It was billed as the last game for stalwart forward James Graham before he returned to Super League and the other Red Vee club, St Helens. The Dragons were looking to build on their first win on 2020, secured last time out against the Cronulla Sharks.
That win put the Titans to the bottom of the table, on points difference after a very disappointing start to their campaign. Both sides knew that the win was crucial if their season wasn’t to be over before it had started.
After a high tackle by Josh Kerr on Ash Taylor, with just ninety seconds on the clock, Taylor pointed at the sticks and opened the Titans account.
After some good possession and position the Dragons took the lead with a twenty metre Zac Lomax jinking Run after he took a Matt Dufty pass and broke the line. Lomax converted his own try for a 6-2 lead.
Mikaele Ravalawa extended the Dragons lead on twenty-seven when he took a looping pass from Corey Norman to walk over in an acre of space down the right side. Lomax converted from wide.
Right on the stroke of half time Lomax slotted over a two point penalty after Gold Coast held down in the tackle. The Red Vee took a twelve point lead into the sheds.
Seven minutes after the restart the Dragons extended their lead thanks to a flying score in the left corner by an airborne Jordan Pereira. Lomax converted brilliantly from the touchline.
Three minutes out from the final hooter and some small consolation for the Titans as substitute Tanah Boyd dropped his shoulder and showed a clean pair of heels to go over under the sticks. Taylor added the two but it was too late to be any lifeline.
The Dragons failed to extend the lead as Lomax missed a late penalty but the Dragons had a 20-8 win to take the crucial points and coast to back-to-back wins.
Gold Coast Titans: Thompson, Don, Kelley, Tonumaipea, Sami, Taylor (2G), Fogarty, Fotuaika, Clark, Proctor, Cartwright, Arrow, Jolliffe. Subs: Lisone, Boyd (T), Hipgrave, Peachey.
St George Illawarra Dragons: Dufty, Pereira (T), Aitken, Lomax (T, 4G), Ravalawa (T), Norman, Clune, Kerr, McKinney, Vaughan, Frizell, Fuimaono, Merrin. Subs: Graham, Hunt, Lawrie, Host.
Referee: Chris Sutton.
Half-Time: 2-14.
Full-Time: 8-20.
Ground: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
