Round 6: Wests Tigers v Dragons preview
Rob looks at this weekend's clash between the Wests Tigers and the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Mergers eye consistency in Sunday afternoon showdown
Rugby league comes to Campbelltown for the first time this season with the Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra Dragons facing off in a battle of the joint ventures.
Producing their strongest start to a season since the onset of the pandemic, the Wests Tigers will be determined to rectify a dismal record at Campbelltown which has seen the joint venture lose their past eight matches at the venue.
Showing resilience on the road during last week's 26-16 defeat to the Dolphins, coach Benji Marshall has been forced into changes with Asu Kepaoa, Justin Matamua and Jake Simpkin coming into the squad in place of injured trio John Bateman, Samuela Fainu and Latu Fainu.
The Tigers have won just seven out of 27 matches at Campbelltown in the near decade since they last hosted the Dragons at the venue.
Beginning the year in form that has fluctuated to extremes in quality, the St George Illawarra Dragons will be hoping to continue a recent run of wins over their joint venture rivals.
Winning three out of their past four meetings against the Tigers, including last season's ignominious ‘Spoonbowl', coach Shane Flanagan has resisted the urge to wield the axe after the side went down to Newcastle 30-10 in torrential rain last Friday.
Elevating Hame Sele at the expense of Blake Lawrie, the match will take on additional significance for Jacob Liddle who will bring up 100 NRL appearances against his former club.
The Dragons have won two out of three visits to Campbelltown Sports Stadium against the Tigers.
Last meeting: Round 21 2023 - Dragons 18 Wests Tigers 14
Who to watch: After waiting seven seasons in the top grade to score his first career try, Alex Twal will be hoping to get his second on Sunday afternoon. Returning to the scene of his most memorable career moment, 27-year-old front-rower has provided reliable service off the bench through his yardage efforts and impeccable attention to defence. Beloved by supporters for his unfashionable contribution to the team, look for Twal to make the most of his time on the field.
Undergoing a remarkable transformation from a teenager sacked by the Tigers for failing to meet team standards, Moses Suli has developed into a pillar of consistency following years of dedication. Increasing his work rate over the first five rounds of the season, the 25-year-old Tongan international has averaged 150 metres to go with 11 tackle breaks. Currently in the midst of the longest try-scoring drought of his career, spanning 16 games going back to May last year, look for Suli to reap the rewards of his efforts with a four-pointer against his former club.
Favourite: Despite their last win at Campbelltown occurring in 2020, the merger of Western Suburbs and Balmain is favoured to get the job done off the back of a much-improved start to the season.
My tip: Finishing last season as the two worst teams in the premiership, the Tigers and Dragons have made significant strides under their new coaches to win two games each during the first five rounds. While neither side is expected to seriously challenge for the finals, the team that prevails on Sunday afternoon will go a long way towards avoiding the prospect of another miserable campaign. Dragons by 6.
