The St George Illawarra Dragons were defeated 34-14 against the Sydney Roosters in the ANZAC Day match at Alllianz Stadium, Moore Park on Friday.
The Red-and-Whites scored three times in the encounter but it was not enough to mark prop Trent Merrin’s 100th first-grade game a positive one.
Head Coach Steve Price made several changes to the starting side with prop Tyson Frizell replacing Dan Hunt in the starting forward pack with the latter joining fellow prop Jack de Belin on the interchange in lieu of Leeson Ah Mau who was dropped off.
The Red V’s defence was put to the test early in the game when the Roosters five-eighth James Maloney went over but was held up.
It was deja-vu when Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce fell over the chalk but was ruled to be held up in the eighth minute.
A flaw in the Dragons defence saw Roosters lock Aidan Guerra find the line in the 10th minute to put the first points on the board.
Maloney successfully converted to take the visitors’ score to 6-nil.
The Roosters continued their momentum in the 16th minute when winger Daniel Tupou charged over the line to take the visitors’ lead to 10.
The conversion was successfully taken by Maloney to put another two point on the board.
Dragons skipper Ben Creagh fell over the try line from dummy-half in the 26th minute to put first points on the board for the home side.
The 36th minute saw Roosters fullback and Captain Anthony Minichiello fly over the line for another four points.
Maloney was successful converting from the sideline to take the visitors’ score to 18-4.
Dragons fullback Josh Dugan put in a grubber kick with 15 seconds to go in the first half to see centre Nathan Green ground the ball.
The Roosters came into the second half with a 10-point lead and added another four points in the 43rd minute when hooker Jake Friend leapt over the line.
Maloney successfully converted to make it 24-8.
The home side struck just after the hourmark through centre Gerard Beale who got his name on the score sheet.
Widdop converted successfully to take the home side’s score to 14-24.
The 69th minute saw Roosters prop Boyd Cordner dive over the chalk to take the visitors’ lead to 28-14.
Maloney’s conversion attempt was successful taking their score to 28-14.
The Roosters went over again in the 75th minute in the form of centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall.
Maloney was unsuccessful converting leaving scores at 34-14.
St George Illawarra Dragons 14 were defeated by Sydney Roosters 34.
St George Illawarra Dragons 14. Tries: Creagh, Green, Beale. Goals: Widdop (1/3).
Sydney Roosters 34. Tries: Guerra, Tupou, Minichiello, Friend, Cordner, Dowall. Goals: Maloney (5/6).
