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The Dragons have moved into the top eight after ending the Titans’ season in Wollongong with a thrilling 32-16 win on Sunday, breaking a six-year finals drought.
After watching the Dolphins squander a golden opportunity to consolidate eighth place against the Bulldogs in Bundaberg, St George Illawarra pulled off a thrilling second-half win in the face of a fierce southerly wind at WIN Stadium.
Titans defender Keano Kini came close to setting an NRL record by carrying the ball for a staggering 354 metres – including setting up a scoring chance for Gold Coast on his team’s first touch return – but it was not enough as the Dragons struggled to hold on to a 20-point first-half lead.
The win puts them back in the playoffs and will see them face the Sharks, Eels and Raiders at the end of the regular season, while the Dolphins – now two points behind the Dragons but with a better goal difference – need to play the Storm, Broncos and Knights.
In celebration of Kieran Foran’s 300th NRL game, the Titans took the lead within 70 seconds when Kini made a long pass and assisted Jojo Fifita’s goal.
But that was the last joy of their encounter with a southern foe as the Dragons, inspired by Ben Hunt, scored five consecutive tries before half-time, including goals from the Couchman twins, Toby and Ryan.
Dragons stars Tyrell Sloan and Ben Hunt celebrate the try.Credit: Getty Images
In the second half, Keaney tried to spark the Titans’ spirits and it seemed like his plan worked when Jaden Campbell got the ball to his feet and followed up with a fortunate score as the Dragons defenders stood still.
Shortly afterwards, St George Illawarra prop Jack de Belin was sent off for an errant shot on Foran, yet the Red Vs kept their team intact with just 12 men remaining.
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