NRL: Kidwell in line for top job as Tigers set to axe Potter

Robbie Farah of the Tigers scores during the round 20 NRL match against the St George Illawarra Dragons. Photo / Getty Images

Wests Tigers have done little to prop up Mick Potter's tentative hold on the reins of the joint-venture NRL club after succumbing to St George Illawarra at ANZ Stadium at Homebush in Sydney yesterday.

All the pre-game focus was on reports Potter was set to be axed as coach at a board meeting last night - with his assistant, former Kiwis forward David Kidwell, a likely successor.

A win would have pushed the Tigers into the top eight at the end of round 20 but the enthusiastic Dragons were far too good before 22,618 fans in keeping their own finals hopes intact.

In the first half it was all the Dragons, five-eighth Gareth Widdop starring with two tries and three goals.

After the early softening-up period, which saw Tigers prop Keith Galloway leave the field with a shoulder injury in the 19th minute and not return, Widdop scored a minute later.

The England standoff chased down a Brett Morris kick after the NSW winger busted the Tigers' line.

Gerard Beale crossed six minutes later when Morris skilfully tapped down a Widdop kick and the playmaker scored his double on the half-hour when Mitch Rein broke out of dummy-half and toed inside.

In the 36th minute Adam Quinlan had a try disallowed for obstruction before Tim Simona was also curiously denied a four-pointer.

The Dragons took full advantage of that favourable call when Jason Nightingale produced a classic finish to score and St George Illawarra went to the sheds leading 22-0.

The Tigers admirably fought their way back into the contest after the break with Blake Austin dummying his way over seven minutes into the second stanza, before Robbie Farah dummied his way over four minutes later to claw the score back to 22-12.

A Widdop penalty goal stiffened the Dragons and then they created space out wide for Morris to cross for the match-sealing try.

In an interview with Channel Nine, Potter said he was keen to stay on amid suggestions it was a case of him or club boss Grant Mayer who would exit.

- AAP