If there is one positive for St George Illawarra fans to take out of their loss to Parramatta it is that the 2016 season is – mercifully – almost over.
The Dragons suffered a 30-18 loss to the Eels on Monday night in Parramatta’s last game at Pirtek Stadium – a nod to the first game played at the ground between Parramatta and St George in 1986.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor dropped halfback Benji Marshall for the clash, replacing the former New Zealand international with Drew Hutchison who came in for his first game of the season – and fourth of his NRL career.
The game started slowly but burst into life when Semi Radradra caught Josh Dugan with a strong tackle under the ribs that left the NSW centre struggling on the ground.
Parramatta took the lead after 16 minutes when Radradra did brilliantly to find electric fullback Bevan French with an inside pass, after he had been found with a perfect cut out pass from Clint Gutherson.
French slid over for his 14th try of the season, with Michael Gordon’s sideline conversion giving the Eels a 6-0 advantage.
The Dragons lost representative forward Tyson Frizell to a knee problem after 25 minutes, who didn’t return until after half-time, where he bravely battled on after almost immediately suffering an ankle injury.
And St George Illawarra’s night got worse on the half hour mark when Parramatta scored a bizarre try.
Dragons forward Jacob Host was penalised after tackling Ken Edwards. But while St George Illawarra players were turning around to look at referee Adam Gee, Edwards took a quick tap and raced 20 metres untouched to score next to the posts.
But just as it looked as though the Dragons would go into half-time trailing 12-0, Hutchison produced a strong solo effort to halve the deficit, pushing off Jeff Robson and carrying French over the line.
St George Illawarra then lost Tariq Sims to an ankle injury before Parramatta re-gained their 12-point lead when French scored his second try, again after good lead up work from Gutherson.
Dugan had to be treated for an ankle problem of his own after 50 minutes before Parramatta scored the try of the game midway through the second half.
Gutherson and Gordon were involved before Brad Takairangi put a flat banana kick back towards the centre.
There were no prizes for guessing who was backing up on the inside, with French touching down for his hat-trick – his 16th try of the season in just his 12th game.
It was Gordon’s turn moments later when Takairangi produced a deft grubber kick in behind Kurt Mann for the former Cronulla winger to race through and score out wide.
Mann scored a late consolation for the Dragons after a brilliant step and flick pass from Tim Lafai, and then another two minutes later from a Widdop cross field kick.
The loss sees St George Illawarra remain in 11th place heading into the final round.
Their frustrating season ends when they host last-placed Newcastle at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on Saturday.
Another defeat could see the Dragons finish as low as 13th.
Leader Scoreboard
Parramatta Eels 30 (Bevan French 3, Ken Edwards, Michael Gordon tries. Michael Gordon five goals)
defeated
St George Illawarra Dragons 18 (Kurt Mann 2, Drew Hutchison tries. Gareth Widdop three goals)
at Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta
Leader man of the match: Bevan French (Eels)
Dragons’ next game: Knights (home)
