Wests Tigers v Dragons preview - 2017 Round 5

v BYE at

Two sides predicted to have similarly disappointing seasons meet in Round 5 after contrasting starts to the year.

Despite their immense potential, much like the Warriors it seems as if the Tigers will never crack another Top Eight berth with their last finals appearance coming in 2011. In saying this, it was an improved performance from the Tigers last week when they raced out to an early 14-0 lead over the undefeated Storm side, only to fall 22-14. When you look at the statistics from that game it can be hard to pinpoint where it all went wrong - they only conceded one penalty, had a completion rate of 80% and missed 27 tackles compared to Melbourne's 44. Yet, when you watch the highlights package, you will see that the Tigers lacked some serious defensive resolve, not so much defending their own line but more so from inside Melbourne's own half. It was quite embarrassing to see Josh Addo-Carr and Cheyse Blair seemingly step through a defensive line that was non-existent and jog away for easy four pointers untouched. The frailties which Melbourne exposed within the Tigers' defence is concern for the home side seeing that this week they come up against one of the most powerful yet still underrated forward packs in the game. Interim coach Andrew Webster will be hoping that Jack Littlejohn can spark his side's attack in the absence of Luke Brooks (hamstring) which, despite the presence of a threatening back line ranks the worst in the competition following Canterbury's ten points posted on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, in perhaps one of the biggest shocks of the season thus far the Dragons came into Round 5 as they only side to have posted 100 points. Although the Sea Eagles, Cowboys and Roosters have all past that mark now they still only require fifteen points on Sunday afternoon to regain top spot in relation to points scored - a feat which should not be too difficult against a Tigers side with the worst defence in the competition, conceding just over 30 points a game. The Dragons have also rarely given their opponents many chances to crack their own line, seeing that they have missed the least tackles in the competition, made the third least errors and thus currently have the fourth best defence in the game. As mentioned earlier, however, much of this can be contributed to their forward pack who are beginning to gain a reputation as one of the best in the league this season with their starting forwards hitting the century and sometimes even 200 running metres, laying the platform for their surprisingly successful attack. If the Dragons pack gets on top of the Tigers, the game will be lost for the home side.

Last meeting: Round 20 2016 - Dragons 12 Wests Tigers 25

Who to watch: For the home side if their attack is going to be any threat, the spark has to come from fullback James Tedesco. After a dominant display against the Rabbitohs, Tedesco has failed to have the same impact, which is understandable when your forwards are struggling to give you any real platform to build on. In saying this, you cannot question Tedesco's effort and you would think that, if given early ball, he is certainly the one that can ignite the Tigers' struggling attack.

On the flipside, an unlikely threat for the Dragons has been recruit Paul Vaughan. He may not know the words to his new team's song yet he has certainly made up for it on the field, averaging 161 running metres and 32 tackles whilst being rewarded last week with his first try for the Red V. If the Tigers do not tighten up their defence the Dragons Prop could be over for his second try in as many games.

The favourite: The Dragons are well-backed favourites at $1.60 to continue the Tigers' early season slump.

My tip: The Tigers may have won last year's clash 25-12 but this year the Dragons look the better side. Their forward pack has been key to their success and will star once again on Sunday as we will see an exact reversal of last year's result. Dragons by 13.

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Jamal Idris 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Moses Suli 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Jack Littlejohn 8. Aaron Woods 9. Matt McIlwrick 10. Ava Seumanufagai 11. Josh Aloiai 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Elijah Taylor 14. Tim Grant 15. Sauaso Sue 16. Michael Chee-Kam 17. Matt Ballin

1. Josh Dugan 2. Nene Macdonald 17. Kurt Mann 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Josh McCrone 8. Russell Packer 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jack de Belin 14. Tariq Sims 15. Leeson Ah Mau 16. Jacob Host 19. Taane Milne

Referees: Henry Perenara, Matt Noyen; Sideline Officials: Rohan Best, Phil Henderson; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea;