Dragons join Roosters in Grand Final

A Jamie Soward field goal was enough to earn St George a narrow 13-12 victory over Wests Tigers in the NRL preliminary final at ANZ Stadium.

The Dragons fought their way back from a 12-6 interval deficit to earn themselve their second Grand Final appearance in their history.

Michael Weyman barged his way over in the 9th minute for the Dragons but solid defence from Tigers fullback Mitch Brown denied the big prop his second try of the season.

The Tigers grabbed a 16th minute lead through winger Lote Tuqiri, who benefitted from the sleight of hand of halfback Robert Lui to score in the corner.

The Dragons surged downfield in search of the equaliser which came after Wests skipper Robbie Farah prevented Dragons hooker Dean Young grounding the ball for a try.

Following a number of attacking sets on the Tigers’ line, Jeremy Smith levelled the scores by wrestling over in the 28th minute.

But Liam Fulton popped a pass for halfback Lui to dart under the posts and re-establish the Tigers’ lead 12-6 at half time.

The momentum of the game took another swing ten minutes into the second period when a break by Dragons centre Mark Gasnier lead to winger Jason Nightingale crossing under the posts.

An arm wrestle between the two teams continued until Jamie Soward nudged his side in front at 13-12 with a 73rd minute field goal.

A tense finish followed but the Dragons held on to book their place in the Grand Final.