BENJI Marshall celebrated a win against his former club, Wests Tigers, and coach Paul McGregor took another step in his bid to secure the top coaching job.
The Dragons toppled the Wests Tigers 28-12 at ANZ Stadium on Sunday and Benji Marshall, who made his NRL debut 11 years to the day, was steady as she goes for the Dragons.
There is still no decision on who will coach the Dragons next season, but McGregor has five wins from eight games since taking over from Steve Price. His price in the betting stakes must be firming.
English international five-eighth Gareth Widdop was best on the ground, scoring two tries and kicking four goals.
Jason Nightingale, the game's most dependable winger, took his season try- scoring tally to 12, with another spectacular solo effort.
NSW forward Trent Merrin made an earlier-than-expected comeback from his shoulder injury against the Tigers.
The Dragons, who will wear ironman jerseys against the Roosters this Saturday night at Allianz Stadium at 7.30pm, will be hoping their is no chink in their armour.
The Roosters will don Captain America-style jerseys in the Marvel Superhero promotion.
In the Holden Cup, the Dragons won 28-26 to cement fourth position on the ladder on 28 premiership points.
Dragons 28 (Gareth Widdop 2, Gerard Beale, Brett Morris, Jason Nightingale tries; Gareth Widdop 4 goals) d Wests Tigers 12. Crowd: 22,168.
Do you think Paul McGregor will become Dragons top coach?
BUILDING FUTURES
The Dragons have have re-signed under-20s national youth cup and Australian schoolboy trio Jacob Host, Luciano Leilua and Hame Sele. Renown United junior Host, who can play as either a prop or second-row, has been signed for a further three seasons until at least the end of the 2017. Hurstville United junior Leilua and Kingsgrove Colts junior Sele, both of whom can play in the forward pack, have additionally been signed for a further two seasons, until at least the end of 2016.
‘‘It is pleasing to see that local juniors Jacob, Luciano and Hame have opted to continue their development with the Dragons,’’ said recruitment manager
Ben Haran.
NEXT ROUND
Dragons tackle Sydney Roosters at 7.30pm this Saturday at Allianz Stadium.
HOLDEN CUP
Dragons take on Sydney Roosters at 5.40pm this Saturday at Alllianz Stadium.
TRIVIA
Last week’s question asked who was the captain of the Dragons who won the 1977 grand final replay 22-0 against Parramatta. Answer: Steven Edge.
