Dragons v Storm: Lawrie on track; Tui fills void
St George Illawarra are chasing a third-straight victory over the Melbourne Storm as they look to make a statement at WIN Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Dragons stunned the Storm in Melbourne in 2024 before edging their rivals 14-8 at Kogarah nearly 12 months ago and they're chasing a similar result in Wollongong this weekend.
Shane Flanagan's side did everything but return home from Vegas with the two points and shocked plenty of pundits by pushing the Bulldogs to golden point before a Stephen Crichton field goal broke their hearts.
Despite the loss, the result proved the Dragons are capable of matching it with the top teams in the competition.
St George Illawarra's defence was superb at Allegiant Stadium and new halfback Daniel Atkinson will look to build on a solid club debut when he runs on to WIN Stadium this weekend.
The Dragons will have to be at their best to topple the Storm, who ran rampant in a 52-4 win over Parramatta last week.
The win kept Craig Bellamy's remarkable Round 1 unbeaten streak alive but the focus is now on breaking down a staunch Red V defensive wall.
Pace and quick play the balls will be key for the visitors as they look to unlock the dynamic running games of Sua Faalogo, Harry Grant and Joe Chan.
Team News
Dragons: On the back of a narrow loss in Vegas, coach Shane Flanagan has kept the faith with the squad that pushed the Bulldogs to the limit. Prop Blake Lawrie has been named in the No.16 and will be chasing his first minutes of the season after missing out in Vegas when Mat Feagai was activated to cover for Moses Suli (HIA) and Setu Tu (cramps). David Fale and Jacob Halangahu dropped out of the squad on Friday.
Storm: Veteran Tui Kamikamica comes in at lock for Alec MacDonald (concussion) in the only change to the starting side that dismantled the Eels. Jack Hetherington returns from suspension and has been added to the bench. Preston Conn and Shawn Blore dropped out of the extended squad on Friday and will line up for Storm’s NSW Cup side on Saturday afternoon.
Stat Attack
- The Dragons have won their last two games against the Storm.
- The Storm have won their last three games at WIN Stadium.
- Dragons winger Christian Tuipulotu has scored six tries in his last five games at WIN Stadium.
- Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has scored six tries in seven games against the Dragons.
- Dragons centre Valentine Holmes has scored a try in his last three games against the Storm.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
