In a thrilling contest at Jubilee Stadium, the St George Illawarra Dragons secured a stunning upset against the Melbourne Storm, winning 14-8 in challenging wet conditions on Saturday, March 29, 2025. This marks the Dragons' first victory of the season, a much-needed breakthrough for a team that has faced early-season struggles.
Head Coach Shane Flanagan, who had expressed frustration over his team's inability to close out games in previous weeks, was elated with the performance. "The Dragons get their breakthrough victory... off the back of a defensive display that at times needed to be seen to be believed," said Dan Russell, capturing the sentiment of the day.
The match was a rollercoaster, with both teams battling the elements and each other. Despite a lack of scoring opportunities in the first half, the Dragons held firm against a Storm side that was missing key player Jahrome Hughes due to a broken hand. The Storm, who came into the match undefeated, struggled to find rhythm in their attack, particularly with fill-in halfback Tyran Wishart at the helm.
The Dragons’ defense was tested early, and while they conceded a try to Ryan Papenhuyzen just before halftime, they rallied in the second half to maintain their lead. Jaydn Su’A and Toby Couchman delivered a crucial defensive play, driving Xavier Coates into the in-goal area, effectively sealing the game for the Dragons.
In a controversial moment, the Storm thought they had scored a second try when Eliesa Kaota flew through the air to catch a kick from Cameron Munster. However, the Bunker intervened, disallowing the try due to a suspected knock-on, a decision that left the Storm players and fans fuming.
Despite the miserable weather, which saw only 6,211 fans in attendance due to heavy rain and transportation issues, the Dragons' supporters made their presence felt, cheering their team on with relentless enthusiasm. The home side had to wait until the 31st minute for their first penalty, which was met with a chorus of boos from the crowd, reflecting the tension of the match.
David Klemmer made his club debut for the Dragons, starting at prop and contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts. Meanwhile, young back-rower Dylan Egan, a Gerringong Lions junior and Dragons Academy graduate, made his NRL debut off the interchange bench, showcasing the club's commitment to nurturing local talent.
The Dragons' lineup featured several notable changes, with Klemmer starting in place of Toby Couchman, who moved to the interchange. Mathew Feagai was named as the replacement player, while Moses Suli played despite suffering a rib injury in a previous match. The team’s strong performance against the reigning minor premiers highlighted their potential as they look to build momentum for the rest of the season.
Historically, the Dragons have performed well against the Storm at Jubilee Stadium, winning three of their last four encounters. This victory not only adds to that record but also serves as a significant morale boost for a team that had started the season on shaky ground.
As the Dragons celebrate this important win, they will look to build on their success in the coming weeks. The team still has areas to improve, particularly in their attacking strategy, as their halves, Lachlan Ilias and Kyle Flanagan, struggled to assert control during the match.
Next week, the Dragons will face another challenge as they prepare for their upcoming match, hoping to capitalize on the momentum gained from this victory. The fans will surely be eager to see if their team can string together consecutive wins and begin to climb the ladder in the 2025 Telstra Premiership.
For every ticket sold to this clash, the Dragons committed to donating $1.00 to the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation, supporting children with cancer and their families. This initiative reflects the club's dedication to giving back to the community, further endearing them to their loyal fanbase.
As the season progresses, the Dragons will need to remain focused and resilient, especially with key players like Klemmer and Egan stepping up to make significant contributions. With the right mindset and continued support from their fans, the Dragons could very well turn their season around and make a strong push for the finals.
