2026 R1 Sun - Canterbury 15-14* St Geo Illa @ Vegas

[Valheru]

Those who were predicting the Bulldogs as amongst the premiership heavyweights in 2026 need to book themselves into a padded cell. With the lack of creativity displayed today by its spine, they'll get annhilated by teams with greater attack (e.g. Broncos, Penrith, Roosters, Souths, Warriors). They rely on their forwards getting field position and grdinging. If that doesn't work, they don't look like they can create points.

The Dragons tried hard, but not enough of their forwards were wiloing to run hard with ball in hand, which kept them on the backfoot for much of the game. Koloamatangi and 2027 can't come quick enough for the Dragons based on what I saw today.

They were underwhelming to say the least but round 1 isnt necessarily a good guide of how things will turn out

 

[horrie hastings]

Ridiculous strip call. Bludger of a game, it deserved a draw.

F*ck Golden Point off all together, only half watched the game while at a bowling club hosting a disco, i thought we were going to have a draw in Las Vegas but the result at the end looked like the NRL and American punters wanted a result.

 

[glockers]

What a win for the Dogs over a heavyweight performer like the Dragons. Galvin clearly the best player in the world.

 

[Dogs Of War]

They were underwhelming to say the least but round 1 isnt necessarily a good guide of how things will turn out

Yep. Last year round 2 we beat Parra who had just come off a smashing by Melb 8-6. We finished top 4. You just have those sorts of games, and with 3 weeks before we play again, there is plenty of time to get reps in for what we want to do.

I'd be more worried if this is what it looks like come round 10. But early season is just throwing that rust off, especially the first 4 weeks.

 

[Black Panther]

Yep. Last year round 2 we beat Parra who had just come off a smashing by Melb 8-6. We finished top 4. You just have those sorts of games, and with 3 weeks before we play again, there is plenty of time to get reps in for what we want to do.

I'd be more worried if this is what it looks like come round 10. But early season is just throwing that rust off, especially the first 4 weeks.

I am already worried a Ref has taken control of deciding a match result.

 

[PANTHERMIKE]

Its been a long time since i've seen an apparent top 4 team have absolutly no idea what to do at the end of almost every set in the attacking 20.

The dogs looked like shit and had no idea how to score most of the game. We not the better team and given a clear leg up.

 

[Apey]

Its been a long time since i've seen an apparent top 4 team have absolutly no idea what to do at the end of almost every set in the attacking 20.

The dogs looked like shit and had no idea how to score most of the game. We not the better team and given a clear leg up.

*AOB intensifies*

 

[0neye]

GO STEVE

 

[Dogs Of War]

I am already worried a Ref has taken control of deciding a match result.

Dragons put themselves in that position though. They played a style of game where the only way they were going to win was by forcing a turnover to get field position. They never could get field position nor chance there arm to put things in their favour. While the Dogs did do those things from time to time. Dragons just tried to grind it all game even when they were on the up. So few attacking contested kicks in the air it wasn't funny.

 

[kurt faulk]

.

That obstruction call on the saints when gutherson caught a bomb and returned it was the worst I've seen. I've actually never seen it in a game before. Then to have the bunker ref justify it with an escort call was even worse.

Well, until I saw the "strip" call.

It's going to be a long year for saints.

.

 

[0neye]

 

[0neye]

 

[Dogs Of War]

.

That obstruction call on the saints when gutherson caught a bomb and returned it was the worst I've seen. I've actually never seen it in a game before. Then to have the bunker ref justify it with an escort call was even worse.

.

You know if it wasn't the Bulldogs and it was your team, you would think that is the right call. Otherwise if they get away with that, you will see that situation all the time with players escorting chasers so the fullback can just hide behind them.

 

[League Unlimited News]

A fuming St George Illawarra will write to the NRL and ask for a please explain following five contentious decisions in their heartbreaking golden-point loss to Canterbury.

It is understood the Dragons were finalising their plan of attack ahead of their return to Sydney.

