Rabbitohs too good for Dragons in Charity Shield points fest
Author
NRL.com
Timestamp
Sat 2 Mar 2019, 09:16 PM
St George Illawarra have been unable to finish a turbulent week on a happy note, going down 36-24 to traditional rivals South Sydney in Saturday night's Charity Shield clash.
The annual pre-season match at Mudgee's Glen Willow Oval drew 9027 spectators, who were treated to an entertaining 11-try affair.
Rabbitohs newcomer Corey Allan had a night to remember on the left wing, chalking up a hat-trick of tries, while fellow young guns Campbell Graham and Cameron Murray also stood out.
The Dragons were hoping to cap a tough week on a positive note after the controversy surrounding Jack de Belin.
But the Rabbitohs were having none of it, giving coach Wayne Bennett his maiden Charity Shield victory. Souths have won six of the past seven Charity Shield matches.
Graham got the ball rolling for the Bunnies, shrugging off Corey Norman's weak tackle attempt and crossing after two minutes. Dane Gagai's conversion gave the Rabbitohs the perfect start.
Souths were in again minutes later on the other side of the field, with Allan touching down. Gagai made no mistake with the conversion for a 12-0 lead.
The Dragons needed a quick response and they got it when Ben Hunt's pinpoint cut-out pass found winger Zac Lomax, who scored out wide. Gareth Widdop's conversion made it 12-6.
Rabbitohs winger Corey Allan.
Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos
The Rabbitohs trumped Lomax's try with Allan's second, which was confirmed after video replays. Gagai couldn't make three from three and it remained 16-6.
Centre Tim Lafai scored his team's second try 11 minutes from half-time, with Widdop's conversion trimming the gap to 16-12.
The fast pace continued and the Dragons surged ahead 18-16 with Lafai's second try in as many minutes.
The lead changed hands again early in the second half when Souths five-eighth Cody Walker scooted over untouched for a try, which Gagai duly converted.
Barely two minutes later the Bunnies were in again, this time through Murray. Gagai had no trouble with the conversion from in front for a 28-18 lead.
The onslaught continued with Allan notching his third try, but the Dragons kept plugging away and got back in the contest with Tariq Sims' try. Widdop converted to make it 32-24 with 21 minutes remaining.
The Rabbitohs hit back again, with Bayley Sironen's 68th-minute try providing valuable breathing space, especially when newly-signed Ethan Lowe botched the simple conversion attempt.
https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/03/02...awarra-dragons-in-charity-shield-points-fest/
