Not expecting a Dog fight
ST George Illawarra have survived a second-half blitz from Canterbury to register a tense 18-16 win and reclaim top spot on the NRL ladder.
The Dragons looked set for an easy win when they cruised to an eight-point lead at halftime but were left stunned as the Bulldogs scored two tries in the space of three minutes.
Having spent the first half failing to get around the Dragons’ defence, it was a Brett Morris linebreak through the middle that was the catalyst for Canterbury’s comeback.
Will Hopoate pounced on a Josh Jackson grubber soon after the Morris bust then the veteran winger also grounded a Matt Frawley kick not long after. Moses Mbye’s sideline conversion gave the Dogs a two-point lead with 30 left.
However, back-to-back Gareth Widdop penalties, the second of which came against Aaron Woods for a late shot on James Graham, gave the advantage back to the Dragons.