Moses parts the Red V

Moses Mbye has left coach Des Hasler with a very tough decision to make after he lead the Bulldogs to a 29-16 victory over the high flying Dragons in front of 27,291 fans at ANZ Stadium.

The win was all the more impressive considering that Canterbury were without inspirational skipper James Graham for the majority of the match when he left the field with a suspected hamstring injury.

Regular five eighth Josh Reynolds was a surprise selection on the bench and did not look like getting a run after Moses Mbye's outstanding first half, where he had a hand in the opening try to winger Curtis Rona, who went in for his 13th try of the season.

Mbye was in the thick of the action moments later when he put Rona in the clear with a superb ball. Rona then grubbered inside and found Josh Morris who beat the Dragons cover defence to get the ball down and Canterbury were out to a 10-0 lead.

Canterbury half Trent Hodkinson then caught Origin teamate Josh Dugan out of position with a kick on the second tackle deep in their own half which saw that man again Moses Mbye show blistering pace to win the race to the ball.

The Dragons then demonstrated why they are the number one defensive team in the competition, managing to stop the barrage of attacking raids by the Bulldogs and deflect any further damage to the scoreline.

Once the Dragons had field position they took their opportunity with a sublime set play from the Benji Marshall putting Gareth Widdop through close to the line and St George were back in it trailing 10-6 at the break.

St George continued where they left off after the break and it was again Benji Marshall, who put Widdop over for try number two for the match with another classy set play.

Josh Reynolds continued to wait on the bench as the Dragons took the lead for the first time in the match when a Gareth Widdop grubber intended for Josh Dugan took a wicked bounce but luckily for the Dragons it fell right into the arms of Peter Mata'utia and it was 16-10 to the men in red and white.

Just as the crowd thought the standard of attack couldn't get much better, NSW stalwart and late inclusion Brett Morris set sail for the corner when he threw a spectacular pass inside which was juggled Tim Lafai, who somehow regained control of the ball and then managed to place part of the ball on the try line. Moses Mbye then nailed the conversion from the sideline to lock up the game at 16 all.

Josh Reynolds finally entered the fray and came up with a huge play when he grubber kicked towards Josh Dugan and with the help of Tim Lafai picked up the NSW fullback and carried him 10 metres back to his own goal line forcing a line dropout.

From there, Sam Kasiano put Tim Browne into a yawning gap and Canterbury again hit the lead, Mbye made no mistake with the conversion and Canterbury again were in control.

It was Josh Reynolds again who came up with another big play when he hit Dragons winger Eto Nabuli with a strong tackle forcing Nabuli to spill the ball inside the Dragons half. Moses Mbye again opened up the Dragons defence down the left hand side but unfortunately for the Bulldogs his final pass went over Curtis Rona's head and into touch.

Canterbury then messed up the perfect opportunity to wrap up the game when Josh Reynolds was not given the ball in great field position for a shot at field goal, which ended with Moses Mbye being tackled on the last. They didn't have to wait long to ice the game however, when man of the match Moses Mbye took a shot off his left foot which sailed over putting the match out of the Dragons reach.

Sam Kasiano picked up a late try when Josh Jackson was cut down millimetres short of the line. However, there was no stopping the man they call ‘Dogzilla' from close range, who scored a well deserved try. Hodkinson came back on to add the extras and making it 29-16 to the Bulldogs.

The win moves Canterbury into the top 8, while the loss for the Dragons keeps them equal second on the ladder. Next week the Dragons get their second bye of the season before hosting the Roosters at Allianz (yes, you read that correctly) on Monday night in Round 15. The Bulldogs are off to Robina next week to face the Titans on Sunday afternoon.

