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 The
Dragons today are coming to grips with their
shock elimination from the 2004 Finals after
the North Queensland Cowboys upset the Canterbury
Bulldogs last night at Telstra Stadium.
Going in as underdogs, the Cowboys were not
considered a chance against the high flying
Bulldogs outfit. But the North Queenslanders
had other ideas, running out winners by 30-22.
In last Friday's Panthers vs Dragons match,
Saints went down narrowly 31-30, after trailing
24-0. Under the McIntyre Finals system, they
required two out of the three lower placed
teams to lose their weekend matches. With
the Broncos playing the Storm in Brisbane,
the Bulldogs vs Cowboys at Homebush, and Roosters
vs Raiders at Aussie Stadium; the Dragons
had reason to feel they would advance despite
the loss.
The Storm played well to overcome the Broncos
before the Cowboys, considered rank outsiders,
outplayed the Bulldogs. Red hot favourites,
the Roosters then easily defeated the Raiders
the next day. But by then, the Dragons' season
was over.
Saints supporters can now look to the Premier
League side who defeated the Balmain Tigers
over the weekend. Minor premiers, the Dragons
are considered one of the teams to beat in
the lower grade, along with the Roosters.
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