St. George Illawarra Dragons Mid-Season Report Card

After their opening two performances the Dragons were rated a better chance of winning the wooden spoon than even vying for the top eight. But after a phenomenal turnaround, the team with the Big Red V is now in a position to claim not only a spot in the finals, but possibly a premiership.

After trailing 18-0 against the Raiders in Round 3, St. George Illawarra have bounced back to record eight wins from their next ten matches, including a six-game streak featuring wins over Brisbane and the Roosters.

Central to the Dragons resurgence has been the form of their spine: Josh Dugan, Gareth Widdop, Benji Marshall and Mitch Rein. Having developed their combination from last season, the quartet have led the way for the joint-venture in attack, while the backrow combination of Tyson Frizell, Joel Thompson and Trent Merrin have ensured the Dragons defensive line remains intact throughout matches.

Boasting the best defence in the NRL, another of the success stories to emerge from Paul McGregor's side has been Eto Nabuli, the Fijian winger discovered by Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns who has been in fantastic form replacing Brett Morris in 2015.

Positives:
In one word: Defence.
After accusations of being soft, including the infamous spray delivered by former Knight Willie Mason last season, the Dragons have muscled up in 2015, holding opponents scoreless in five halves so far this season. With captain Ben Creagh relegated to the bench and hard-man Will Matthews unable to cement a spot in the squad, the Dragons have proven that in the big games they are more than capable of holding out opponents as they did in 2010.

Negatives:
Just like 2010, the Dragons have been exemplary in defence, but their attack has struggled largely. While their demolition of Cronulla at Kogarah in Round 12 proved they are capable of piling on points when provided an opportunity, in all their losses in 2015 an inability to score points when required has been a telling factor. The adage may be that defence wins big games, but as teams like the Cowboys and Raiders prove, an ability to score points is just as crucial and in some cases can be the difference in tight affairs. With the likes of Josh Dugan and Benji Marshall among their ranks, the Dragons will need to display their attack in the second half of the season if they want to challenge for the finals.

Best Player:
After a failed stint in Rugby Union, many questioned whether Benji Marshall would be capable of recapturing his best upon his return. And while many fans would be correct in predicting that the former Golden Boot winner had lost the unpredictability that made him a star; the former Tigers pivot has reinvented himself as a halfback capable of directing play, whilst still having moments of flair to bring crowds alive. Combining alongside Gareth Widdop in the halves, Marshall has been paramount to the Dragons revival and will need to remain consistent if the club is to make a mark in September.

Predicted Finish:
With a nice balance of clubs across the premiership ladder the Dragons should feel confident about returning to the finals for the first time since 2011, but with games against the likes of South Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane ahead, they will face fierce competition ahead.
Top 4 finish.

By the Numbers

Won: 8
Lost: 4
Bye: 2
Points Scored: 212 (13th)
Points Conceded: 155 (1st)
Placed: 3rd
Overall Ranking: 5th

Season So Far

Round 1 Dragons 4 v 12 Storm

Round 2 Tigers 22 v 4 Dragons

Round 3 Raiders 20 v 22 Dragons

Round 4 Dragons 12 v 4 Sea Eagles

Round 5 Knights 0 v 13 Dragons

Round 6 Dragons 31 v 6 Bulldogs

Round 7 Dragons 12 v 10 Broncos

Round 8 Roosters 12 v 14 Dragons

Round 9 Rabbitohs 16 v 10 Dragons

Round 10 Dragons 32 v 18 Raiders

Round 12 Dragons 42 v 6 Sharks

Round 13 Bulldogs 29 v 16 Dragons