The first game on Saturday is an enticing match-up between two sides that each hold a 4-6 record this year.
St. George made it two wins from four starts at Win Jubilee this year when they easily accounted for Parramatta last week. It was the first time this year the Dragons exceeded 30 points and only the second time that they surpassed 20.
Their attacking ability was given a boost with former Canberra fullback Josh Duggan making his debut with the Dragons and scoring two second-half tries.
Duggan’s inclusion did spark the Dragons attack and the win, after three successive losses, was a much needed one and has the Dragons placed twelfth on the ladder, one win outside the eight.
If there are to make it back-to-back wins, they’ll have to earn as they face a very much in-form Panther’s outfit whose only loss in the last month as been to Sydney Roosters (34-10).
Their three wins have been huge victory over Parramatta (44-12), a tight two point win over Melbourne Storm (12-10) and last week, a humiliation of the NZ Warriors (62-6).
The Panthers are travelling well, scoring plenty of points and keeping their opposition to only a few.
Having won two of the three matches (by four and one point) against the Dragons since 2010, they will hold no fears about travelling to Win Jubilee despite not having won away from home this year.
Expect a close match as a win by either side, could see them sneak into the top eight by the completion of this round.
TIP: ST. GEORGE 1 – 12 @ $2.90
Odds Comparison by NRL odds:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| St George Illawarra Dragons | 1.45 | 1.45 | 1.44 | 1.45 | 1.45 | 1.46 |
|
Penrith Panthers
|
2.85 | 2.85 | 2.85 | 2.85 | 2.85 | 2.85 |
Teams:
St George Illawarra Dragons:
Josh Dugan, Daniel Vidot, Chase Stanley, Matt Cooper, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Nathan Fien, Dan Hunt, Mitch Rein, Michael Weyman, Bronson Harrison, Ben Creagh (c), Trent Merrin. Interchange: Tyson Frizell, Matt Prior, Jack de Belin, Jack Stockwell, Cameron King
Penrith Panthers:
Matt Moylan, Travis Robinson, Lewis Brown, Dean Whare, David Simmons, Isaac John, Luke Walsh, Nigel Plum, Kevin Kingston (c), Tim Grant, Sika Manu, Matt Robinson, Adam Docker. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Mose Masoe, Clint Newton, Ryan Simpkins
