The St George Illawarra Dragons have well and truly stamped their mark on the competition with a commanding 44-6 victory over Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Saturday.
The Dragons were relentless from start to finish with a formidable attacking masterclass and gallant defensive performance helping them record their third consecutive victory.
Jonus Pearson impressed with two tries while livewire fullback Tristian Sailor and Reece Robson also starred with four-pointers of their own.
The Blacktown Workers have been unable to take confidence from their big win over South Sydney in Round 4 with back-to-back losses, and will now take on the ladder leaders, Mounties, next Sunday.
it was the Dragons who were first to trouble the scorers with Charly Runciman barging over the line courtesy off some beautiful service from five-eighth Jai Field.
Halves partner Adam Clune followed suit shortly after with a nicely-timed pass to send Tristan Sailor over the stripe, giving his side a 12-0 lead early in the contest
Blacktown would return serve, however, with a classy backline movement to help Alfred Smalley over the line – narrowing the Dragons’ lead to just six.
Eddie Blacker showcased his twister skills close to the line, barging over to score the Dragons third of the evening, before Former Brisbane Bronco Lachlan Maranta crossed out wide to give his side a comfortable 24-6 lead at half-time.
The Red V continued their first-half dominance immediately after the break scoring two four-pointers courtesy of winger Jonus Pearson and Reece Robson as they raced to a 34-6 lead heading into the final half hour.
Both sides created plenty of opportunities but couldn't capitalise before an error-riddled final stanza came to an end when Pearson crossed out wide for his second of the evening.
A try to Steve Marsters on the bell rounded out the scoring, with the Dragons running out 38-point winners.
