St George Illawarra vs Manly Results & Match Report - Round 19, 2022

The Dragons have gone home with a win in a crucial encounter against the Sea Eagles, winning 20-6.

On a rainy night at the Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, star midfielder Ben Hunt leaned back and took the lead.

The 32-year-old started the scoring with a quick run, sneaking under the attacking Sea Eagles defender.

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Hunt then lowered his head and dug his way to the test line to give the Dragons an early lead.

The Dragons haven’t lost in 2022 after scoring the first goal, and that trend continued after Hunt’s early try.

“He’s in purple patch form, Ben Hunt,” said Fox League’s Andrew Voss.

But, he didn’t finish there – scoring a goal from grubber Junior Amone just minutes later.

“Benny Hunt, just pushing, what a competitor he is, he’s the beating heart of this team,” said Corey Parker.

From there, the two sides went back and forth, with injuries plaguing the Dragon and Sea Eagle.

Fullback Cody Ramsey left the pitch, before Sean Keppie and Ben Trbojevic were unable to return to the pitch.

Sea Eagles enforcer Josh Aloai made a bold effort, scoring to inspire a bit of a comeback but it wasn’t enough for Des Hasler’s side who lost three men ahead of the game after testing positive for Covid-19.

Jack Bird put the icing on the cake, finding Mathew Feagui with a cut-out pass to cross untouched.

Read below for great takeaways from tonight’s clash!

RIDICULOUS DRAGON STAT AS A BIG CALL ANSWERED

The Dragons continued on with ridiculous stats, downing the Covid-affected Sea Eagles in an important meeting.

In 2022, whenever Anthony Griffin’s men scored on the opening try, they went on to win the game.

“When they scored on the first try they have won all their games this year, is that a sign?” asked Parker.

Pressure has been building on coach Anthony Griffin for a week after reports emerged his future was set to be a point of discussion at board meetings.

Reports also suggest there was unrest within the playing group, and Fox League’s Corey Parker believes the team answered when called upon.

The Dragons needed a crucial win to keep their final hopes alive, and played up the grit and determination they’ve lost in recent weeks.

“After a losing streak, it’s very important, critical that they find a way to do it,” Parker said.

By now, the Dragons had placed themselves in the same eighth place, rekindling their final chances and inspiring Griffin’s squad to advance after defeating the other final contenders.

‘PURPLE PATCH’ HUNT ACTIVE

Ben Hunt’s stellar season continued, scoring twice to give his side a first-half lead at the Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.

The 32-year-old’s future is uncertain as his contract expires at the end of 2023.

The Dolphins are said to be in hot pursuit, while the Dragons will be hoping they can do everything they can to defend their marquee man – and given another big reason why they should re-sign him on Friday.

Hunt had a hand in everything in his team’s crucial clash against the Sea Eagles, showing why Billy Slater backed him to start for the Maroons.

“He’s on a very very purple patch right now, in career-best form, we talked about that in pre-match, when the Dragons were doing well from behind Ben Hunt,” said Corey Parker.

Hunt made two attempts, two tackle breaks and one linebreak remaining with 430 yards of kick.

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LOMAX’S BIG MISTAKE

Center Dragons Zac Lomax is one of the most exciting outside defenders in the competition, and in his day was almost impossible to stop.

But in 2022, one big factor of his game has come under fire – film bait.

Lomax often found himself with his back to his winger, throwing the ball out without clearly seeing where the man was.

On Friday night, the 22-year-old again threw in a quick pass that also drove forward in what could be a pivotal moment.

“The ball has crossed the sideline, forward and sideline,” said Andrew Voss.

“I don’t want to curse the young man, but passed last week what was it, 20-all”

“It’s just part of Zac Lomax’s game that he needs to get the balance right, we know what kind of ball runner he is, we know he has all the skills but at that point, 14-6, 16 minutes away,” Parker said.

“He just needs to put his nose on the ground, keep Manly on this end, that’s all they need to do.”

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