St George Illawarra Dragons Beat Sydney Roosters 26-8 in NRL Pre-Season Challenge – February 2025
St George Illawarra Dragons Beat Sydney Roosters 26-8 in NRL Pre-Season Challenge – February 2025
The St George Illawarra Dragons started their 2025 season with a great win, beating the Sydney Roosters 26-8 in an NRL Pre-Season Challenge match on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah. With several new players joining the team, the Dragons showed off their fresh look. Let’s take a look at the key moments and what this win means for the team.
Key Highlights:
Shane Flanagan’s New Dragons Shine:
Under coach Shane Flanagan, the Dragons played exciting football in their first game of 2025. The new players helped lead the way. Clint Gutherson, Damien Cook, and Valentine Holmes all made strong debuts.
New Players Make an Impact:
- Clint Gutherson played fullback and kept the defense strong.
- Damien Cook played hooker and made fast plays to help the team attack.
- Valentine Holmes worked well with Moses Suli in the centers, creating opportunities on offense.
Great Team Play:
The Dragons’ key players, including Kyle Flanagan and Lachlan Ilias in the halves, were key to the win. Emre Guler, a new front-row recruit, also impressed in his debut.
Roosters’ New Faces:
The Roosters had new players too, like Chad Townsend as halfback and Mark Nawaqanitawase, a rugby union convert, in the centers. Though some Roosters played well, the Dragons were too strong for them.
Game Breakdown:
The match kicked off with both teams trying to take control, but the Dragons quickly took the lead. Their strong defense and fast attack kept them in charge. The Roosters struggled to get their plays working.
Implications for the 2025 NRL Season:
This win gives the Dragons a great start in the Pre-Season Challenge. Besides winning, they earned points for tries, line breaks, and offloads. This boost will give them confidence going into the 2025 NRL season, where they will face the Canterbury Bulldogs in their opening game.
The Roosters will need to improve before their next pre-season match. Both teams will need to adjust before the season begins.
Standout Players:
- Clint Gutherson (Fullback): Played with strong leadership and calm under pressure.
- Damien Cook (Hooker): Made quick, smart plays to create chances.
- Valentine Holmes (Centre): Was dangerous with line breaks and strong defense.
- Kyle Flanagan and Lachlan Ilias (Halves): Worked well together to set up attacking plays.
- Emre Guler (Front Row): Had a great debut in the forwards.
Conclusion:
The St George Illawarra Dragons’ 26-8 win over the Sydney Roosters is a strong start to their 2025 season. With fresh faces playing key roles, they’re a team to watch. The Roosters will need to fine-tune their game before their next pre-season match. As the 2025 NRL season approaches, both teams will be ready for a competitive season.
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