Sims double helps Dragons down Titans in points fest

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St George Illawarra Dragons v Gold Coast Titans

Defence wasn't the priority as the Dragons ran out 40-28 winners over the Titans at Kogarah to snap a five-game losing streak. 

While their season may have been over there were still plenty of reasons for the home side to get up for Saturday afternoon's game. 

James Graham celebrated his 400th top-flight game, Euan Aitken ran out for his 100th NRL appearance and Jackson Ford made his debut off the bench. 

Ford had impressed all year for the Dragons in reserve grade, his most impressive performance coming the week prior when he ran in four tries on the edge. 

Coach Paul McGregor certainly would have been pleased to have finally broken through for a much-needed win but it was far from convincing with their defence still an issue. '

And they will have to be far better with the Sharks and Roosters in the next two weeks.

Paul Vaughan opened the scoring in the fifth minute, setting the tone for what was a determined effort from the representative prop in which he made 34 tackles and ran for 237 metres.

The Gold Coast hit back next in spectacular fashion after a lovely exchange of passes ended with Brian Kelly going over out wide. 

But an error off the set after points handed possession back to the Dragons and Tariq Sims stormed over off a perfect short ball from Corey Norman - the five-eighth's second try-assist of the afternoon.

Gareth Widdop also impressed in his best performance since returning from injury, setting up three tries including the next one for Tyson Frizell off a smart kick back inside.

The Titans refused to go away though, an AJ Brimson break ending with Kevin Proctor scoring in the 38th minute. 

Brimson was a shining light for the Titans, running for over 200 metres, breaking the line twice and setting up two tries. He spelled danger every time he touched the ball.

Ben Hunt went over minutes into the second half to extend the home side's lead before the ball went through the hands of almost all of the Gold Coast players as Sami went over in the 50th minute.

Two quick tries to Sims and Euan Aitken gave the Dragons a comfortable 20-point buffer with just as many minutes remaining.

The game wasn't over yet though as Sami went over for his second off a lovely flick pass from Bryce Cartwright. 

They then went back-to-back as Brimson again provided the spark ending with Ryley Jacks finishing a length-of-the-field try.

The Titans threatened to steal the win late before a Jason Saab try in the final minutes sealed the result for the home side.

The Dragons have a tough test next week against Cronulla while the Titans host Parramatta.