To prove how tough things have become at St George Illawarra, look no further than an incident before half-time against Penrith.
Damien Cook, who was celebrating his 250th game in the NRL, put through a chip kick for himself, chased hard, and watched Brian To’o casually turn around to grab the ball only to kick it from the winger’s grasp to score.
Cook punched the air in celebration, knowing the try had kept the Dragons in a game most thought they had zero chance of winning.
Referee Jarrod Cole sent the decision to the bunker, which ruled To’o had possession of the ball, so Cook was denied the try and the Dragons penalised.
The normally unflappable Cook vented his frustrations towards Cole, and continued to do so as the players came from the field at the break. The Dragons faithful booed Cole as he headed up the tunnel.
Had the try been given, the Dragons would have trailed 12-6.
The decision to deny Cook and the Dragons sums up a club out of luck. The 28-6 defeat is their 10th loss from as many games. Good luck hosting the high-flying New Zealand Warriors next Saturday.
The Dragons had a crack, but simply lack the class and polish that the competition’s heavyweights possess in spades.
Christian Tuipulotu should have had the first try of the night but panicked and was penalised for a double movement. Penrith No.1 Dylan Edwards came up with some excellent try-saving tackles.
Tom Jenkins bagged a first-half double to take his career tally to 18 tries. Who knows, maybe Dave Brown’s record 38 tries in a season, set in 1938, could actually be broken. He needs 20 more tries in 13 games. It sounds farcical, but so is his current season tally.
NSW coach Laurie Daley would have been relieved his Blues contenders, including Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Edwards and To’o, came through unscathed.
A lot happened at the western Sydney club during the week with coach Ivan Cleary announcing he would finish up at the end of 2027 – and assistant Peter Wallace would succeed him – but they were focused and got on with the job to round out the epic weekend.
They next have the bye and then host the Warriors in a potential grand final preview on Sunday week.
