NRL: Dragons stun New Zealand Warriors with dominant win
The St George Illawarra Dragons pulled off a 30-12 victory against the New Zealand Warriors at WIN Stadium on Friday evening, with Zac Lomax and Ben Hunt leading the way.
Lomax, who will be joining Parramatta Eels at the end of the season, displayed his potential for State of Origin selection by scoring 14 points, which included a try and a rare two point field goal.
The 23-year-old successfully kicked the field goal from 45 metres before halftime.
Then thrilled the crowd with a spectacular catch and try in the second half.
“Zac Lomax and the Dragons are putting on a clinic,” Cooper Cronk said on Fox League.
The Dragons surged ahead to a 30-6 lead before a late try by Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak gave some solace to the visitors.
Despite a lead secured by Shaun Johnson’s opening try in the beginning minutes, the New Zealand Warriors were overtaken by three quick tries from the Dragons before halftime, including Lomax’s impressive two-point field goal, leaving them trailing 18-6 at the break.
In the second half of the game, Lomax increased the lead with another try, followed by Tyrell Sloan scoring from a 90-metre run after Hunt picked up a ball.
The Dragons defence was outstanding, holding the Warriors to two tries despite the visitors having more ball possession and territory.
“I found our defensive effort most satisfying,” St George captain Ben Hunt remarked.
“We consistently denied them opportunities, which was very rewarding.
Keeping the Warriors to 12 points was quite an achievement.”
Lomax’s exceptional performance added to his impressive week, where he stood out against the Wests Tigers in round six of the NRL Premiership.
He ended this game with 176 running metres and 57 post-contact metres, catching the attention of NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire ahead of State of Origin Game I in 46 days.
Although they started strong, the Warriors struggled to maintain their performance and were ultimately outplayed by the Dragons, who were $2.50 outsiders with the leading NRL betting sites.
With this outcome, the Dragons now hold seventh place on the ladder while the Warriors remain in ninth position.
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