St George Illawarra’s dismal record at the Auckland Nines continued with a 32-11 loss in their opening match against Parramatta.
The Dragons were blown away in the six tries to two loss, having now won only three of their 10 matches in the tournament’s history.
St George Illawarra finished last in their pool in 2014 and 2016 and failed to advance to the quarter-finals in 2015.
Things started brightly for the Dragons when Jai Field showed great speed to score from inside his own half to give St George Illawarra a 4-0 lead.
But that was as good as it got for the Dragons, with a bonus zone try to Kenny Edwards and tries to Clint Gutherson and Suaia Matagi giving Parramatta a 17-4 half-time lead.
The Eels continued after the break, with a Jamal Fogarty bonus zone try extending Parramatta’s advantage to 24-4.
Patrick Herbert limped off for the Dragons before Gutherson and Corey Norman tries sealed the result.
Tariq Sims scored a late consolation for the Dragons.
St George Illawarra face Manly in their second Piha Pool match at 2.45pm (AEDT).
