Utai injured as Bulldogs beat Dragons
The Bulldogs beat St George Illawarra 26-16 in their NRL trial at WIN Stadium on Saturday night, but the victory could come at a heavy price with winger Matt Utai suffering an ankle injury.
Utai limped from the field midway through the second half after an innocuous tackle left the Kiwi international lying on the ground writhing in pain.
It was a bitter ending for the Dogs after they had come from behind after trailing 16-12 at the break.
The injury to Utai is the last thing coach Steve Folkes would have wanted from the opening match of the season, but at least fellow Kiwi international Sonny Bill Williams came through his 40 minutes unscathed.
Utai had earlier scored to spark the second-half revival from the Dogs, with recruit Kane Cleal and lock Dallas McIllwain crossing late to seal the visitors' victory.
The Dragons remained scoreless in the second half, but that won't worry coach Nathan Brown after he chose to rest several stars after an impressive opening half.
Centre Matt Cooper and halfback Ben Hornby starred in the first 40 minutes while new recruit Simon Woolford was also strong at hooker.
Hornby, playing halfback after his first full preseason training for the role, opened the Dragons' account in the fifth minute when he dummied and spun his way across the line, narrowly evading a huge tackle attempt from Williams.
Cooper orchestrated the Dragons' second try in the 23rd minute when he created a 60m bust for Brett Morris, centre Wes Naiqama touching down on the opposite side of the field after quick hands stretched the Dogs defence.
Former Dragon Daniel Holdsworth helped keep the Dogs in the clash with one try and two conversions in the first half before he too was rested.
Prop Jarrad Hickey barged over from close range for the Bulldogs' other try.
Dragons fans were robbed of their first chance to see Mark Gasnier in his first match at five-eighth, the Test centre one of five late withdrawals for the home side due to a bout of influenza that swept through the club this week.
Adam Peek, Beau Scott, Ben Ellis and Tony Caine also sat out the game, but NSW centre Cooper, believed responsible for the illness ravaging the squad, was able to take his place in the starting lineup.
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