Round 8: Dragons v Wests Tigers preview
Dragons host Tigers in a battle of the giant killers
A little over two weeks ago this clash looked about as enticing as a Tasmanian grown mango.
With only one victory between them after the opening five rounds, there was little to suggest either the Dragons or Tigers were nearing a jackpot, let alone in duplicate against some of the competition's high-flyers.
Two match clinching field-goals within the space of five days has breathed life into Michael Maguire. While Anthony Griffin was all chest after his Dragons topped the Roosters at the SCG.
Now this Sunday in Wollongong, they meet in what could be the match of the round.
Despite talk of a broken arm, Griffin has named Jack Bird in the halves while Josh McGuire's form resurgence has been rewarded with a starting spot. But as they shoot for three straight before a daunting road trip to Melbourne, the Dragons will have to do it without injured powerhouse Jaydn Su'A.
Also chasing a hat-trick of wins, Wests should be oozing with confidence knowing they've had St George-Illawarra's measure in the past four contests, including the last two at WIN Stadium.
Maguire isn't one to get ahead of himself, but a win here could potentially become five on the trot. With a fragile Sea Eagles next on the schedule followed by the Cowboys in Magic Round, Wests are well placed to write the wrongs of a winless opening five rounds.
On the downside, the Tigers will be without Daine Laurie. A knee injury will keep the scheming fullback parked up for some time with centre Starford To'a named in his place.
Oliver Gildart and Luke Garner will start in the centres, while upfront, the return of Kelma Tuilagi will help counter the Dragons' power though mid-field.
Last meeting: Round 12 2021 - Wests Tigers 34 Dragons 18
Who to watch: With just a single try assist to his name in the past fortnight, statistics alone don't do Jackson Hastings justice. Having left for Salford several years ago, the once maligned playmaker is now the unlikely saviour of Maguire's teetering ship.
Among a number of flashy teammates, Hastings is the calming influence. When a boring kick is needed to pin the opposition in a corner, it's Hastings. And when structure beckons, it's Hastings - the inspiration behind the Tigers' revival.
The same goes for Ben Hunt, three Dally M votes in the biggest home-and-away clash of the season says as much. Even if the No.7 is only half as good this week, the Dragons will still pose a major threat.
A match defining 40-20 on top of his side's only two try assists was Hunt at his best, and this week against Hastings, his nous and finishing qualities will once again be under the microscope.
The favourite: St George-Illawarra are favourites, not that it will concern the giant killing Tigers. Underdog status clearly fuels Maguire's preparation.
My tip: Despite Saints' stunning upset over the Roosters, there's a wave of momentum about the Tigers. And tipping against a side coming off wins over two legitimate top-four candidates spells danger, especially against a side backing up from a torrid Anzac Day clash. Tigers by 4.
