Round 8
St.George-Illawarra Dragons 28 d. Penrith Panthers 16

2007 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > First Grade Competition: NRL Telstra Premiership

Dragons end losing streak
Sun May 6, 2007
St George Illawarra's five match losing streak has ended defeating Penrith 28-16 in an uninspiring match on Friday night marred by refereeing decisions in the first half.

This clash was a classic example of what is wrong in the modern day game of Rugby League with both sides scared of losing the match, three tries that were clearly not awarded in the first half and the impact of the salary cap evening up the competition has in fact destroyed the standard.

Luke Rooney scored the opening try in the 7th minute that was awarded by referee Sean Hampstead when replays showed that it wasn't a try when part of Rooney's body was on the line when he tried to ground the ball. Michael Gordon rubbed insult into the wounds by landing a conversion from the sideline.

Wes Naiqama got the Dragons on the board in the 11th minute with a penalty goal and scores were leveled up when Jason Nightingale in his top grade debut crossed over in the 17th minute. Naiqama was unable to convert to break the deadlock.

Penrith regained the lead in the 28th minute with Gorden crossing over before more controversy in the match.

Matt Cooper crossed in the 33rd minute when replays showed that his arm also touched the corner post along with Rooney's and the video referee ruled a try.

More drama happened on the stroke of half-time when Chase Stanley scored following a clear forward pass.

The Dragons led 18-10 at the break and to be honest the TV set went immediately off following the decisions, the standard of play and how the modern game has gone wrong with the NRL's obsession on destroying the talent by evening out the premiership and also making the game a glorified version of touch instead of a real gladitorial contest.

Penrith did mount a comeback in the second half to trail 18-16, but two tries in the final ten minutes saw the Dragons emerge with the two competition points. After five successive losses since victory against the Titans in Round 1, the Dragons will be happy to get two points anyway they can whereas Penrith after a promising start are now locked in a battle with the Roosters and possibly other clubs for the wooden spoon.

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