It has been dubbed the match of the year ? a high-speed, end-to-end, low-penalty-count, record play-the-ball game in the potential thriller that is the Dragons versus the Bulldogs at Kogarah tonight.
Historically, the Bulldogs do not like these matches, while the red-and-white army can never be sure which St George Illawarra team will turn up.
Throughout the 2002, 2003 and 2004 seasons, the Bulldogs lost every game in which 300 or more play-the-balls were recorded. The statistic reflects the mindset of the Bulldogs' big forwards who like a rest, and tactical kickers who can find touch for a breath-saving scrum.
Nor can we be certain the Dragons will seek a high-speed game. They've been in only two 300-plus play-the-ball games this season ? a win over Parramatta in round 13 (379 play-the-balls) and a win over Penrith (304).
Conversely, top-of-the-table Melbourne, punished early in the season for the grapple tackle, has capitalised on the rewards the referees now give defences and has won 10 of the 11 games in which more than 250 play-the-balls have been recorded.
However, Storm coach Craig Bellamy was more concerned about basics yesterday, ordering his players to get their minds on the job after a sub-standard training session.
He was clearly unhappy with the session at Princes Park ? which included several botched practice drills ? and let his players know it.
Storm is four points clear at the top of the table, but Bellamy is seeing warning signs in the lead-up to the traditionally tough encounter against the Knights in Newcastle tomorrow, where Storm has won once in eight games.
"There were some signs there (yesterday) that perhaps we weren't focused on what we were supposed to be doing," Bellamy said. Injured duo Scott Hill (ribs) and Antonio Kaufusi (knee) both trained yesterday and are expected to line up against Newcastle. Greg Inglis had his first contact session since being placed on the injured list with stress fractures in his back after the round-13 game against the Roosters.
Inglis was "pushing" to be included in next week's team against the Sharks at Olympic Park.
Historically, the Bulldogs do not like these matches, while the red-and-white army can never be sure which St George Illawarra team will turn up.
Throughout the 2002, 2003 and 2004 seasons, the Bulldogs lost every game in which 300 or more play-the-balls were recorded. The statistic reflects the mindset of the Bulldogs' big forwards who like a rest, and tactical kickers who can find touch for a breath-saving scrum.
Nor can we be certain the Dragons will seek a high-speed game. They've been in only two 300-plus play-the-ball games this season ? a win over Parramatta in round 13 (379 play-the-balls) and a win over Penrith (304).
Conversely, top-of-the-table Melbourne, punished early in the season for the grapple tackle, has capitalised on the rewards the referees now give defences and has won 10 of the 11 games in which more than 250 play-the-balls have been recorded.
However, Storm coach Craig Bellamy was more concerned about basics yesterday, ordering his players to get their minds on the job after a sub-standard training session.
He was clearly unhappy with the session at Princes Park ? which included several botched practice drills ? and let his players know it.
Storm is four points clear at the top of the table, but Bellamy is seeing warning signs in the lead-up to the traditionally tough encounter against the Knights in Newcastle tomorrow, where Storm has won once in eight games.
"There were some signs there (yesterday) that perhaps we weren't focused on what we were supposed to be doing," Bellamy said. Injured duo Scott Hill (ribs) and Antonio Kaufusi (knee) both trained yesterday and are expected to line up against Newcastle. Greg Inglis had his first contact session since being placed on the injured list with stress fractures in his back after the round-13 game against the Roosters.
Inglis was "pushing" to be included in next week's team against the Sharks at Olympic Park.
