Dragons down Warriors 22-10 to blow race for NRLW title open
A POWERFUL performance from birthday girl Jessica Sergis helped St George Illawarra keep their NRLW campaign alive with a commanding 22-10 victory over the New Zealand Warriors.
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A POWERFUL performance from birthday girl Jessica Sergis helped St George Illawarra keep their NRLW campaign alive with a commanding 22-10 victory over the New Zealand Warriors at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
The Warriors were favoured to win but the Kiwis had no answers for the red-hot Dragons who put on an attacking show in a clinical performance.
Sergis celebrated her 21st birthday in style with a strong four-pointer and two try-saving tackles.
The Jillaroos star centre was knocked out last week against Brisbane but she responded superbly with a classy performance against the Warriors.
Outside backs Shakiah Tungai, Honey Hireme and Rikeya Horne also scored tries for the Dragons.
St George Illawarra’s triumph was particularly impressive given skipper Sam Bremner missed the match with a toe injury.
The Dragons now play the Sydney Roosters prior to Saturday’s NRL preliminary final at Allianz Stadium and Bremner is expected to return for the clash.
The Dragons must beat the Roosters and hope Brisbane defeats the Warriors in Melbourne to progress through to the NRLW grand final most likely against the Broncos.
This will ensure an entertaining penultimate weekend of the inaugural NRLW competition before the decider on NRL grand final day on September 30.
Dragons coach Daniel Lacey praised his team’s ability to fight back after conceding 26 points in the opening weekend against Brisbane.
“We took some confidence out of things we did well last week and I’m just really happy that the girls believed in that,” Lacey said.
“They did themselves proud. I spoke to them in the sheds about how they’ve played for their entire careers trying to impress someone or being told there are things they can’t do.
“I gave them an opportunity and they took it.”
Lacey reserved special praise for Sergis’ impressive effort.
“We’re so happy for Jess to score a try on her birthday,” Lacey said.
“If you give a young up and comer an opportunity and they take it — I couldn’t be prouder.”
The Dragons had a dream start when winger Shakiah Tungai intercepted a stray Warriors pass to race 80 metres and open the scoring.
Tungai converted to give the red and whites a 6-0 lead.
The Warriors were expected to dominate but they struggled in the humid conditions in the opening minutes.
This opened the door for the Dragons to charge to a 12-0 advantage via a runaway Honey Hireme.
The Warriors looked to have hit back but back-rower Alice Vailea dropped the ball over the line.
St George Illawarra controlled proceedings in the second half through their rock solid defence.
The Dragons extended their lead in the 39th minute when centre Rikeya Horne scored a special solo try.
Horne pounced on a perfectly placed Melanie Howard kick to race away and score.
Tungai converted to give the Dragons a comfortable 18-0 buffer.
The Warriors scored two late tries but it proved too little, too late as the Dragons kept their team’s maiden NRLW season alive.
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA 22 (S Tungai H Hireme R Horne J Sergis tries S Tungai 3 goals) bt NZ WARRIORS 10 (R Anderson-Pitman S Clark tries A Nicholls goal) at ANZ Stadium
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