Adam SutcliffeSt George Illawarra bounce back for Nathan Brown
March 24th 2008 12:26
www.nrlnews.com
The St George Illawarra Dragons have burst back to life in Round 2 of the 2008 NRL season, accounting for the Gold Coast Titans at WIN Stadium in wet conditions. Already under the pump and in search of positive NRL Results, the Dragons wanted more than anything to win for coach Nathan Brown who is virtually unable to escape headlines these days.
Also copping some heat at the Dragons was prop forward Jason Ryles. The big prop already representing his country as a Kangaroo and of course playing for NSW in the State of Origin - but in recent years injuries and poor form have seen him become a much maligned player.
For the Dragons, it was a solid performance from their halves that helped them home. Rangi Chase and Jamie Soward were hot and backed it up by a solid kicking game that the Saints all proceeded to chase well.
Matt Cooper was at his attacking best, bagging a double and in his last 8 appearances at WIN Stadium he has scored a try on every occasion.
Late in the game, one of Coopers dasing tries off a Soward kick saw him hit the brick wall at WIN and knocked him around quite heavily.
The Titans however weren't totally woeful, while giving away penalties it was missed tackles that coach John Cartwright said cost his Gold Coast side dearly.
Captain Luke Bailey agreed and after a big win in Round 1, the 2nd Round of the 2008 NRL Season has seen the Titans come right back down to earth.
The Titans face Ricky Stuarts in-form Cronulla Sharks next week and the Dragons will be quietly confident as they face the Raiders in the ACT.
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