A crucial clash in Kogarah sees the Dragons searching for answers at the bottom of the ladder, while the Tigers aim to stay in touch with the top eight. With both sides under pressure for different reasons, this shapes as a pivotal moment in their seasons.
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Matchday Details
Saturday 4 July – 5:30pm AEST – St George Venues Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah
📺 Broadcast: Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Todd Smith | Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
St George Illawarra Dragons: 1. Clinton Gutherson, 2. Setu Tu, 3. Mathew Feagai, 4. Valentine Holmes, 5. Tyrell Sloan, 6. Daniel Atkinson, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga, 9. Damien Cook (c), 10. Toby Couchman, 11. Dylan Egan, 12. Hamish Stewart, 13. Ryan Couchman, 14. Jacob Liddle, 15. Luciano Leilua, 16. Josh Kerr, 17. Emre Guler, 18. Jacob Halangahu, 19. Lyhkan King-Togia, 20. Hame Sele, 21. Moses Suli, 22. Christian Tuipulotu.
Wests Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula, 2. Sunia Turuva, 3. Heamasi Makasini, 4. Starford To’a, 5. Jeral Skelton, 6. Jock Madden, 7. Adam Doueihi, 8. Terrell May, 9. Apisai Koroisau (c), 10. Fonua Pole, 11. Tony Sukkar, 12. Sione Fainu, 13. Alex Twal, 14. Josese Lanyon, 15. Bunty Afoa, 16. Alex Seyfarth, 17. Latu Fainu, 18. Faaletino Tavana, 19. Charlie Murray, 20. Javon Andrews, 21. Heath Mason, 22. Mavrik Geyer.
Match Preview
Super Saturday in Round 18 kicks off in Kogarah, with the Dragons hosting the Tigers. Both teams will be desperate for a win, but for very different reasons. The Dragons are searching for just their second win of the year, while the Tigers are aiming to stay within striking distance of the top eight.
Last week, the Dragons went down to the Raiders 24–16 in Canberra, further cementing their place at the bottom of the ladder. The Tigers also suffered defeat, losing 12–6 to the Knights to slip to 11th.
For the Dragons, Dean Young has named an unchanged side following last week’s loss.
The Tigers, however, have been forced into changes. Jarome Luai misses the match after delayed concussion symptoms following the loss to Newcastle, with Jock Madden replacing him at five-eighth. Taylan May is sidelined with a shoulder injury, with Heamasi Makasini coming into the centres. Alex Twal returns at lock, pushing Alex Seyfarth to the bench, while Charlie Murray replaces Mavrik Geyer on the extended bench.
The key for the Dragons will be targeting the Tigers’ defensive edges. Their forward pack has shown improvement in recent weeks, tightening contests and providing a better platform. Off the back of that, they should generate enough attacking opportunities to trouble the Tigers. Makasini is set to defend opposite Valentine Holmes, and after Dominic Young exposed that edge last week, the Dragons will likely direct plenty of traffic his way.
For the Tigers, the focus will be building their attack around Adam Doueihi. His running and kicking game have been central to the Tigers’ form this season. While his return last week didn’t produce many points, he was instrumental in setting up their only try in tough conditions. With better weather expected in Kogarah, this could be a bounce-back performance. Madden’s inclusion is also timely, with his previous combination alongside Doueihi playing a role in the Tigers’ three-game winning streak earlier in the season.
The Dragons have won three of their past four meetings against the Tigers, while Bunty Afoa is set to make his 150th NRL appearance.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Tigers by 6
Full Round 18 tips → /nrl-round-18-predictions-2026/
Bold call: Adam Doueihi scores a double to secure a tight win for the Tigers.
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Related
- Full Round 18 coverage → /nrl/2026-season/round-18
- NRL Round 18 Team Lists → /nrl-round-18-team-lists-2026/
- NRL Injury List → /nrl/injuries/
