The Dragons head into this Round 14 clash looking to square their 6-7 ledger and keep in touch with the NRL’s top eight.
The mid-week addition of Tariq Simms and vision of Josh Dugan out at training has made for some interesting build-up to Saturday night’s contest.
Storm may appear to have the wood over the Dragons, winning seven of the past nine meetings but the men in purple have lost their past two games at WIN Stadium.
Here is what Craig Bellamy’s team will be considering as they look for their first win in Wollongong since 2005.
Be at AAMI Park when we take on the Tigers, Sunday 26 June, 4pm.
Dragons striving for consistency
St George-Illawarra have followed a ‘win one, lose one’ pattern over the past six weeks meaning history suggests after their loss to the Bulldogs a bounce back win may be on the cards. They have a defence that is currently ranked in the top half of the competition. Their attack has not been quite as potent, averaging just over 12 points per game, however the home side does have the strike power that could certainly get the job done. With Gareth Widdop and Benji Marshall steering the ship it may just be a matter of time before it all begins to click into gear.
Planning for Dugan to play
He has not played in over a month but the sight of Josh Dugan out at Dragons training could suggest the fullback could be in line for a shock return. The NSW back has not been sighted since undergoing elbow surgery in the lead up to Game I but appears to be closing in on a return. He may be at long odds to take his place in the No.1 but funnier things have happened.
Tariq in for Frizell
NSW’s gain appeared to be the Dragons loss when Tyson Frizell was rewarded for his stellar form with a call up to the Blues squad. However the Dragons appeared to have found in a ready-made replacement with Tariq Sims crossing to the Red V from the Knights earlier this week. It would be a tough ask to fly in and play with your teammates who you have just met only days ago yet the absence of Tyson Frizell may mean a fast-tracked debut could be on the cards.
