The Dragons travel to Canberra on Thursday to take on the undefeated Canberra Raiders on their home turf. While we acknowledge fans can't attend the match, here are a few things to keep in mind on game day.
Kick-off – St George Illawarra Dragons v Canberra Raiders (NRL) – 8:05pm
Location – GIO Stadium, Canberra
Broadcasters – Channel Nine/9Now (free to air), Kayo, Foxtel, NRL live pass.
Don't forget to follow the Dragons' social media for exclusive behind the scenes access on game day.
Instagram - @NRL_Dragons; Twitter - @NRL_Dragons; Facebook - @NRLDragons.
Head to head
It will come as no surprise to Dragons fans that the Raiders hold the overall record against St George Illawarra. From 2008 to 2013, the Dragons lost nine straight times against Raiders, but in recent times the Red V have turned the tide.
Since 2014, the Dragons have won five of seven matches against Raiders including two of their past three encounters at GIO Stadium.
Tackle busters
Busting tackles is common currency for the big and powerful forwards of the game, but that hasn't stopped wingers Nick Cotric and Jordan Pereira from busting the most tackles in the competition.
Cotric and Pereira sit first and second respectively in the NRL for tackles busted. Cotric (25 tackle breaks) racked up an impressive 17 in Round 2, while Pereira (15) added five to his tally last week.
Both tackle-busting machines will come to grips on Thursday lining up opposite each other. Keep an eye on this contest as the match plays out.
This time four years ago
Four years ago almost to the day, the same fixture between Canberra and St George Illawarra took place. The Dragons travelled down to GIO Stadium and played the Raiders in Round 3 of the 2015 season.
The Dragons fought back from an 18-0 deficit to win 22-20 in one of the best comebacks of the season. The Raiders shot out of the cannon to claim the 18-point advantage, but a Trent Merrin four-pointer right on halftime got the Dragons on the board.
The nail in the coffin came from former Raider Joel Thompson, who scored with seven minutes remaining to give Dragons the lead and eventual victory.
In and out
Under the strict guidelines of the Covid-19 containment measures, the Dragons will travel to and from Canberra on the same day to limit contact with any personnel outside the NRL.
The 8:05pm kick-off gives the Dragons plenty of time in the morning before starting the two and half hour journey to Australia's capital.
