NRL Round 23 Wests Tigers v St George-Illawarra Dragons Preview

The Dragons are just about out of contention but they will definitely be hoping that they can hand the Tigers the same fate in this game. Earlier on in the season, people would've been looking towards this game as a real blockbuster and a measure of how each side would do come the finals. Things have not gone to plan and both sides are struggling. Players that had previously looked unstoppable are now being found out in both attack and defence. They cannot help where they are now, only effect where they are going. Very philosophical, but for a team like the Tigers who can very easily have their season end in tears with another poor performance, they need to be sure that they're on song in their remaining matches. With nothing left to play for, the Tigers should be on their toes. It happens so often that you see a team bow out of finals contention after suffering a loss in a game that they really should've won. The Tigers are suffering from their fair share of injuries and it is tough for them but they must move past this. They should play to their strengths and take it to the Dragons in the forwards early. The under performing Dragons are also on notice, and very well should've been from the middle point of the season. Their coach Steve Price is beginning to stand on very thin ice and the Dragons club will not tolerate a poor end to a disappointing season. I have said it for a while, but he has to make the tough calls on players. He did last week with Soward and he came out in the NSW Cup and delivered a good, solid performance. There is a bit of money to be won out of this game so lets have a look at a dangerous clash for the Tigers.

Wests Tigers

Two players are in doubt in Beau Ryan and Gareth Ellis but are expected to take the field. The Tigers have a short turn around here from MNF and there is no surprise that as teams have to be submitted by Tuesday, they have gone with an unchanged lineup. It will definitely be a positive for the Tigers if they can have the same team that fought back from a deficit against Parramatta and then took them to the cleaners. Some players in that game will be thrilled with their performance as it meant a much needed return to form for them. They will be out to further build on that. Remember that the Tigers are just one loss away from slipping out of the Top 8. They should have their eyes on the prize here.

St George-Illawarra Dragons

As the Dragons search for more answers, their team again takes on a different view for this week. Their back line remains the same which is bizarre considering the game that Nathan Fien had against the Roosters. He is a great utility player but does struggle to steer the team around the park. Jamie Soward is recalled to the team after a stint in the NSW to keep him on his toes and he did the right thing by the coach in going down there and putting on a great performance. He is into the team at the expense of Cameron King. Jack Stockwell is also named and Jake Marketo is the player who disappears from the extended bench. It is very interesting to see coach Steve Price perserve with the same set of forwards each week even though they are losing. Whilst they are a solid pack, surely questions have to be asked about their toughness and ability to dominate opposition teams.

Recent History

Overall = Tigers 11 - Dragons 13

Last 5 games = Tigers 2 - Dragons 3

At Allianz Stadium = Tigers 4 - Dragons 1

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Tigers $1.55 Dragons $2.50
Centrebet = Tigers $1.62 Dragons $2.35
Sportsbet = Tigers $1.60 Dragons $2.40
Betfair = Tigers $1.65 Dragons $2.50

Verdict

The Tigers are the team in this game with everything to play for. The Dragons have their pride on the line again and some of the player will be playing for a spot in the side next season. Coming back into some form should see the Tigers be able to handle the Dragons but it will not be easy. They aren't exactly "back to form" but working their way there. They need to turn up with the right defensive attitude and not the one that they had against the Eels during the first half. The Dragons will not give up this game too easily either, but it should be two losses at Allianz Stadium in consecutive weeks.

Suggested Bet
Tigers -4.5 @ $1.90

Closer than you think = Tigers 1-12 @ $3 - The Dragons will always continue to fight to the end like they did against the Roosters and the tough defensive structure that they can sometimes exert, will be on display in this "rivalry". That being the case, expect it to be close.

Read between the lines = West Tigers 7-12 @ $5.50 - If you combine the thoughts of the sggested be and the bet above, you can come up with this option which can offer you plenty of value.

Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips