St Helens down Dragons in World Club Challenge warm-up

© Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS Tommy Makinson (l) was a constant threat for English side St Helens as they overcame the Dragons.

Super League champions St Helens have tuned up for next week’s World Club Challenge against Penrith by beating St George Illawarra in an NRL trial game.

They showed flashes of brilliance in Saturday’s 30-18 win that will encourage them they can take it to the NRL premiers next weekend, highlighted by a stunning display from winger Tommy Makinson.

The result was not the start to 2023 the Dragons were after, having been expected by many to prove the NRL’s superiority despite finishing 10th last campaign.

St Helens had all 17 of their players from last year’s grand final and started at a blistering pace, scoring two tries in the first 10 minutes.

Halfback Lewis Dodd opened proceedings by grounding hooker James Roby’s grubber, before Jack Welsby crossed minutes later after a brilliant flick from Makinson.

The Dragons struck back through Zac Lomax, and exciting youngster Treigh Stewart showed his potential with a dashing try from fullback.

Makinson grabbed the lead back for the English side on 33 minutes before former Manly and Parramatta player Joey Lussick and Tee Ritson added second-half tries to blow the margin out.

The Panthers will need to be wary of Makinson. The winger looked a class above in scoring a try, assisting another and coming up with 152 metres of dashing runs the Dragons defenders struggled to cover.

St George went with their first-choice back five to start the contest while Moses Mbye played at No.7.

They are looking for a round-one halves partner for Ben Hunt, with emerging five-eighth Talatau Amone stood down over an alleged hammer attack.

Jayden Sullivan, the leading No.6 option in Amone’s absence, is battling a hamstring injury that has him racing against the clock to be ready for the season-opener.

Forward trio Jacob Liddle, Ben Murdoch-Masila and Nick Lui-Toso all had their first runs for the Dragons after signing in the off-season.

Stewart, currently on a train-and-trial deal with the Dragons, turned in an eye-catching display with five tackle busts and 95m to complement his stunning try.

Former Junior Wallaby Sevelio Tamale made a late impact, crossing for a try in his limited time on the field.