Can Benji Marshall Revive the Dragons’ Ailing Attack?

Raiders Survive Spirited Dragons Comeback in Thrilling Clash

In a thrilling clash between the Canberra Raiders and the St. George Illawarra Dragons, the Raiders held on to secure a 36-26 victory. The match saw the Raiders take control in the first half, running in four tries to one and showcasing the standout performance of youngster Matt Timoko. However, the Dragons fought back valiantly in the second half, scoring three quick tries to put pressure on the Raiders. Ultimately, it was a try from Seb Kris in the 71st minute that sealed the win for the Raiders, their third in a row and the biggest of their season so far.

Matt Timoko Shines as Raiders’ “Weapon”

The standout performance of the match came from the young Raiders player, Matt Timoko. Timoko caused constant headaches for the Dragons‘ left edge, showcasing his power, speed, and ability to break through tackles. In the first half alone, Timoko scored a try, made nine tackle busts, three linebreaks, and ran for an impressive 169 meters. Despite suffering an injury scare at the end of the first half, Timoko overcame it to take the field in the second half and continued to shine. He finished the match with a total of 229 running meters, nine tackle busts, three linebreaks, and a double try performance. Both Fox League expert Cooper Cronk and Greg Alexander praised Timoko’s outstanding performance, with Cronk describing him as a “real powerhouse” and a “weapon” for the Raiders.

Jury Out on Jack Wighton’s Experiment as Lock

In a surprising move, Raiders star Jack Wighton played the match in the lock position instead of his usual five-eighth role. The decision was a result of Corey Horsburgh’s absence due to State of Origin duties, and coach Ricky Stuart’s desire for more experience in the middle of the field. Wighton’s move to lock meant Matt Frawley played at five-eighth. While the experiment seemed to benefit Frawley, who scored a try and set up another, it was a relatively quiet night for Wighton. He finished the match with 54 meters gained and 20 tackles, with two misses. The Fox League panel was divided on the success of the experiment, with Greg Alexander acknowledging Frawley’s contributions but not noticing Wighton much, while Cooper Cronk believed Wighton would have been more effective in a different role. Overall, the performance did not convince the panel that the experiment was a permanent solution.

Spirited Dragons Show Signs of Life

Despite their struggles throughout the season, the St. George Illawarra Dragons showcased their fighting spirit in the second half of the match. After trailing 24-6 at halftime, the Dragons scored early in the second half through Zac Lomax and mounted a remarkable comeback. Lomax and Mikaele Ravalawa were instrumental in the Dragons‘ fightback, with Ravalawa scoring a hat-trick and setting up a try. Talatau Amone also impressed in the halves, setting up three tries and recording four linebreak assists. The Dragons‘ spirited performance proved that they are not ready to give up just yet, earning praise from Greg Alexander for their determination and fight.

Overall, the match between the Raiders and the Dragons was an enthralling display of rugby league, with both teams putting on a show for fans. The Raiders’ victory solidified their position as a strong contender in the NRL Telstra Premiership, while the Dragons‘ comeback showed that they have the potential to turn their season around. As the season continues, both teams will need to build upon their performances and make necessary adjustments to remain competitive.