It was far from perfect, but St George Illawarra are back in the winner's circle after claiming a nail-biting 21-16 win over Newcastle at WIN Stadium on Sunday.
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Amid ongoing speculation about Knights captain Kalyn Ponga's future, it was his opposite number who inspired the win, with Ben Hunt setting up two tries in a standout performance. Moses Suli was also dynamic, generating 181 metres from 20 runs.
In turn, Ponga was excellent for the visitors, scoring a try and laying on another. The performance came amid media reports that Newcastle won't offer him a new contract, opening the door for a potential move to NRL newbies the Dolphins.
However, the Dragons were able to do enough to snap a four-game losing streak and record their second win in 2022. The score was locked at 16-16 heading into the final stages, with Zac Lomax nailing a field goal, before Mat Feagai's second try secured the victory.
However, the Dragons were able to do enough to snap a four-game losing streak and record their second win in 2022. The score was locked at 16-16 heading into the final stages, with Zac Lomax nailing a field goal, before Mat Feagai's second try secured victory.
"There's nothing better than winning at home. It's been a tough few weeks, but I'm super, super pleased with the boys' efforts today," Lomax told Fox League after the match.
"We've probably been a little clunky the past few weeks, but that's the game of footy we want to play (on Sunday). We just want to be tough and win with our defence. It's probably where we've been lacking the last few weeks, but I feel like we played really well there in the middle."
St George Illawarra dominated possession during the opening 20 minutes, and their first points came via a penalty goal when Jack Bird put through a grubber into the in-goal and was dragged down by Jacob Saifiti.
Neither side then threw much at their opponents, but the Dragons were finally able to muster the first try with 10 minutes left until half-time, with Andrew McCullough burrowing over from dummy half as they led 8-0.
But it was Newcastle who ended the half strongly, with Ponga's flick pass setting up to Enari Tuala to score as they trailed 8-4 at the break.
Newcastle continued to hold momentum early in the second half, capped by Tyson Frizell putting on a dangerous short ball for Dane Gagai to dive over as the visitors led 10-8.
But the Knights' joy was short lived, as Hunt helped set up a try for Bird, before their captain and Suli combined for Feagai to score in the corner as they led 16-10.
However, the Knights fought back thanks to some Bradman Best brilliance, who brushed off Lomax and dashed into space before setting up Ponga to score and draw level at 16-16.
In the dying minutes, a Knights' handling error in their back half opened the door for St George Illawarra to attack and they took advantage, with Lomax slotting a field goal to give them a 17-16 lead.
From the kick-off, the Dragons appeared to have caught the ball in an off-side position, but the referee controversially called play on. The home side made the most of the opportunity, with Feagai diving over to complete his double and seal victory for the red v.
"It obviously wasn't pretty at times, but it was a pretty good game of football. The Knights were really good, they were really brave, and the good part for us I think is that we had to win it two or three times. We got in front and dominated the game, and a couple of weeks ago we probably wouldn't win that game," Dragons coach Anthony Griffin said.
"We will get a lot of belief and a lot of good lessons out of that. We've been learning some hard lessons in the past and they've been costing us two points, but I'm just really proud of the boys. Our execution wasn't what it needed to be at times but there was some really good periods, and it was built off the back of long periods in possession. We completed at nearly 90 per cent which allowed us at times to get a little bit of rhythm against some tired defence."
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
