UPDATE: The Dragons are gearing up for a critical showdown against the high-flying Manly Sea Eagles after suffering a devastating 40-0 defeat to the South Sydney Rabbitohs last Thursday. With only two home games left in the season, the team is determined to reclaim their pride and finish strong.
The Dragons will face the Sea Eagles at Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah, at 5:30 PM on Saturday, followed by a match against the Panthers in Wollongong at 3:00 PM on September 6. Despite missing out on finals football, co-captain Damien Cook emphasized the importance of ending the season on a high note.
“We want to finish off the season well with a couple of wins, hopefully, and not toss up what we did against Souths,” Cook stated. He described the previous performance as “pretty disappointing, to be honest,” and highlighted the need for the team to stay focused and energized.
Cook noted that the first 20 minutes against the Rabbitohs were competitive, but errors and penalties led to a collapse. He dismissed concerns about players struggling to maintain their motivation at this stage of the season. “It should be very easy for us to get up,” he insisted, pointing to the opportunity for younger players to gain vital experience.
Head coach Shane Flanagan echoed Cook’s sentiments, rejecting the notion of using injuries or refereeing decisions as excuses. “If I start tossing up excuses, then I become one of the weak ones,” Flanagan remarked. He acknowledged the Rabbitohs’ superior performance and the Dragons’ failure to execute their game plan.
The Dragons currently sit 13th on the ladder, tied on points with the Eels and Rabbitohs but with a better points differential. With just two games remaining, the pressure is on to secure victories and finish the season positively.
As the team prepares for this weekend’s clash, the focus is on restoring confidence and momentum. The Dragons are determined to not only reclaim their pride but also set the stage for a stronger performance next season. Fans are urged to rally behind the team as they strive for redemption on the field.
Stay tuned for live updates and coverage as the Dragons look to bounce back in what promises to be an electrifying matchup against the Sea Eagles.
