Sloan shines as Dragons end Shield drought
ST GEORGE Illawarra young gun Tyrell Sloan has delivered a serious whack to his side’s wooden spooners tag, while also ending a Charity Shield hoodoo stretching 10 years.
On a night that was supposed to be all about South Sydney’s new No.7, it was instead the 19-year-old Dragons fullback who announced himself as Generation Now.
Better, he broke a Charity Shield hoodoo that goes way back to 2012.
While new Rabbitohs halfback Lachlan Ilias went only 60 minutes in his first major showing as Adam Reynolds’ replacement – succumbing to cramps midway through the second half – Dragons No.1 Sloan was in everything.
Apart from having a key hand in the Dragons’ first two tries, the teen almost bagged as many himself as the Red V ended a run of nine straight Shield losses.
Dragons No.7 Ben Hunt was also outstanding for a side ahead of only Wests Tigers in wooden spoon betting.
One of the few negatives for the Saints was an injury shortly before halftime to centre Zac Lomax, who left the field and played no further part.
The Dragons look ready to take on the critics in 2022 after a strong showing in Mudgee that was led by halfback Hunt, who surely remains a target for the Redcliffe coach Wayne Bennett with his contract due to expire in 2023.
Apart from playing a lead hand for the Dragons in attack, Hunt also booted a timely 40/20 and on at least two occasions made big defensive plays on his own tryline.
While one Shield win does not make a season, the Dragons looked strong enough to suggest they can contend for the top eight this year.
Meanwhile, in another trial match, the North Queensland Cowboys defeated the Brisbane Broncos 26-6.