Gold Coast’s woes continue in dispiriting 42-16 loss to St George Illawarra
GOLD Coast’s woes have continued and the Dragons kept their finals hopes alive after the Red V ran out 42-16 winners.
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WAYNE Bennett was once hailed by St George Illawarra fans as their premiership saviour.
The same fans, pointing to the club’s roster rebuild and one finals appearance since his departure in 2011, blame Bennett for leaving their salary cap in tatters.
On Friday night, Bennett is tasked with shattering the hearts of his former club when the Broncos host the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium.
St George Illawarra could need to win all of their final three games to make the finals yet they have not won at The Cauldron since 2009 — a streak of nine losses.
They have also beaten the Broncos just once in their past 12 clashes — at Kogarah in 2015.
But as Paul McGregor, who’ll coach his 85th match to Bennett’s 601st on Friday, rightfully pointed out after the emphatic win over the Gold Coast, this side isn’t afraid of a challenge.
“Our finals started today,’’ McGregor said after the seven tries to three victory.
“We’ve got to win three of our last four and that was one today. Next week is another test.’’
Told the Dragons haven’t won at Suncorp in eight years, he replied: “Well, we haven’t had this side since ‘09.
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“I understand the challenge which is in front of us, but it’s a different group every year and different challenges all the time.
“We’ll have to improve in a few areas, especially defence. But we’re up for it.’’
McGregor produced a masterstroke, promoting the fast-moving Kurt Mann to half, instead of Josh McCrone, alongside Gareth Widdop.
McGregor described the Dragons’ first half in which they raced to a 22-0 lead as the best of their season and said he couldn’t possibly substitute Mann against the Broncos after he scored two tries by playing at pace and deep into the line.
“He’s worked hard through the week with the coaches, individually as well as with the team,’’ McGregor said.
“His performance was very solid.
“He’s got speed and it’s not just in attack, he’s aggressive (in defence) and likes to carry the footy, so he’s a running threat as well.
“He’s a young kid learning his trade, he’s a resilient young kid, who bounces back for his size.’’
Mann’s first try in the ninth minute began the Dragons’ roll.
His previous game in the halves was — coincidentally against the Titans — six weeks ago.
Despite their typical switch-off halfway through the second half to allow the Titans to bridge the gap to 28-10, the Dragons were always in control.
Like Mann, Jason Nightingale and Cameron McInness also scored doubles, while Tyson Frizell, who was used in short sharp stints, was his usual explosive self.
The Drgaons face the Broncos, Panthers and Bulldogs in their last three matches, aware that even one loss would turn what was a season full of promise into a waste.
But if they bring the speed, power through the middle and youthful energy of Mann and fullback Matt Dufty, who says they can’t do it?
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA 42 (K Mann 2 C McInnes 2 J Nightingale 2 J Thompson tries G Widdop 7 goals) bt GOLD COAST 16 (D Copley A Don P Vaivai tries T Roberts 2 goals) at UOW Jubilee Oval. Referee: Ashley Klein, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski. Crowd: 8,973
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