NRL,ROUND 6 ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA v WESTS TIGERS.

SUNDAY APRIL 14th　2024.　CAMPBELLTOWN SPORTS STADIUN,　SYDNEY

Tigers and Dragons Set to Clash in Sunday Showdown

After finishing in the bottom two last season, the Tigers and Dragons have showcased improvement to begin 2024 – who comes away with their third win of the season at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday?

The Dragons have been wildly up and down across their five games this season – they’ve defeated the Titans and Manly in impressive performances, but also conceded 30+ points in defeats to the Dolphins, Cowboys and Knights.

Very inconsistent from the Red V and it’s tough to say what direction they’re going, while there still seems to be a rift of sorts going through the club.

Meanwhile, the Tigers – for the most part – appear like they are on the up. Benji Marshall’s team showcased their dominance by demolishing the Sharks 32-6, followed by an Easter Monday triumph against the Eels. However, they suffered a setback with a 10-point loss on the road to the league-leading Dolphins last week.

Tigers Aim to Break Campbelltown Stadium Drought against Dragons

The Tigers have lost eight straight games at Campbelltown Stadium,  but this looks like the perfect opportunity to snap that streak.

Injury Concerns Loom for Tigers and Dragons Ahead of Matchup

John Bateman and Samuela Fainu were unable to continue after failing their HIA’s. Alex Seyfarth steps into the second row, while Justin Mamamua and Asu Kepaoa take their places on the interchange bench.

Sullivan is at five-eight with Lachie Galvin still suspended. Jake Simpkin is back on the bench in place of the injured Latu Fainu.

Tigers

1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Justin Olam 5. Junior Tupou 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Fonua Pole 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Alex Twal 16. Justin Matamua 17. Asu Kepaoa 18. Solomon Alaimalo 19. Josh Feledy 20. Tony Sukkar 21. Kit Laulilii 22. Brandon Tumeth

Dragons

1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Hame Sele 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Jesse Marschke 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Jack de Belin 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 18. Ben Murdoch-Masila 19. Christian Tuipulotu 20. Michael Molo 21. Toby Couchman 22. Mathew Feagai.

LATE MAIL. Luciano Leilua is out with a calf injury with Raymond Faitala-Mariner to start in the back row and Ben Murdoch-Masila to join the bench. Michael Molo has dropped out of the side, with Jack de Belin shifting to the bench to accommodate the return of Hame Sele from a calf injury. Blake Lawrie has also been named on the pine. Jack Bird, despite suffering a knee injury against the Knights, have been named to start in the centres.

Referee. Grant Atkins, Touch Judge: Jon Stone, Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy, Senior Review Official: Todd Smith

Dragons have lost 14 of their last 15 away games

Tigers have won two of their last three games

The last four meetings have been decided by six points or less

Tigers last two games have been decided by a 1-12 margin

Junior Tupou has scored three tries in his last two games vs Dragons

Tigers Focus on Ball Security Ahead of Crucial Matchup

Following an undisciplined showing last week, the Tigers need to prioritize ball security if they hope to secure a victory in their upcoming match. This will be a key focus for Benji and the team as they prepare for the game.

Tigers Seek to Maintain Resilience in Front of Home Fans

Throughout this season, the Tigers have demonstrated resilience, often surprising with their ability to hang tough in games. However, this time, they face the added challenge of performing in front of their home fans, who are buzzing with a newfound sense of spirit and support.

Tigers Look to Jayden Sullivan for Key Contributions Against Dragons

Aidan Sezer was a standout with his kicking game last week, but the Tigers will need Jayden Sullivan to stand up against his old club as well to force the issue and keep the Dragons under the pump in attack.

Benji Marshall’s Leadership Key as Tigers Prepare for Home Game

The Tigers have improved significantly under the stewardship of Benji Marshall, downing the Sharks and the Eels before a 10-point loss on the road to the Dolphins. Injuries are beginning to take their toll, compounded by Lachlan Galvin’s suspension. Now, with the absence of John Bateman and the Fainu brothers, the team faces additional challenges with key players sidelined.

Dragons Welcome Hame Sele Back from Injury as Jack Bird Battles Through

For the Dragons, Hame Sele returns from a calf injury in the front row, which moves Jack De Belin to the bench and Michael Molo drops out of the side.

Jack Bird has been named despite appearing to pick up a lower leg injury in last week’s loss to the Knights. Tom Eisenhuth earns the starting spot at lock after being relegated to the bench on gameday last week.

A repeat scenario wouldn’t be unexpected, as Raymond Faitala-Mariner remains a potential option to fill the lock position come kick-off.

Dry Weather Promises Freer Flowing Game for Tigers vs. Dragons

On the brighter side for the Dragons, the weather forecast promises a significant improvement from the hurricane-like conditions they faced in Newcastle. It was evident that such adverse weather affected their ball handling, disrupting the flow of their attack and slowing their overall pace.

With dry conditions expected, we should see the Dragons move the ball more freely.

In their last encounter during a pre-season trial, Mikaele Ravalawa and Moses Suli wreaked havoc on the Tigers’ right-edge defense.

With a favorable matchup against Charlie Staines and Solomona Faataape on that side, the Dragons are likely to aim to exploit their size advantage once more.

Prediction.

A very close game predicted here and who ever takes their chances will get the chocolates. Look for a points start from either team.

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