On Saturday, the St George Illawarra Dragons return to WIN Stadium, Wollongong for their Round 6 encounter with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. Here are five things to keep an eye out for.
Back in the Gong
For the first time in 2019, the St George Illawarra Dragons will run out onto the picturesque WIN Stadium for a competition game; their sights firmly set on claiming their fourth win in a row. Fans will have fond memories of WIN Stadium from last year, watching the Dragons win four of five matches there.
Neck and neck
After five rounds of the competition, both the Sea Eagles and the Dragons have won three matches and sit side-by-side on the ladder. The Sea Eagles also lost their opening two games of the year before clicking into gear and winning their last three matches.
Also endorsing the close nature of the contest; after six matches the Dragons have scored 108 total points, while the Sea Eagles narrowly have their beak in front with 109 total points.
Hunt v DCE
While both sides will be striving to claim the two competition points at the end of the match, Dragons halfback Ben Hunt and Sea Eagles halfback Daly Cherry-Evens, will attempt to lay claim to the Queensland Maroons halfback jersey
Both Hunt and Cherry-Evans have been no stranger to the jersey during Queensland’s decade of dominance, but as the Maroons team transitions into a new era, the role of halfback is still up for grabs.
Hunt exploded last week with his best performance of the season to date, while Cherry-Evans has been the shining light of the Sea Eagles three-match winning streak. This personal battle is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Fortress Win
While passionate Dragons fans have enjoyed a wealth of success at WIN Stadium, the same can't be said for the travelling continent of Manly supporters.
The Sea Eagles have travelled down the M1 eight times since 2003, and have only won once in that time. The Dragons hold a seven-game winning streak over the Sea Eagles at WIN.
The Dragons have scored 232 points in eight matches against the Sea Eagles at WIN Stadium. While in return Manly have only managed to cross for 120 points.
'Kids Big Day Out'
Saturday’s match will also feature the ninth annual ‘Kids Big Day Out’. The Kids Big Day Out is hosted by the Dragons each year for children with disabilities and their families and gives them a unique experience while watching the Dragons.
Over 200 guests from Aspect Illawarra, Para Meadows, and Peterborough School will be treated to a very special day with superhero appearances, face painting, a petting zoo, and plenty of food and drinks while watching the Dragons play on the field.
Written by James Coman.
