The Dragons and Tigers will do battle today and both teams will be desperate to get an early win on the board after both teams had a disappointing 2019.
ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS VS WESTS TIGERS – SUNDAY 15 MARCH, 6:15PM, WIN STADIUM
St George Illawarra’s 15th-place finish in 2019 was the worst since the joint venture was formed in 1999, while the Tigers fell just short in coming ninth so both teams will feel like they need to lift to keep their fans positive heading into the 2020 season.
After a preseason that brought with it plenty of injuries, the Dragons are currently expected to go without Josh Kerr and Matt Dufty, who join the likes of Cameron McInnes and Korbin Sims on the sidelines.
The absence of those four big names leaves the door wide open for the Tigers to pick up a win, but they too have to overcome the loss of Moses Mbye to a knee injury.
Team news:
Dragons: Forward Josh Kerr (knee), who impressed at the Nines, is still a chance of playing after holding his spot on the extended reserves list with Euan Aitken. James Graham suits up for the first time in 2020 after missing the trials and will be joined in the front row by Paul Vaughan and Warriors recruit Issac Luke. Trent Merrin has been named on the bench in his return to the club while former Rabbitoh Billy Brittain is the back-up hooker. Captain Cameron McInnes (knee) and Korbin Sims (arm) are unavailable. Jacob Host and Adam Clune were the first to drop out of the squad 24 hours from kick-off.
Wests Tigers: Josh Reynolds moves from the bench to halfback in place of Luke Brooks who will miss the match because of a calf injury. Matt Eisenhuth was the other player to drop out of the squad on Saturday. Corey Thompson has won the fullback role and new recruit Adam Doueihi will play centre. Billy Walters gets the nod at hooker. Paul Momirovski (ankle) has been named on the extended reserves list. Co-captain Moses Mbye will miss round one with a knee injury while Russell Packer (foot) is out indefinitely.
Betting Insights:
- The away team has won five of the last six matches between St. George Illawarra and the Wests Tigers.
- The Wests Tigers have won five of their last nine matches outside of Sydney by a margin of 1-12 points.
- Five of the last six matches between St. George Illawarra and the Wests Tigers have gone UNDER the total match points line.
- Luke Brooks has scored a try in each of his last four away appearances against St. George Illawarra.
- Luke Garner has scored a try in each of his last four appearances.
- Tyson Frizell has scored at least one try in three of St. George Illawarra’s last six Round 1 matches.
- Mikaele Ravalawa has scored a try in five of his last six appearances in night matches in New South Wales.
