Benji Marshall and Josh Dugan have helped St George Illawarra to a gritty six-point victory over Warrington in a spiteful opening clash to the World Club Series.
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The match at Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday morning (AEDT) threatened to erupt as both teams took a physical approach to play, but it was Marshall, who laid on tries in either half, and man of the match Dugan who stood out in the 18-12 victory.
The former Wests Tigers premiership winner Marshall and, in particular, winger Eto Nabuli appeared lucky to stay on the field following separate high tackles which drew roars of disapproval from the 13,080-strong partisan crowd.
Nabuli caught livewire winger Kevin Penny with a spectacular high shot, in which the former Fijian porter had both feet off the ground, in the 30th minute which had the crowd begging for a red card.
The Wolves were able to capitalise from the resulting penalty, with Ryan Atkins crashing over for an unconverted try to leave the scores 12-10 at the break.
They equalised with a penalty goal following Marshall's high shot on Wolves playmaker Gareth O'Brien with 20 minutes remaining.
Marshall, whose kicking game was a highlight all match, soon made up for his indiscretion, putting in a banana kick which was juggled by Warrington hooker Daryl Clark before it was stolen from his grasp by Dugan, who planted down next to the posts for a converted try and an 18-12, match-winning lead.
The burgeoning halves partnership of Marshall and Gareth Widdop delivered in the first half, with each laying on a try to give the Dragons the halftime lead.
A clever short ball from Marshall split the defence and put bullocking back-rower Tyson Frizell into a gap, as he strolled over to open the scoring in the third minute.
A wonderful solo try to five-eighth O'Brien followed to level the scores after 13 minutes.
O'Brien sold dummies to both Marshall and fullback Josh Dugan on a superb, snaking 50m run.
The Dragons were back in front just six minutes later, with Widdop taking control with a deft grubber which back-rower Joel Thompson won the race to.
The Dragons' victory ensures the NRL clubs have one hand on the World Club Series trophy, ahead of Brisbanes clash with Wigan on Sunday morning (AEDT) and the World Club Challenge fixture between premiers South Sydney and St Helens. AAP
