The third game on Saturday for NRL Round 23 is between St George Illawarra Dragons and Cronulla Sharks. The opening bounce is set to commence at 7:30PM with the game to be played at WIN Stadium. The favourite for the match is away team Cronulla Sharks. View our preview and teams for the game between St George Illawarra Dragons and Cronulla Sharks.

WIN Stadium

Saturday, 7.30pm

Featured Bookmakers:

St George Illawarra Dragons $3.65 vs Cronulla Sharks $1.28 at Sportsbet Australia get a $250 FREE BET on this match

St George Illawarra Dragons $4.00 vs Cronulla Sharks $1.26 at Luxbet Australia get a $500 FREE BET on this match

Odds Comparison by NRL Odds:

St George Illawarra Dragons	3.65	4.00	4.00	4.00	3.65	3.65
Cronulla Sharks	1.28	1.25	1.26	1.25	1.28	1.29

Preview:

St. George come into this local derby with only one win from their past seven games however, despite losing there last three in succession, they’re efforts have been commendable.

They’ve made the Raiders, Canterbury and Broncos earn each of those victories but with the loss last week of State of Origin pair in Trent Merrin and Josh Duggan with season ending injuries, it’s hard to find see the Dragons bettering their efforts of the past few weeks and winning here.

Cronullla hosted Newcastle last week and at home, were the favourites to make it three wins in a row.

The Sharks produced a strong and disciplined performance but were unable to deliver the knockout punch required that would’ve put the decision beyond doubt. This inability resulted in Newcastle able to produce a try with less than two minutes to go and snatch victory.

The Sharks remain on 26 points and with Knights, Titans and Raiders all within two competition points of the Sharks, who have a for and against in negative, they need a win here to ensure their spot in the top half of the table.

St. George have won three of their last four matches against the Sharks including the most recent, back in round 3 this year 25 – 12. That was the third time in succession that the total point score in a match between these two sides, has failed to break the 30 points.

Whilst St. George will struggle to get the better of the Sharks who should have more attacking options than their opponents, St. George are capable of being a nuisance here and the prospect of placing the Sharks under further pressure before the finals, will appeal to them.

Expect a close and low scoring affair with the Sharks at 1 – 12 the best option or total match points under.

Teams:

St George Illawarra Dragons: Jason Nightingale, Brett Morris, Chase Stanley, Daniel Vidot, Charly Runciman, Adam Quinlan, Nathan Fien, Jack Stockwell, Mitch Rein, Ben Creagh, Tyson Frizell, Leeson Ah Mau, Jack de Belin. Interchange: Matt Prior, Michael Weyman, Will Matthews, Josh Drinkwater

Cronulla Sharks: Michael Gordon, Sosaia Feki, Ben Pomeroy, Jonathan Wright, Beau Ryan, Todd Carney, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, John Morris, Bryce Gibbs, Luke Lewis, Jayson Bukuya, Paul Gallen. Interchange Isaac De Gois, Chris Heighington, Sam Tagataese, Anthony Tupou, Ben Ross

Retiring Fien catches league coaching bug

His NRL career might not yet be over but the coaching bug has already bitten outgoing St George Illawarra premiership winner Nathan Fien.

The former New Zealand international on Thursday announced he would draw the curtain on his 14-year career at season’s end.

But the 34-year-old Mount Isa product does not look like walking away from rugby league any time soon.

While he has started a finance business in Wollongong, Fien said he would take up a coaching role for the Thirroul Butchers in the Illawarra local competition next year.

“It (senior coaching) is something I would like to step into down the track but you have to serve your apprenticeship,” Fien said.

Fien made his debut with North Queensland in 2000 before moving to the Warriors in 2005 and the Dragons in 2009 where he won a premiership the next year.

His final match will be the round-26 match against the Warriors at WIN Stadium, with the joint venture out of finals contention.

“All good things come to an end,” he said.

“You strive during your career to try and win a premiership or just play in a grand final for that matter – we were lucky enough to do that in 2010.

“I have fantastic memories of that year.

“I had broken my leg in the first round, then to come full circle and be standing there with my Dragons teammates holding up the trophy is something I will remember forever.”

Fien played one State of Origin game for Queensland in 2001 but switched allegiances and ran out for New Zealand during the 2006 Tri Nations despite being ineligible to do so.

Fien legitimately qualified to play for the Kiwis in 2007 through residency rules.

“I really felt at home wearing the Kiwi jersey,” he said.

“You hear a lot of Kiwis talking about that special brotherhood – it’s hard to explain but there’s just something about it.

“Luckily enough, we did really well in the time that I was there, winning the 2008 World Cup and 2010 Four Nations.

“The people you go to war with, they are lifelong friends now.”