It wasn't perfect and it sure wasn't pretty but these are the games you have to bank early in the season. There's plenty to work on, but that's a good thing when you aren't playing well and still win. The dragons have been tough to start the year.
To not concede a try in that last 20 odd minutes was very gritty. Good to see with all the momentum against us, guymer in the bin, multiple injuries and the fatigue on a hot day we held in there.
A few points imo.
Moses and Paulo need to lift.
2 soft, soft tries. Not good enough.
Bailley has been very strong.
Russell is so reliable.
Tuivati is a weapon.
Walker was again one of our best players.
Doorey adds punch with every run.
Kautoga was hard to handle.
TDS is getting better and better. 2 great games in a row.
Onto the Panthers. Need to lift.
Replies
Winning poorly is a big part of winning in the NRL. Not all 24 matches will you be perfect. More likely 0 you are perfect.
But teams who can win ugly can be onto good things. Dragons have been in all 3 matches this season and haven't got it done. We have got it done twice.
Not saying we are onto top 4 or anything but winning ugly is fine here and there. Two weeks in a row, meh. But Penrith will start fast then suffocate you like an anaconda. They breathe off mistakes teams make when down by 20 odd. Capitalising off it.
Quickly i will say on Walker, i think today proved he is better suited against rotating and tired middle. His first contact defence is not what we need to start games. Still good but more valuable off the bench.
Agreed, if we are banking wins playing with so much to improve on, imagine what we are capable if we put it all together.
And Pezet still refuses to attempt tackling anything that runs at him