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Jaydn Su'A sent a message to Maroons coach Billy Slater over his Origin axing as the Dragons hung on to down the Broncos 30-26 and leave their premiership hopes in tatters.

Su'A, who was a surprise omission from the Queensland side for Wednesday night's Origin decider, scored a crucial first half try and produced eight tackle breaks in 16 runs totalling 167 metres. 

The win lifts St George Illawarra into the top eight, while the Broncos languish in 13th spot after six consecutive defeats - a losing streak from which no team has recovered to win the premiership.

Dragons winger Christian Tuipulotu, replacing Blues star Zac Lomax, scored a hat-trick of tries, with his first coming after just seven minutes after a long pass by five-eighth Kyle Flanagan and quick hands from Moses Suli.

Christian Tuipulotu 1st Try

Billy Walters put the Broncos ahead for the only time in the match when he ducked over from dummy half in the 13th minute but a professional foul by Kotoni Staggs enabled Flanagan to level the scores through a penalty goal.

The Dragons did not score again until Staggs was due to return from the sin bin when Suli shrugged off Jordan Riki to score in the 25th minute and Tuipulotu crossed for his second try five minutes later.

Christian Tuipulotu 2nd Try

Su'A then gave the visitors a commanding 22-6 lead at halftime when he caught a kick, fumbled by Brisbane fullback Tristan Sailor, and charged over to score in the 34rd minute.

When Tuipulotu crossed for his hat-trick four minutes into the second half the game looked as good as over but star Brisbane playmaker Ezra Mam inspired a late comeback when he bounced his way over for a 55th minute try.

Ezra Mam Try

When Staggs scored in the 64th minute the 34,224 Suncorp Stadium crowd were set for a grandstand finish but a late tackle by the Broncos centre on Flanagan enabled the Dragons playmaker to kick another penalty goal.

However, a Blake Mozer try from dummy half and a determined run by Staggs to score in the 78th minute reduced St George Illawarra's lead to 30-26 but they managed to hang on. 

Match snapshot

  • The Dragons have won seven of their past nine games against the Broncos.
  • Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has scored seven tries in his past five games against the Dragons.
  • The Dragons had to overcome the loss of Raymond Faitala-Mariner in the warm-up due to back spasms, with Luciano Leilua shifting to the second-row and Ben Murdoch-Masila to the bench.
  • Jack Bird played the last 15 minutes at five-eighth for the Dragons after being a late inclusion on the interchange.
  • The Broncos have won only one of their past six games at Suncorp Stadium.
  • The Dragons had only won one of their previous 11 games without Ben Hunt.

Piakura levels De Belin

Play of the game

Jaydn Su'a Try

What they said

Broncos: Round 19

Dragons: Round 19

 

Acknowledgement of Country

Queensland Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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