NRL Round 4 Preview and Prediction - St. George Illawarra Dragons v New Zealand Warriors @ Kogarah Oval

St. George Illawarra Dragons v New Zealand Warriors @ Kogarah Oval
 
Preview - The Dragons have been the surprise packets to start 2017 and they will be looking to make it 3 from 4 when they take on the Warriors at Kogarah Oval on Sunday night. The Dragons’ forwards dominated the local derby last weekend as they survived a fast finishing Sharks to finish with a very impressive 16-10 victory at Shark Park. The Warriors, meanwhile, have stumbled and bumbled their way to just one victory from their opening three starts, despite playing their opening three games in New Zealand. Whilst their last two games have been played in greasy conditions, it’s been the Warriors’ attack that has really misfired as they conjured just 10 points against the Storm and 12 points against the Bulldogs. 
 
History - The Dragons have an incredibly dominant record against the Warriors having won 19 from 24 overall. The Dragons have won 15 of their past 17 games against the Warriors, however the Warriors did win the last meeting between the two sides 26-10 in Auckland. The Warriors are just 1 from 12 against the Dragons on the road in their history. 
 
St George Illawarra Dragons’ Scouting Report - The Dragons have once again named the same 17 that did the job at Shark Park. A feature of the Dragons’ game this year has been the aggression and dominance of their pack. The likes of Jack De Belin, Joel Thompson and Tyson Frizzel would be close to the most in-form back row in the competition as not only are they making in roads, but they are hitting hard in defence. 
 
New Zealand Warriors’ Scouting Report - The Warriors get a couple of massive inclusions for this clash with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck back from injury and Kieran Foran making his debut for the Club. The Warriors have looked a bit bereft of ideas in attack this year and, with too much revolving around Shaun Johnson, sides have been able to number up on him. Foran could well be rusty after close to a year out, however he will certainly give the Warriors some structure and presence in the middle of the field. 
 
Verdict - Dragons by 10 +
 
I just really like the way the Dragons are playing at the moment, and I don't like the way the Warriors are playing. I understand they get Tuivasa-Sheck and Foran back, however it will be the first time that combination has played together and it is going to take them time to gel. Foran, first up from such a long spell, I think will struggle a bit with match fitness. I just think the Dragons, if they bring that same intensity and aggression and consistency with their 80 minutes efforts, will overwhelm a Warrior’s side that for me has not even gone close to putting in an 80-minute performance so far this year. Throw that in with the Warriors’ poor form on the road over the last few years, and their shocking road record against the Dragons, and I reckon the Dragons are specials here to make it 3 from 4 and continue their great start to the season.