FRIDAY JUNE 7th 2024 WIN STADIUM WOLLONGONG
Dragons Aim to Add to Tigers’ Woes
Buoyed by an upset victory over the Panthers, which places them just outside the top eight due to point differential, the Dragons aim to add to the woes of the Wests Tigers, who are currently on an eight-game losing streak.
Dragons Overcome Adversity for Sixth Win
Despite missing their inspirational captain Ben Hunt, as well as Zac Lomax and Jaydn Su’A, the revamped Dragons team overcame a 10-0 deficit at halftime, scoring four second-half tries at BlueBet Stadium to secure their sixth win of the season.
Tigers Seek Revival Post-Bye
Meanwhile, the Tigers used their bye weekend to refresh and refocus, aiming to climb out of the bottom of the standings and avoid a third consecutive wooden spoon.
Injury Challenges for Tigers
The loss of back-rower Isaiah Papali’i for eight weeks to an ankle injury is a massive blow for Benji Marshall’s men, but they do welcome back experienced centres Justin Olam and Brent Naden from suspension.
Lineup Changes for Both Teams
Justin Olam returns from suspension to play in the centers, partnering with Charlie Staines, who shifts from the wing. Alex Lobb will play his second game of the season, taking Staines’ spot on the wing.
With David Klemmer suspended, Alex Twal moves to prop. The ankle injury to Isaiah Papali’i brings Alex Seyfarth and Justin Matamua into the starting lineup.
Centre Brent Naden has been named on the bench in his return from suspension while Cook Islands representative Reuben Porter makes his NRL debut off the bench.
Dragons and Tigers Team Lists
Dragons.
1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Sione Finau 3. Moses Suli 4. Mathew Feagai 5. Mathew Feagai 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Jesse Marschke 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Tom Eisenhuth , 14. Blake Lawrie 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Toby Couchman 17. Ryan Couchman , 18. Fa’amanu Brown , 19. Michael Molo 20. Christian Tuipulotu 21. Ben Hunt 22. Jaydn Su’A 23. Zac Lomax
Tigers
1. Jahream Bula 2. Alexander Lobb 3. Charlie Staines 4. Justin Olam 5. Solomon Alaimalo 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Alex Twal 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Justin Matamua , 14. Brent Naden 15. Fonua Pole 16. Sione Fainu 17. Reuben Porter , 18. Tallyn Da Silva 19. Solomona Faataape 20. Kit Laulilii , 21. Asu Kepaoa 22. Jordan Miller
Referee: Chris Butler, Touch Judges, Todd Smith, Jon Stone, Bunker, Adam Gee
Dragons’ Confidence from Past Encounters
When the two sides met at Campbelltown Stadium in Round 6 it was the Dragons prevailing 24-12, so the Red V have good reason to be confident as they run out on home soil at WIN Stadium with a place in the eight beckoning.
Should Hunt, Lomax and Su’A back up 48 hours after the Origin series opener that would be a further injection of confidence for the Dragons.
Dragons’ Confidence from Past Encounters
The Dragons have won four of their past five games against Wests Tigers.
Wests Tigers have lost five from six away from home in 2024.
Dragons fullback Tyrell Sloan has scored seven tries in his last six games at WIN Stadium.
Wests Tigers have won four of their seven games at WIN Stadium.
The Dragons have won both matches at WIN Stadium in 2024.
Prediction.
I will go with the Dragons at home.
Comments