However, this masthead has learnt the five moments which have infuriated St George Illawarra officials following their 15-14 defeat to Canterbury in Las Vegas.

The moments include:

– Ryan Couchman penalised in the dying stages of golden point for a strip on Bronson Xerri. Couchman claims he was just making a tackle. The Bulldogs went on to kick the matchwinning field goal moments later to secure the victory;

– The Dragons believe Jacob Kiraz knocked the ball on before fullback Connor Tracey scooped up the ball and raced upfield which put the team under defensive pressure. It was about a 60-metre change in territory and possession;

– The challenge which was not overturned when Setu Tu was penalised for running an escort before being pushed in the back by Viliame Kikau. Clint Gutherson had taken the ball cleanly and had marched up field;

– Crichton not being sin-binned for his high tackle on Tu after the winger caught a bomb. Crichton has not been charged by the match review committee; and

– A Moses Suli error being ruled a knock on which the Dragons believe went backwards.

The Dragons will now finalise their concerns before coach Shane Flanagan contacts the NRL’s general manager of officiating, Jared Maxwell.

Coaches are able to air concerns via an online portal where they can attach clips. The Dragons return home on Tuesday morning.

The most contentious call was the eventual game-deciding strip penalty awarded by referee Grant Atkins. The Dragons had already blown their captain’s challenge and could not dispute the call.

The decision will be the first to come under scrutiny since the NRL changed the focus of stealing the ball. In an email sent to coaches before last week they were told of the shift.

“Stealing the ball will be determined by the defending player(s) actions,” the email obtained by this masthead read.

“These actions may include striking at the ball, gripping and pulling at the ball or pulling a ball carries arm to dislodge the ball.”

The Dragons also lost the penalty count 9-3 while the ruck infringements were split at 2-all.

They will have the week off before taking on the Melbourne Storm in Round 2.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/revealed-the-five-controversial-calls-from-dogs-heartbreaker-that-enraged-the-dragons/news-story/790d33e6d06497b9ce6ec12a2dbfd567

 

[Warrimoo3]

What about the Moses Suli headslam and resultant HIA which was ignored?

 

[Big Pete]

Based on what I saw, the Dragons may not win too many games but they'll beat some quality teams if they can replicate that performance.

I'd be feeling happy if I was the Bulldogs. That was a quality defensive game and for the team to etch out a win in the dying seconds is great for morale. Now all the attention turns to Canberra and that will be a good test against the reigning minor premiers.

If I'm the Dragons, I'm looking at 2028 as our tilt towards the premiership. We've got Koloamatangi, Liddle, Stewart and Atkinson - we just need to know who can join them out of this squad. I thought Toby Couchman put his hand up and while he gave away the penalty at the death Ryan certainly looks like he can hold his own in the rotation. Something will have to give there but I'd certainly be looking to set some money aside for them.

I just hope they give Atkinson more of a license with the football. It was Cook and Gutho's team last night with Atkinson purely kicking into corners. I don't think that's a strength of his and the Dragons need more out of their halves. There were a few times where they should have spread the Dogs around but were just happy to ruck it up.

 

[Dogs Of War]

What about the Moses Suli headslam and resultant HIA which was ignored?

Get the video out and explain to me like I'm 5 how it was a headslam. It was just an effective tackle with multiple people in it. At no stage is anyone engaging with his head just they tackled him and he went backwards. It happens. Haywood is trying to lock up the ball which Suli had his arm out to the side which is why he lost possession of it.

Has Flanno Snr added this to his list of grievances with the game?

 

[This Year?]

*gets a coin and flips it 7 times*
Result: coin lands on tails 7 times.
*laughs*

 

[kurt faulk]

.

I completely forgot about the karaz knock on as the other calls were so bad.

How can a referee and touchie miss such a blatant touch forwards?

I'm not sure if both will be dropped or given recommendation for a job well done.

.

 

[0neye]