WESTS TIGERS 34
BULLDOGS 12
DRAGONS 37
EELS 0
The Bulldogs' NRL title aspirations are in disarray after a shock defeat to the Wests Tigers last night cost them the minor premiership and could result in stars Luke Patten and Josh Morris being suspended.
The Dogs were blown off the park by a free-spirited Tigers side out of finals contention. The Dogs' six tries to two loss dropped them to second on the NRL table after St George Illawarra bounced back to form with a win over Parramatta to take the minor honours.
It was supposed to be the night the Bulldogs became the first club in NRL history to go from last to first in two seasons.
With halfback Brett Kimmorley already out with a fractured cheekbone until at least the third week of the finals, Patten and Morris could be further concerns for the Bulldogs after an upending tackle on Keith Galloway in the 43rd minute.
Galloway landed on his head and while the referees did not put the incident on report, it is certain to be scrutinised by the match committee on Monday.
In last night's other game, the Dragons - forced to fend off accusations of yet another late-season fade-out after three straight losses - responded with venom as they destroyed the hottest team in the competition with a stunning six tries to nil shutout.
Winger Brett Morris finished with a hat-trick of four-pointers to finish the highest tryscorer for the regular season with 22.
- AAP