St George Illawarra Dragons and the Wests Tigers meet in Round 1 on Sunday, March 9 at ANZ Stadium. The match kicks off 3pm (AEDT).
What: NRL round one
Who: St George Illawarra v Wests Tigers
When: Sunday, March 9 3pm (AEST)
Where: ANZ Stadium
I can watch it on: Channel 9
Things you need to know: Adam Quinlan replaces the injured Josh Dugan (knee) at No.1 for the Dragons while the experienced Michael Witt has beaten Sam Williams to the half-back berth. Newcomers Mike Cooper and Joel Thompson will start from the bench, while Dylan Farrell begins his Red V career in the centres. Mick Potter has chosen four new recruits Cory Paterson, Marty Taupau, Keith Lulia and James Gavet in his 17.
Reason to watch: Rarely have two coaches been under so much scrutiny before a ball has even been kicked. If you believe the whispers and we've got no reason not to Steve Price has eight weeks to prove he should stay at the Dragons' helm. Mick Potter has a little bit more breathing space but will again start to feel the heat if the Tigers start poorly. There could be as much interest in the coaches' boxes as there is in the on-field action. We're also looking to see how young Tigers No.7 Luke Brooks measures up. And Gareth Widdop at 6 for the Dragons will find out how different life is away from the Storm.
Reason to turn away: It is 14th v 15th from last year. When this pair is bad, it can be as bad as it gets. Even when they're good, it can be bad. Let's hope a new year brings a lift in quality.
Say what: "An acceptable result is making the eight that's what we are striving for." Tigers coach Mick Potter
Final word: Two of last year's bitter disappointments meet, both hoping for a brighter 2014 to ease the pressure on their respective coaches. It's a real toss of the coin job but we favour the Dragons ever so slightly. Just don't ask us why. Dragons by 4.
Sportingbet odds: St George Illawarra $1.83 Wests Tigers $2.00
This preview came from Sportal.com
http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nr...ons-v-wests-tigers/1k1hyl6vmd6ly1j2l3k5lspoap
