In a disappointing showdown at Accor Stadium, the St George Illawarra Dragons endured their seventh consecutive loss, succumbing to the South Sydney Rabbitohs with a score of 30-12. Coach Shane Flanagan, hoping for a clean match to boost his team’s morale and potentially save his career, faced a series of setbacks throughout the night.
The Dragons initially took control of the game, scoring two quick tries from Cook and Stewart, briefly leading the match. However, calamity struck when Jacob Liddle suffered a suspected hamstring injury during the warm-up, forcing him out before the match even began. The team’s troubles compounded when Jaydn Su’A was sent off for a head-high tackle on Cameron Murray, further depleting their ranks.
Despite having an extra player on the field, the Dragons could not capitalise. Instead, the Rabbitohs’ Alex Johnston scored just before half-time, ensuring South Sydney went into the break with a 16-12 lead. Commentators noted the significant blow to the Dragons’ hopes as they failed to leverage their numerical advantage effectively.
The situation deteriorated in the late stages of the game. Su’A’s reckless tackle drew the ire of the crowd and ultimately resulted in his dismissal, leaving the Dragons even more vulnerable. South Sydney’s Latrell Mitchell shone brightly, scoring four tries, supported by Johnston and Matt Dufty.
Dragons captain Damien Cook expressed his team’s frustration post-match, recognising their struggle to maintain composure and follow their game plan amid mounting pressure. He noted that the squad is working hard in training and remains hopeful for improvement, although doubts linger regarding Flanagan’s future with the club.
While the Rabbitohs prepare to face the Storm next weekend, the Dragons must regroup as they look ahead to a challenging match against the Roosters. Overall, the evening proved tumultuous for the Dragons, who now face the daunting task of reversing their current form.