NRL Round 11 Preview and Prediction - New Zealand Warriors v St. George Illawarra Dragons @ Waikato Stadium

New Zealand Warriors v St George Illawarra Dragons @ Waikato Stadium
 
Preview - The Dragons will be desperate to end a 3-match losing streak which threatened to derail their season when they head across the Tasman to take on the Warriors at Mount Smart Stadium. Despite being extremely competitive against the Roosters, Storm and Sharks, the Dragons have dropped all 3 games, last week going down narrowly to their arch rivals in controversial circumstances. The Warriors have their own problems after coughing up a massive 22-point lead against the Panthers at Pepper Stadium last Saturday. Despite playing some scintillating football last week, the Warriors familiar mental and defensive frailties were exposed once again as the Panthers raced in 30 unanswered points in the second half. 
 
History - The Dragons have an incredibly dominant record over the Warriors, having won a remarkable 12 of their past 13 games against the Kiwi side. Earlier this season, the Dragons ran out comfortable victors against the Warriors at Jubilee Stadium, winning 30-16. Overall, the Warriors have managed just 5 wins against the Dragons from 25 attempts. 
 
New Zealand Warriors’ Scouting Report - Warriors centre Solomone Kata lasted just 1 match on his return from injury, picking up another injury with Ken Maumalo coming on to the wing. Kieran Foran was outstanding in the first 40 minutes last week against the Panthers, setting up a number of tries. 
 
St. George Illawarra Dragons’ Scouting Report - The Dragons have lost another one of their key players with Euan Aitken missing with a hamstring injury. That means youngster Tanner Miles comes into the centres to take his place with Gareth Widdop and Josh Dugan both remaining out injured. The Dragons will have been delighted to lock up Paul Vaughn for another 4 years after he had another outstanding performance for the Dragons in the front row last week. 
 
Verdict - Warriors by 1-6 in a low scoring game
 
I think the Warriors can win this game, given the Dragons are missing 3 key players in Dugan, Widdop and Aitken. By no means though do I trust the Warriors after their capitulation last week, and it will be interesting to see how they bounce back from that damaging defeat. Despite their horrendous record against the Dragons they have the talent to win this game if they can knuckle down and at least match the Dragons in the forwards. I’m sure the Dragons will compete for 80 minutes and I think this game will be closer than people think, however I just think the Dragons are struggling to score points at the moment without some of their key players, and the trip to Waikato comes at a tough time for them.