Before the Dragons take on the Newtown Jets for a place in the Canterbury Cup grand final, take a look back at their journey to the minor premiership and the finals series.
St George Illawarra 34 defeated Newcastle Knights 16
Round 4. Sunday, April 7, 2019
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
It took four rounds before the Dragons claimed their first win of the season with a comprehensive victory against the Knights in Newcastle. Their early-season losses had them placed down the wrong end of the ladder coming into the match.
A draw against the Mounties, and losses to both the Rabbitohs and Panthers, combined for a lackluster start to the season while the Knights opened their campaign with a big victory over the Newtown Jets.
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With a point to prove, the CC Dragons blew the Knights off the park much to the disappointment of the home crowd. It took 17 minutes before Jonus Pearson opened the scoring, but the Dragons would only claim a 12-4 lead at half-time.
Four tries in the second half extended the Dragons' lead and confirmed their first win of the season, propelling them onto a four-game winning streak.
St George Illawarra 24 defeated Penrith Panthers 22
Round 15. Saturday, June 29, 2019
WIN Stadium, Wollongong
The Dragons came up against a Penrith Panthers outfit with a clear plan to upset the home side, but a Darren Nicholls try stole victory in the shadows of full-time to elevate the Red V into first on the ladder.
The Dragons drew first blood after just two minutes when Jai Field fooled the Panthers with a dummy before racing 40 meters to plant it down. Both sides traded blows for the remainder of the half, but the Panthers ultimately claimed an 18-12 lead at half-time.
Four minutes into the second half, the Panthers extended their lead to 10, leaving the Dragons with a tough task of making up the deficit. Jackson Ford was the man to get the Dragons within reach of victory, burrowing over with 20 minutes remaining.
The match became an arm wrestle although Nicholls would prove the difference when he split through the Panthers' defence from close range. A Tristan Sailor goal put the hosts in front with five remaining on the clock to temporarily seal top spot.
CC Dragons match highlights: Finals week one v Bulldogs
St George Illawarra 24 defeated Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 22
Round 24. Saturday, August 31, 2019
Belmore Sports Ground
The Dragons produced a performance worthy of a premiership when they trumped the reigning premiers in this thrilling and gritty win which locked up the minor premiership.
The Dragons defence was rock solid to start the match and built the foundations for the impressive victory. The victory ensured the Dragons won the minor premiership following the Rabbitohs' shock loss to the Wentworthville Magpies later that day.
The Dragons showed plenty of character to finish as victors and backed up that performance the following week, again against the Bulldogs, in week one of the finals in a golden point thriller.
