The Wests Tigers turned in a superb second half to beat St George Illawarra 21-12 in Friday night's opening National Rugby League finals match, leaving the Dragons with an anxious wait to know whether their premiership defence is over.
Behind 12-6 at the break, halfback Robert Lui starred as the Tigers stormed home and the Dragons suffered a meltdown that looked to extinguish any hope they have of going back-to-back in 2011.
Wayne Bennett's coaching era could be over by Saturday night after his side appeared first to rediscover and then lose their mojo in the space of 40 minutes.
The premiers will exit the finals if two teams among the Warriors, North Queensland or Newcastle have upset wins in this weekend's remaining games.
