Nightcliff Dragons keen to test defence in top of the table clash against Palmerston Raiders in Round 3

NIGHTCLIFF Dragons will be looking to test their new defensive structures when they face-off in a top of the table clash against Palmerston Raiders in Round 3 of the 2021 NRL NT season

Nightcliff's Brent Crisp has been key to the side’s development in defence this season. Picture: Glenn Campbell

NIGHTCLIFF Dragons will be looking to test their new defensive structures when they face-off in a top of the table clash against Palmerston Raiders in Round 3 of the 2021 NRL NT season.

The Dragons sit atop the NRL NT table after two rounds, having beaten Sharks 24-8 and South Darwin 76-0, but they will know the Raiders pose the biggest threat so far.

And while it’s only early in the season it’s the sign of a much worked on defence paying off that has most pleased coach Reg Rose.

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“I’m really happy with where we are at the moment and though we haven’t achieved a lot yet we can’t complain with two from two,” Rose told the NT News.

“It doesn’t matter who we play. We have to stick to our game plan and our defence has been a big part of that after we leaked a few too many points last year.”

Crisp has been an obvious boon to the Dragons’ A-grade unit, bringing skills and experience in both his playing and coaching roles.

But he hasn’t been alone in the shift in Nightcliff’s dynamic this season, with former Bears title winners Clint Chettle and Adam Hall also making their mark slotting right into the group.

Matt Woolmington brings plenty of creativity in the halves, while Jayden Jones has made some strong contributions proving his versatility across the field.

And the return of Tim Muhammad will add plenty to the Dragons’ offensive play.

But there’s no doubting the side will face some fierce opposition against a Palmerston side that dispatched Brothers 36-10 in Round 2.

Former Sunshine Coast Falcons star Tom Murphy will be up for another 80 minute showing for the side in green while captain and ex-Dragon Ed Murphy leads from the front in a strong forward pack.

“For us we have to worry about what we’re doing no matter who we’re facing,” Rose said.

“Nothing changes against Palmerston where our defence will once again be a focus and we want to get to the stage where we can frustrate them with our defence.

“Palmerston have a lot of strong forwards who will look to take us on in the middle so we’re looking forward to the challenge which will tell us where we are at.

“It’s all about attitude and making sure we’re in the contest. We have to frustrate teams with defence no matter who they are and our attack will flow from there.”

Meanwhile, South Darwin takes on Litchfield Bears, with both winless sides on the hunt for their first win of the season.

Reigning premiers Darwin Brothers will welcome the return of 2020 grand final best-on-ground player Nick Yarran when they face off against a confident Sharks outfit.