Match Details

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 29 St. George Illawarra Dragons 16
Venue: ANZ Stadium
Crowd: 27291
Halftime Score: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 10 St. George Illawarra Dragons 6

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS (29)
Tries: Curtis Rona, Josh Morris, Timoteo Lafai, Tim Browne, Sam Kasiano
Field Goals: Moses Mbye (1/1)
Conversions: Trent Hodkinson (2/3), Moses Mbye (2/2)

ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS (16)
Tries: Gareth Widdop (2), Peter Mata'utia
Conversions: Gareth Widdop (2/3)

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:

3 points - Moses Mbye
2 points - Frank Pritchard
1 point - Benji Marshall

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary

Welcome to an absolute blockbuster at ANZ Stadium featuring the Canterbury Bulldogs and the St George Illawarra Dragons. Canterbury have a few changes, with Tony Williams and Corey Thompson out however they are replaced by Blues winger Brett Morris against his former club and Samoan international Tim Lafai with Josh Reynolds starting on the bench. The Dragons are 1-17 and looking to get back on top of the ladder.
It's a beautiful day at ANZ Stadium, great day for footy. Stay tuned there will be plenty in this one!

Brett Morris will be in jumper #19 and Tim Lafai in jumper #20

As mentioned in the preview interesting tactic starting Josh Reynolds from the bench considering his form against the Raiders a fortnight ago.

Despite winning 8 out of their last nine matches the Dragons are $2.10 underdogs today.

1: We are underway at ANZ Stadium!

2: Brett Morris swamped by 4 Dragons defenders with his first touch.

3: UNFORCED ERROR ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Trent Merrin makes an unforced error.
Merrin spills the ball on halfway.

4: Josh Morris puts in an awful kick on the 5th tackle which goes out on the full...has he ever kicked before?

6: Dragons on the attack, Nabuli looks certain to score but great defence from Brett Morris saves the day.Dogs ball.

7: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Curtis Rona. Kick to come.
Curtis Rona goes in for try number 13 for the season. Kick to come.

7: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson unsuccessful.
Terrible kick from Hodkinson, he is dirty about that. Bulldogs 4 Dragons 0

8: Eastwood puts Hodkinson through a gap. Flicks it out the back and Dragons scramble. Exciting stuff.

10: Penalty Dragons right in front of the posts. They kick for touch.

12: UNFORCED ERROR ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Peter Mata'utia makes an unforced error.
Mata'utia cops a tough ball and under pressure from Lafai makes an error. Big let off.

13: Extraordinary play! Hodkinson kicks deep on the 2nd, Mbye picks it up and cut down a metre short.

14: UNFORCED ERROR CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Frank Pritchard makes an unforced error.
Poor pass from Josh Morris putting Pritchard under pressure. Super game!

15: James Graham has injured his knee and is being assisted from the field. Huge loss for Canterbury.

19: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Josh Morris. Kick to come.
Moses Mbye puts Rona away with a beautiful pass who grubbers ahead for Morris who scores. Dogs 8-0 kick to come.

20: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful.
Hodkinson drills that one. Canterbury 10 St George 0.

22: Canterbury really throwing the ball around, fantastic offloads. Dragons now have the ball deep in their own half.

24: Penalty Dragons after a superb run by Nightingale.

25: James Graham won't be back, suspecting hamstring injury rather than a knee. Expect Klemmer and Tolman to play big minutes this afternoon.

26: Great defence Bulldogs, they deny the Dragons close to the line. Canterbury make their way out of their own half.

28: Great kick by Dugan rolling it into the in goal but touches Nabuli. Dogs from their 20m.

29: Penalty Dragons, Tolman runs behind Sam Kasiano for an obstruction. Big chance Dragons.

31: TRY ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Scored by Gareth Widdop. Kick to come.
Sublime pass from Benji Marshall. Dragons back in it. Bulldogs 10 Dragons 4 kick to come.

32: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Conversion attempt by Gareth Widdop successful.
Widdop converts his own try. Canterbury lead 10-6.

34: Superb kick return by Sam Perrett and then Canterbury receive a penalty. Canterbury 40m out on the attack.

35: UNFORCED ERROR CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Greg Eastwood makes an unforced error.
Eastwood carries 4 players but loses the ball trying to pass. Huge let off for St George.

36: Penalty Dragons, Jackson ruled to have a hand on the ball. Tough call.

38: UNFORCED ERROR ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Eto Nabuli makes an unforced error.
Nabuli leaves the ball behind close to the tryline, Marshall again looking dangerous.

40: Halftime at ANZ Stadium.

