South Coast Illawarra Dragons won their fourth SLE Laurie Daley Cup today steered superbly by fullback Jack Talbott in a 27-16 win over the Macarthur Wests Tigers at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.
Talbott kicked three conversions, a field goal and scored a try as he inserted himself into the play at every opportunity. He was awarded the John ‘Choc’ Anderson Medal for Player of the Match.
Match: Ill SC Dragons v M Wests Tigers
Grand Final -
home Team
Ill SC Dragons
away Team
M Wests Tigers
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
The win today continues the Dragons winning ways with previous titles in 2019, 2022 and 2023.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be an assistant coach when we’ve won which was great but to do it now as head coach of these brilliant young men is a real treat,” said Dragons mentor Adam Sargent-Wilson.
“They are inspiring players and they deserve this because they set out to do what they said they would do.
“In this wet weather they played exceptionally well, they were tough to keep building some pressure.
“I’m super proud of the way they worked all year and then to put it together so well in the Grand Final – unbelievable - I’m really happy for them.”
The Dragons shot out to a 12-0 lead midway through the first half with tries to centre Archie Wheeler and then bench forward Kye Lynch, who stepped off both feet to confuse Macarthur fullback Aaron Paea. Both tries were converted by Talbott.
But then the Wests Tigers started to peg them back.
Right centre Glassie Glassie accepted a pass from his five-eighth Tyson Walker and with a fend and a push he got over the line dragging Dragons halfback Lexin O’Dea with him.
Talbott potted an unexpected field goal in the shadows of half-time for a 13-6 lead at the break.
He extended that in the second half with a fine supporting try. Talbott passed to winger Jack Koster, who went on a 30-metre dash, but then found his fullback inside him to finish off the move.
The 17-6 lead was looking secure but then the Wests Tigers scored two tries in three minutes to reduce the margin to just one point (17-16).
First Glassie collected his second with another run to the line fending off two would-be tacklers, and then halfback Stirling Faumui sent a looping pass to Richards on the left wing, who crossed unmarked.
Talbott featured again in getting the Dragons nose further in front, when he slipped a pass to five-eighth Beau Baldock who put toe to ball and chased his own kick. Talbott missed the conversion but the momentum was with South Coast Illawarra (21-16).
And there it stayed after a break from Aidan Turner, who intercepted a Macarthur pass, led to Wheeler scoring his second in the right corner off the next play. Talbott converted from the sideline (27-16).
