ST GEORGE Illawarra Dragons five-eighth Gareth Widdop was adamant after the 19-12 heart-stopping victory over Penrith which kept the flame flickering for a finals berth that they must play better in the next two weeks.
There are two games left and the Dragons are on 26 points and meet Gold Coast Titans on Sunday, August 30, and then Wests Tigers on Saturday, September 5, at ANZ Stadium.
‘‘We know we can’t be playing like that in the last two games,’’ Widdop said.
‘‘We just have to forget about it and fix a lot of things.
‘‘It’s just great to get the two points and now we can focus on the Gold Coast.’’
The Dragons were stressed — tight as a guitar string — for most of the game.
The Dragons are eighth on 26 points and Manly’s shock loss to Parramatta on Sunday leaves the Sea Eagles behind them on 24 points.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor had two players placed on report, namely second-rower Jake Marketo and Tyson Frizell.
The NRL match review committee charged Dragons forward Jake Marketo, who is facing suspension for a dangerous throw on Penrith’s Latu Lelani.
Marketo will be suspended for one match with an early guilty plea and would risk a two-match ban if he unsuccessfully challenges the charge at the judiciary.
Frizell was charged with tripping Panthers fullback Will Smith but can escape a suspension with an early guilty plea.
Dragons prop Trent Merrin, who is leaving to join Penrith next year, played his final game at WIN Stadium on Thursday.
Merrin, 25, has signed for the 2016-18 seasons with the Panthers.
Prop Leeson Ah Mau worked hard as usual and fullback Josh Dugan, while not at his best, did some good things in attack and defence.
DRAGONS 19 (Peter Mata’ Utia, Gareth Widdop tries, Gareth Widdop 5 goals, Benji Marshall one field goal) defeated PENRITH 12 (Josh Mansour, David Simmons tries, Jamie Soward 2 goals) at WIN Stadium, Wollongong.
CROWD: 9145.
LEADER MAN OF THE MATCH: Gareth Widdop.