By Riley O’Leary for The Griffith Journal
May 10 2025
The Griffith Dragons have lost 16 points to 10 against the UQ Hounds in a tightly fought contest on Wednesday night.
In front of an energetic crowd at the Nathan Fields, a gritty defensive effort wasn’t quite enough for the Dragons to take home the two points.
The match started fast, with the Hounds scoring in the opening minutes before the Dragons hit back, leaving the score 6-4 in the Dragons favour after just five minutes.
The next 25 minutes was a tightly contested, defensive affair. Some great defence from the Dragons saw them keep the Hounds at bay, including defending multiple sets on their own goal line.
However, in the 30th minute, the Hounds broke the deadlock, giving them a 10 – 6 lead going into half time.
Dragons five-eighth Kien Selu crossed for his second try of the match ten minutes into the second half, coming off the back of some excellent Dragons defence just prior, squaring up the game at 10-all.
In the minutes following, the Dragons once again showed grit and toughness to defend their line repeatedly.
However, the Hounds crossed the line 10 minutes before full-time, eventually winning the match 16 points to 10.
Speaking post-match, Dragons coach Sione Malaloi was proud of his team’s effort against the reigning premiers.
“The boys really tightened up in defence tonight, they showed up for each other. I’m really proud of them.
“Apart from some little mistakes, I can’t fault them,” he said.
Mr Malaloi was impressed with his team’s defence, which he said was much improved after their first round performance.
“[Defence was] something we all felt played a big part in our last game.”
“So we doubled down and showed it tonight.”
Elaborating on this, Mr Malaloi had specific praise for his teams effort and heart in their performance.
“All the forwards had a really good game,” he said.
“Defensively, our little guys pulled it together.”
“We didn’t have size but our hearts, we really showed it tonight.”
Mr Malaloi said his team would continue to work on the “little things” going into next week, but also stressed that enjoying time on the field is key to his team’s success.
“When we’re having fun on the field, we’re making metres and creating a good game where the boys can come with a better outcome.”
Prop forward Devante Tupuanai was awarded the Dragons player of the match, while five-eighth Kien Selu also shone with two tries.
The Griffith Dragons now have three consecutive matches on the road, and will travel to Sippy Downs to play UniSC on May 14.
The Griffith Journal 
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