The Dragons cruised to victory in a crucial clash against the Sea Eagles, winning 20-6.
On a rainy night at the Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, star halfback Ben Hunt put his side on the back and led the way.
The 32-year-old opened the scoring with a scintillating run, sliding under a charging Sea Eagles defender.
MATCH CENTRE: St George Illawarra Dragons vs Manly Sea Eagles, live scores, teams
Stream every game in every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership season live and ad-free during the game on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Hunt then put his head down and headed for the try line to give the Dragons an early lead.
The Dragons are yet to lose in 2022 after scoring first, and that trend continued after Hunt’s opening try.
“He’s in a purple patch of form, Ben Hunt,” Fox League’s Andrew Voss said.
But it wasn’t over there – a one-man goal from Amone Junior just a few minutes later.
“Benny Hunt, just pushing, what a competitor he is, he’s the heartbeat of this side,” Corey Parker said.
From there, both sides went back and forth, with injuries affecting the Dragons and the Sea Eagles.
Full-back Cody Ramsey left the field, before Sean Keppie and Ben Trbojevic were unable to return to the field.
Sea Eagles enforcer Josh Aloiai produced a valiant effort, scoring to inspire a slight comeback, but it was not enough for Des Hasler’s men who lost three players before the game after testing positive for Covid-19 .
Jack Bird put the icing on the cake, finding Mathew Feagui with a clipped pass to cross untouched.
Read below for the big takeaways from tonight’s clash!
STADIUM DRAGONS RIDICULOUS HOW THE BIG CALL IS ANSWERED
The Dragons have continued with a ridiculous record, toppling the Covid-hit Sea Eagles in a crucial encounter.
In 2022, every time Anthony Griffin’s men have scored the first try, they have won the game.
“When they score the first try they’ve won all their games this year, is that an omen?” Parker asked.
Pressure on manager Anthony Griffin increased during the week after reports emerged that his future would be a point of discussion at board meetings.
Reports also suggested there was unrest within the playing group, and Fox League’s Corey Parker believes the team responded when asked.
The Dragons needed a crucial win to keep their finals hopes alive, and played with grit and determination missing in recent weeks.
“After back-to-back losses it was critical, critical that they find a way to do it,” Parker said.
As it stands, the Dragons have settled into equal eighth, clawing back their final chances and inspiring Griffin’s men to progress after defeating another finals contender.
HUNT RODA’S “PURPLE PATCH”.
Ben Hunt’s stellar season continued, scoring twice to give his side a strong first-half lead at the Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
The 32-year-old’s future is uncertain as he is out of contract at the end of 2023.
The Dolphins are said to be chasing them, while the Dragons hope they can do everything they can to keep their marquee man, and were given another big reason why they should re-sign him on Friday.
Hunt featured throughout his side’s crucial clash against the Sea Eagles, showing why Billy Slater backed him to start for the Maroons.
“He’s in a really purple patch right now, in the best form of his career, we talked about it before the game, when the Dragons are going well, he’s behind Ben Hunt,” Corey Parker said.
Hunt recorded two tries, two tackle breaks and a lineout to finish with 430 metres.
MORE NRL NEWS
“YOU DON’T GO TO PIXAR”:Dragons star accused of leaking information
“REALLY MESSY”: Legend Smith’s big kangaroos fear in eligibility debate
COVID-19: NRL considers bringing back bubbles for finals as cases rise
WHISPERS: Dolphins deal sets Brooks out; Star of origin caught in the constriction of the cap
UGLY U-TURN: Slater and Freddy quit as Roos selectors without naming World Cup squad
LOMAX’S BIG Flaw
Dragons center Zac Lomax is one of the most exciting outside backs in the competition, and on his day he can be almost impossible to stop.
But in 2022, one major factor in his game has come under fire: the snap pass.
Lomax often finds himself with his back to his flank, throwing the ball without having a clear view of where his man is.
On Friday night, the 22-year-old again delivered a captivating pass that also traveled forward in what could have been a crucial moment.
“The ball has gone over the sideline, forward and over the sideline,” Andrew Voss said.
“I don’t want to curse the young man, but last week’s approval for what it was, 20-all”
“It’s just part of Zac Lomax’s game that he needs to get the balance right, we know the type of ball runner he is, we know he’s got all the skills, but at this point, 14-6, 16 minutes left,” Parker
“He just needs to put his nose to the ground, keep Manly in that end, which is all they have to do.”
Get all the latest NRL news, news and analysis straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
Follow all the action with our live blog below if you can’t watch it click here!