St Helens warm-up for World Club Challenge against Penrith Panthers with comfortable win over St George Illawarra Dragons

Last Updated: 11/02/23 11:41am

Alex Walmsley in action for St Helens against St George Illawarra Dragons in Wollongong

St Helens warmed up for next Saturday’s World Club Challenge against Penrith Panthers with a comfortable 30-18 victory over St George Illawarra Dragons in Wollongong.

Tries from Lewis Dodd, Jack Welsby, Tommy Makinson, Joey Lussick and Tee Ritson secured a morale-boosting win for the Super League champions ahead of their showdown with the Panthers next weekend.

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Saints flew out of the blocks in this NRL Pre-Season Challenge clash to lead by 10 points after 12 minutes.

Dodd pounced on James Roby’s clever grubber kick before Makinson held off two tacklers to feed the supporting Welsby near the try line.

Converted tries in the space of three minutes from Zac Lomax and Treigh Stewart, however, put the Dragons ahead just after the halfway point of the period.

Makinson kicked the Saints level and the wing then showed outstanding footwork to cut inside a couple of defenders and establish a 16-12 interval lead.

The second half was a tighter affair until replacement Lussick sneaked over from close range after 64 minutes and Ben Davies added the extras.

Saints claimed a fifth try when Ritson scorched over and Davies converted again.

Savelio Tamale scored with his first touch to give the Dragons late hope but Davies rounded off the scoring with a straightforward penalty.

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Sunday, February 12: Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters (Sky Sports Mix, 2.30am), Canberra Raiders vs Canterbury Bulldogs (Sky Sports Mix, 4.30am), North Queensland Cowboys vs Dolphins (7am), Brisbane Broncos vs Gold Coast Titans (9am).

Friday, February 17: Charity Shield – St George Illawarra Dragons vs South Sydney Rabbitohs (4.30am), Newcastle Knights vs Parramatta Eels (6.55am), Sydney Roosters vs Manly Sea Eagles (9am).

Saturday, February 18: Wests Tigers vs Canberra Raiders (Sky Sports Mix, 3.55am), WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE – PENRITH PANTHERS VS ST HELENS (7am), Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys (9.10am).

Sunday, February 19: New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm (Sky Sports Mix, 1.50am), Canterbury Bulldogs vs Cronulla Sharks (6am), Dolphins vs Canberra Raiders (8.05am).

* All matches on Sky Sports Arena unless stated

Sky Sports is the home of all three Super League Grand Finals in 2023. The Men’s Grand Final, the Women’s Grand Final and the Wheelchair Grand Final will all be live on Sky Sports next season.

The new Super League season starts on Thursday, February 16, with Sky Sports showing 66 live matches this year.