Dragons v Warriors: Molo to debut; Lodge departs immediately
The Dragons and Warriors featured in two of the more bizarre games at Magic Round, left to rue what might have been after going under in tense finishes.
Anthony Griffin's men went toe-to-toe with the Gold Coast for 89 minutes before Jamayne Isaako's try secured a golden point victory for the Titans.
The Warriors were blown off the park in the first half but four tries in 15 minutes dragged them back within two points with two minutes to play but the Bunnies held on.
After the Dragons this week and the Knights in round 12, the Warriors face Manly, Cronulla and Penrith in consecutive weeks so it's imperative they get some confidence and momentum up ahead of that tough stretch.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Dragons v Warriors
The Rundown
Team news
Dragons: Jack Gosiewski, who was named to replace Josh McGuire (groin), is out and is instead replaced in the run-on side by Tariq Sims with Tyrell Fuimaono joining the bench. Cody Ramsey starts at fullback in place of Tyrell Sloan, while Francis Molo's younger brother Michael will make his NRL debut from the bench. Francis himself will start at prop in No.18 after the Dragons retired the No.8 jersey this week in honour of the late Johnny Raper.
Warriors: Ben Murdoch-Masila will start for Matt Lodge after the prop was granted an immediate release from the remainder of his contract. Eliesa Katoa is the new face on the bench, while Jesse Arthars is 18th man. Euan Aitken returns from concussion to start in the back row alongside captain Tohu, who made his long-awaited return last week via the bench. Jazz Tevaga will play his 100th game for the club.
Match: Dragons v Warriors
Round 11 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Cody RamseyFullback for Warriors is number 1 Reece Walsh
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Winger for Dragons is number 2 Mathew FeagaiWinger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
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Centre for Dragons is number 3 Mosese SuliCentre for Warriors is number 3 Viliami Vailea
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Centre for Dragons is number 4 Zac LomaxCentre for Warriors is number 4 Adam Pompey
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Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mikaele RavalawaWinger for Warriors is number 5 Marcelo Montoya
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Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Talatau AmoneFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Daejarn Asi
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Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben HuntHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Shaun Johnson
Forwards
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Prop for Dragons is number 10 Blake LawrieProp for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
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Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Moses MbyeHooker for Warriors is number 9 Jazz Tevaga
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Prop for Dragons is number 18 Francis MoloProp for Warriors is number 15 Ben Murdoch-Masila
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Jack Bird2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Euan Aitken
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 15 Tariq Sims2nd Row for Warriors is number 13 Jack Murchie
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Lock for Dragons is number 13 Jack De BelinLock for Warriors is number 12 Tohu Harris
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Jayden SullivanInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Aaron Pene
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Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Aaron WoodsInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Bunty Afoa
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Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Michael MoloInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Freddy Lussick
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Interchange for Dragons is number 19 Tyrell FuimaonoInterchange for Warriors is number 18 Eliesa Katoa
Reserves
-
Replacement for Dragons is number 23 Josh KerrReplacement for Warriors is number 21 Jesse Arthars
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Sutton
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Key match-up
Ben Hunt v Shaun Johnson: Two of the NRL's most experienced playmakers go head-to-head in a battle of will and skill that could well determine the outcome of this one. Hunt is enjoying a fine season for the Red V with nine try assists and 27 tackle breaks, testing opposition defences with his incisive runs and vision. Johnson has copped plenty of criticism in recent weeks for taking some poor options on fifth tackle and being too lateral in attack but the 214-game veteran will have done plenty of soul searching and can be expected to hit back hard.
Stat Attack
The Warriors sit last in the NRL for offloads with 66 in their 10 games while the Dragons have produced 85 offloads, still well shy of the competition leading Raiders with 126.
Match: Dragons v Warriors
Round 11 -
home Team
Dragons
11th Position
away Team
Warriors
12th Position
Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
