News

Bulldogs topple Dragons in trial

BY SAM HALL

04 Feb, 2012 06:49 PM

ST George Illawarra have been dealt their first loss of the season after a 28-18 trial defeat to Canterbury at WIN Stadium on Saturday night.

The Dragons, playing for the first time under Steve Price, couldn't keep pace with the Bulldogs, who put on 14 second half points to seal the win.

The game also provided the small army of fans their first glimpse of Bulldogs coach Des Hasler, 125 days after his premiership triumphs at Manly.

The win marks the Bulldogs' first victory in the annual fixture in at least four years.

Bulldogs winger Ratu Tagive featured strongly in the annual hitout, crossing twice in the first half to give Canterbury a handy 14-6 lead.

Of the Dragons four NRL campaigners, Atelea Vea and Will Matthews put their hands up for more first grade appearances this season with some bustling runs.

The Dragons next trial will be held next Saturday against the Cowboys in Perth.

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comments

Date: Newest first | Oldest first

Having looked at the team lists, you can't really count this as a 'Dragons v Bulldogs' encounter; more like 'Red & White Nevilles vs Blue & White Nevilles'.

It makes sense for the coaches to see who might be up to first grade standard, but I can't imagine too many fans turning up to the Mercury Challenge in future if this is how it's played.

How much do they normally charge for entry to a NSW Cup fixture?

Posted by Stokes, 5/02/2012 9:37:08 AM, on Illawarra Mercury

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