Boosted by an upset win over the Panthers that has them outside the eight on differential only, the Dragons will look to heap more pain on Wests Tigers, who are riding an eight-game losing streak.
In the absence of inspirational skipper Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax and Jaydn Su'A, the new-look Dragons side rallied from 10-0 down at half-time to pile on four second-half tries at BlueBet Stadium to chalk up their sixth win of the season.
The Tigers, meanwhile, were using their bye weekend to try and refresh and re-focus on the task of climbing out of the cellar and avoiding a third straight wooden spoon.
The loss of back-rower Isaiah Papali'i for eight weeks to an ankle injury is a massive blow for Benji Marshall's men, but they do welcome back experienced centres Justin Olam and Brent Naden from suspension.
When the two sides met at Campbelltown Stadium in Round 6 it was the Dragons prevailing 24-12, so the Red V have good reason to be confident as run out on home soil at WIN Stadium with a place in the eight beckoning.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Dragons v Wests Tigers
Team News
Dragons: Origin stars Ben Hunt, Jaydn Su'A and Zac Lomax have all come into the side on Thursday after initially being named in the extended squad. Lomax will play wing and Hunt halfback with Sione Finau, Jesse Marschke and Ryan Couchman making way. Jaydn Su'A was initially named on the interchange but has come into the starting side on Friday night, with Luciano Leilua dropping back to the bench.
Wests Tigers: No Origin concerns with Brent Naden and Justin Olam both returning from suspension. Alex Lobb has been named on the wing and could take the goal-kicking off Api Koroisau, who is set for 80 minutes at hooker with Jake Simpkin departing the club. No changes one hour before kickoff, with Tallyn Da Silva to be 18th man.
Match: Dragons v Wests Tigers
Round 14 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Wests Tigers
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Tyrell SloanFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream Bula
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Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mathew FeagaiWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Alex Lobb
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Centre for Dragons is number 3 Mosese SuliCentre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Charlie Staines
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Centre for Dragons is number 4 Max FeagaiCentre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Justin Olam
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Winger for Dragons is number 23 Zac LomaxWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Solomon Alaimalo
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Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Kyle FlanaganFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Lachlan Galvin
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Halfback for Dragons is number 21 Ben HuntHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Jayden Sullivan
Forwards
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Prop for Dragons is number 8 Francis MoloProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu
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Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Jacob LiddleHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Apisai Koroisau
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Prop for Dragons is number 10 Jack De BelinProp for Wests Tigers is number 10 Alex Twal
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Raymond Faitala-Mariner2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Samuela Fainu
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 22 Jaydn Su'A2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Alex Seyfarth
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Lock for Dragons is number 13 Tom EisenhuthLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Justin Matamua
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 11 Luciano LeiluaInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Brent Naden
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Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Blake LawrieInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Fonua Pole
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Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Ben Murdoch-MasilaInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Sione Fainu
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Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Toby CouchmanInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Reuben Porter
Reserves
-
Replacement for Dragons is number 17 Ryan CouchmanReplacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Tallyn Da Silva
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Butler
- Touch Judge: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Adam Gee
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dragons have won four of their past five games against Wests Tigers.
- Wests Tigers have lost five from six away from home in 2024.
- Dragons fullback Tyrell Sloan has scored seven tries in his last six games at WIN Stadium.
- Wests Tigers have won four of their seven games at WIN Stadium.
- The Dragons have won both matches at WIN Stadium in 2024.
Match: Dragons v Wests Tigers
Round 14 -
home Team
Dragons
9th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
17th Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,
