins from 17 games this season, while they’ve been outscored 144-30 in their last three.
Meanwhile, the Dragons are on a three-game losing run and have leaked 136 points in that period. Safe to say defence is a huge issue for both teams.
Playing at WIN Stadium, the Dragons should have the slight edge – all four of their wins this season have come at home, while they managed to push the in-form Raiders last week in a 26-36 defeat.
The Dragons also welcome back Ben Hunt, Tyrell Sloan and Jacob Liddle in what should be a huge boost to their attack, while the Tigers will have to wait another week for Luke Brooks to return.
Meanwhile, the Tigers will be desperate for a win here to get themselves level on the ladder with the Dragons after a tough week for the club in the media.
All-time Wests Tigers leading try-scorer David Nofoaluma returns on the wing, while young gun Tallyn Da Silva gets the nod over Jake Simpkin on the interchange.
In a week where his return to Penrith seems extremely likely, Daine Laurie will be looking to string a run of good form together to impress both his current fans and his future coaches.
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Billy Burns 12. Dan Russell 13. Jack de Belin 14. Moses Mbye 15. Michael Molo 16. Toby Couchman 17. Jack Bird 18. Zane Musgrove 19. Sione Finau 20. Ryan Couchman 21. Max Feagai 22. Jaiyden Hunt
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Starford To’a 4. Tommy Talau 5. Junior Tupou 6. Daine Laurie 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Shawn Blore 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Fonua Pole 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Alex Twal 18. Aitasi James 19. Jake Simpkin 20. Will Smith 21. Asu Kepaoa 22. Justin Matamua
Referee: Ben Cummins
Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
PREDICTION
Tough game to call between two terrible teams.
Punters could have a tough time trusting either side, but because they’re playing at home, we’re taking the Dragons to win.
They haven’t been playing good football, but they are one position ahead of the Tigers on the NRL ladder and that must count for something. They might just sneak home.
The best bet I can find is Dragons 1-12, @ $3.00
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