Market loses faith in St George Dragons

THE St George Illawarra Dragons’ position inside the finals may be secure, but a September impact is not expected from the big red V.

The Dragons are at $34 to win the NRL premiership despite having ensured their finals position a fortnight out from the close of the regular season. The move in the market comes on the back of a humiliating 38-0 defeat at the hands of the Canterbury Bulldogs on Sunday.

The Roosters ($3.60) still head the premiership betting market despite Saturday’s loss to the Broncos, while league leaders the Melbourne Storm are on the second line at the $4.25 quote.

The loss was a record defeat for the Dragons at home, who are now limping into the finals after losing six of their last eight games.

It has been a massive fall from grace for the Dragons, who sat atop the NRL ladder just under two months ago with a tilt at the premiership squarely in their cross hairs.

Club captain Tyson Frizell said the club is disappointed with their recent results.

“We had a goal to finish in the top four, which I don’t know if that is out the window …(but) the way we played today and not putting in a good performance was very disappointing.”

It is sentiments that are echoed throughout the NRL community.

Former Penrith Panther and current league media personality Mark Geyer said the club needs to find its best team quickly.

“Their team sheet yesterday looked like snakes and ladders — all these ins and outs. It was either going to be genius or it was late panic,” Geyer said. “He (McGregor) put Dufty on the bench then he came on and played like he’d been on the bench, like he’d done something wrong by the coach.

“Reimis Smith turned him inside out on a couple of occasions and that’s not like Matt Dufty.

“To be out on the bench and have so many changes before a crucial game like that, come on man.”

The Dragons final home and away game is against the Newcastle Knights on Saturday, September 1.