League: Warriors tumble to Dragons

Dragons 22 Warriors 16

The Warriors revealed their usual frailties and foibles to drop yet another close game in Wollongong, the defeat at the hands of the Dragons yet another game that got away.

What hurt coach Ivan Cleary most was the 15th minute when the Dragons captain Trent Barrett sliced through on an angle from 20 metres out and scored untouched and near the posts for an easy kick.

"It was too easy and it was something we'd spoken about during the week," Cleary said. "He [Barrett] had been under pressure all week and when he did that I think it gave him confidence and it gave the team confidence."

There were other shocking moments: wing Manu Vatuvei showing rust after returning from injury with bad turnovers, and centre Clinton Toopi stood up and beaten twice when brought on to replace an injured Tony Martin.

The Dragons started without eight regulars when Mark Gasnier was left out and the Warriors admitted afterwards that they fancied their chances. But penalties and errors robbed them of momentum, they did too much tackling and when they did reach the Dragons' red zone they did not play like a team with ideas and invention.

They started well with three good early sets before Steve Price scored near the bar and Martin goaled for 6-0 after five minutes. A penalty followed, 8-0.

Then came the familiar drop-off, Barrett strolling up their middle then debutant Danny Wicks spinning in tackles to score.

Warriors rookie Simon Mannering was one of several individuals who played well, scoring after the Warriors won a scrum against the feed near the Dragons' line.

At 12-12 the visitors were in it at halftime. Then Barrett created two tries with his long balls wide to the wings. Clint Greenshields was over following a turnover from a penalty at 43 minutes and again at 47 minutes. At 20-12 the Warriors were playing catch-up yet again. Frustration set in and Sione Faumuina was lucky not to be penalised for shoving players. Martin went off with a bad cut and composure went with him.

"They were smart enough and we weren't good enough," Cleary said. "We had no momentum, we couldn't get a penalty or any kind of leg-up. Every time we got the ball it was deep in our own territory."

They did not have superstars in key positions ("that's what wins you tight games") and nor could they rely on good luck ("we're not getting the breaks").

They were still not able to compete for 80 minutes. "Individuals keep falling off their game, we can't afford that and we're still getting it," Cleary said.

Martin will be okay for the home game against Wests Tigers next Sunday and Vatuvei is expected to be available despite suffering a twinge in his injured hamstring.

Cleary said they had a point to prove against the Tigers: "I still think we can match it with most teams."