It’s shaping as the season’s surprise blockbuster and the outcome of the Dragons clash with the Bulldogs this weekend has major finals ramifications for both sides.
At the start of the season both sides were given next to no chance of qualifying for the finals, an understandable reality given their 2023 struggles.
Yet, both have overcome external doubt to be well in the hunt for finals football this season, leaving their Round 23 clash at Kogarah oval billed as “an absolute epic” by Fox League’s James Hooper.
Not only that, Hooper’s comments are a testament to the progression of both side’s this season, after they finished 15th and 16th last season.
While much has been made of the growth of the Bulldogs this year, a turnaround inspired by coaching brilliance and arecruitment drive previously billed as full of misfits, utilities – and Stephen Crichton – but has since been celebrated as a masterstroke.
Rightly so, the Bulldogs have received widespread plaudits for their consistent progression this year, which has seen them grow from top eight hopefuls into fringe premiership contenders.
But the Dragons have also improved heavily this year, inspired by their own coaching brilliance from Shane Flanagan and underrated, but impressive, off-season recruitment drive.
Speaking on Monday night’s NRL 360, veteran The Daily Telegraph journalist Phil Rothfield labelled St George’s 2024 recruits as “the red reject shop.”
Clarifying his point further, Rothfield noted “half of that team was unwanted at their previous clubs.”
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