40: Wow! What a first half! Canterbury flew out of the blocks with some exciting attacking football and jumped out to an early lead thanks to tries from Curtis Rona and Josh Morris. St George managed to whether the early Bulldogs blitz and hit back with a sublime set play which saw Benji Marshall put Gareth Widdop over. At halftime its Canterbury 10 St George 6.
James Graham left the field with a hamstring injury in the 25th minute and won't be back in a huge loss for the Bulldogs.
This first half has been electric the Bulldogs really stepped it up early and the Dragons are going with them now, a sensational second half coming up!

40: Canterbury kick off in the second half and we are away!

42: Josh Reynolds yet to appear. Hard to see where he will play considering the form of Mbye so far.

45: Both sides playing quite conservative early in this second half. Completing their sets.

45: TRY ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Scored by Gareth Widdop. Kick to come.
Widdop gets his second and its Benji Marshall again who has put him through the gap. 10 all kick to come.

45: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Conversion attempt by Gareth Widdop successful.
St George hit the lead for the first time in the match. St George 12 Canterbury 10.

47: Benji Marshall looks to be trying to keep the Canterbury back 3 out of the game, again boots it into touch.

48: UNFORCED ERROR CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Trent Hodkinson makes an unforced error.
Hodkinson spills the ball from dummy half. Dragons scrum on halfway.

50: Line drop out Canterbury. Great kick from Marshall gives Brett Morris no choice but to take the tackle.

51: UNFORCED ERROR ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Benji Marshall makes an unforced error.
Marshall spills the ball while on the attack. Dogs scrum.

53: Tim Browne goes on for Eastwood. Still no Josh Reynolds.

56: TRY ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Scored by Peter Mata'utia. Kick to come.
Chip from Widdop bounces perfectly for Peter Mata'utia. Dragons 16-10 kick to come.

57: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Conversion attempt by Gareth Widdop unsuccessful.
Widdop misses. Scores remain 16-10 to the Dragons.

59: 59th minute and Josh Reynolds enters the game for Hodkinson

60: UNFORCED ERROR ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Eto Nabuli makes an unforced error.
Nabuli looks to have made an error. Chance for Canterbury.

61: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Timoteo Lafai. Kick to come.
An extraordinary piece of play! Brett Morris looked certain to score, throws inside and it is juggled by Lafai who reaches out and gets it on the line.

62: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Conversion attempt by Moses Mbye successful.
Mbye lands it from the sideline and we are all locked up! 16 all. What a game!

65: Huge play from Josh Reynolds who grubbers and then with the help of Lafai pick up Dugan and drive him back into the in goal.

67: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Tim Browne. Kick to come.
Try Canterbury! Kasiano offloads to put Browne into a yawning gap 10m out. Canterbury 20 St George 16.

67: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Conversion attempt by Moses Mbye successful.
Mbye makes no mistake. Bulldogs lead 22-16.

69: UNFORCED ERROR ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Eto Nabuli makes an unforced error.
Nabuli spills it after a big hit..Another huge play by Reynolds and he is fired up. Dogs on the attack.

71: UNFORCED ERROR CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Moses Mbye makes an unforced error.
Throws a great ball but just over Curtis Rona's head. Right play, just lacked the accuracy.

73: Great option for field goal for Canterbury but they go the wrong way and are tackled on the last.

74: Dugan goes for a grubber, but a great low take from Brett Morris saves the day.

74: SUCCESSFUL FIELD GOAL CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Field goal attempt by Moses Mbye successful.
Moses Mbye who else! Canterbury 23-16.

75: Josh Morris gets the ball wide of a short kickoff and takes off. Cut down by De Belin..

75: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Sam Kasiano. Kick to come.
Kasiano picks up the ball from dummy half and crashes over after Jackson is cut down milimetres short.27-16 kick to come.

75: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful.
Makes no mistake. Canterbury 29-16.

78: Bulldogs with some attacking flair again from Josh Reynolds.

79: UNFORCED ERROR CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Curtis Rona makes an unforced error.
Rona throws it into touch off the back of that play.

82: It's fulltime and Canterbury have really made a statement at ANZ Stadium today winning 29-16. One of the best games this season, some great tries and attacking play from both sides.