Nick Markham | 28/07/08 | 0
St George Illawarra Dragons v Bulldogs
Monday 28th July, 7.00pm
ANZ Stadium
Referee: Sean Hampstead
HEAD TO HEAD
Bulldogs 12 wins, Dragons 4 wins.
FORM GUIDE
Dragons: LWLLLLWBLWWWWBWWLL
Bulldogs: LWWLLWLBLLWLLBLLLWL
The Dragons were eyeing a top-four finish on the back of seven straight wins a fortnight ago, but back-to-back losses have shunted the joint venture back into the dogfight for positions five through eight.
Another loss could prove fatal for Nathan Brown’s men but fortunately, they have plenty to play for whereas the Dogs have nothing.
Despite going down 26-nil to the Storm on Monday, the red-and-whites effort was OK, remembering they played the majority of the contest with only 12 men.
The Bulldogs are best example of a one-man team since Andrew Johns was at the peak of his powers in Newcastle.
Sonny Bill Williams was brilliant a fortnight ago in leading the Dogs to an upset win over the the Broncos in Brisbane, but without him a week later, their defence had more holes than Swiss cheese as road strugglers the Warriors had a night out at their expense.
On the upside for the Dogs, SBW should play, and Toyota Cup sensation Ben Barba makes his NRL debut off the bench.
If the Dragons are fair-dinkum, and that’s a big if given some of their performances in recent years, the Dragons will win.
THE BURNING QUESTION
Can the Dragons steady the ship after two straight losses?
KEY MATCH UP
Ben Creagh v Sonny Bill Williams – While no-one tries to make out that Creagh’s importance to the Dragons is anything like that of SBW for the Dogs, the flame-haired back rower is nonetheless a vital cog in the St George Illawarra machine.
His return from injury has added some much-needed starch into the Dragons back row, and his consistency is unparalleled in the joint venture’s lineup.
The chances of the Bulldogs hinge without question, on the fitness of SBW. His effect on the Dogs performance is immeasurable.
If Sonny Bill plays, the Bulldogs are a huge chance if he doesn’t, they get lapped. It’s that simple.
COACHES CORNER
Dragons mentor Nathan Brown was quite happy with the effort from his side in Monday’s loss to the Storm in Melbourne, and it must be said, the red-and-whites were certainly serving it right up to the defending premiers at the time of Jason Ryles’ most unfortunate dismissal.
If the Dragons turn up with that level of intensity they should be too strong for the Bulldogs.
Steve Folkes has the task of trying to rectify the Dogs’ porous defence. The Belmore club ranks last in defence and have the worst differential.
There’s no doubt the Dogs have points in them, especially with SBW in the team, but it’s defence, or lack thereof, that has hurt the Dogs for much of 2008.
PUNTERS GUIDE
Head-to-head: Bulldogs $3.00 – Dragons $1.36
The Dragons are justifiably short favourites, and should have no problems getting the points here.
St George Illawarra 13+ at a dividend of $2.05 looks the bet to me, but having said that, the Dragons often struggle in games they’re expected to win, so don’t take them with any great confidence, especially if Sonny Bill turns out for the Dogs.
CASUALTY WARD
Dragons: All available
Bulldogs: Kane Cleal – hip (season), Willie Tonga – shoulder (season), Justin Tsoulos – shoulder (season), Luke Patten – back (indefinite), Matt Utai – knee (indefinite), Michael Sullivan – hamstring (Round 22).
BAD BOYS
Dragons: -
Bulldogs: -
TEAM LISTS
Dragons: Brett Morris, Jason Nightingale, Mark Gasnier (c), Matt Cooper, Josh Morris, Jamie Soward, Ben Hornby, Justin Poore, Dean Young, Jason Ryles, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Lagi Setu. Interchange: Kirk Reynoldson, Dan Hunt, Jarrod Saffy, Rangi Chase, Matt Prior, Stuart Webb, Chase Stanley (three to be omitted)
Bulldogs: Brent Crisp, Hazem El Masri, Daryl Millard, Tim Winitana, Heka Nanai, Daniel Holdsworth, Arana Taumata, Jarrad Hickey, Corey Hughes, Fred Briggs, Sonny Bill Williams, Andrew Ryan (c), Reni Maitua. Interchange: Chris Armit, Lee Te Maari, John Kite, Ben Roberts
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