Dragons survive Titanic comeback scare to book GF spot

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St George Illawarra Dragons v Gold Coast Titans

The St George Illawarra Dragons have survived a late scare to make their second NRLW grand final following their 24-18 victory over the Gold Coast Titans at Leichhardt Oval.

Things started brightly for the Gold Coast when the veteran Steph Hancock was able to wrong foot the Dragons defence to get through and score close to the uprights. The conversion from close range gave the Titans a 6-0 lead.

Ill-discipline saw any dominance that the Titans were able to develop disappeared and the Dragons who themselves had some very questionable moments in attack, started to take control. The Red ‘V' opened their scoring through Madison Bartlett after some good work put over in open space in the corner.

They may have trailed by 2, but momentum stayed with the Dragons as Emma Tonegato scored after the Dragons surprisingly (for this game) kicked the ball on the last and the Dragons flyer was able to get the ball down.

Discipline didn't improve for the Titans early in the second half and it continued to cost them when the pressure continued to mount and Jaime Chapman took advantage to hurdle defenders and get over the line. The Dragons soon after extended their lead through a penalty goal off the boot of Rachael Pearson.

The Dragons then put the game to what everybody thought was beyond doubt when Keeley Davis was able to get a short grubber kick away for the second time in the match but this time, she was able to chase through and ground the ball first.

If the game was beyond doubt, then nobody told the Titans as they created a remarkable final five minutes when Jasmine Peters got the green lights from the bunker after the Titans effort was initially ruled no try live on field.

Steph Hancock got the Titans their grandstand finish as she somehow got inspector gadget arms out to reach for a kick that was bouncing awkwardly for everybody. The conversion was successful and the Titans closed the gap to 22-16.

The Dragons move to their second NRLW grand final, whilst the Titans will reflect on a successful debut season.