The Wests Tigers have finished their 2009 pre-season in the best possible fashion, putting Shellharbour to the sword 70-4 in their final hitout before the NRL season proper.
More importantly the complete Wests squad came through without injury, which would please coach Tim Sheens heading into next weeks kick-off against the Radiers.
The Tigers attack was in full-swing, the side running in 13 tries in a one-way romp. Just under 5,000 local fans came to see the clash, with Benji Marshall capping off a fine team performance with a strong showing of his own, and some impressive work with the boot.
Taniela Tuiaki bagged 4 tries, the strong outside back having a top shelf game and looking like he could have rediscovered his early career form.
The powerhouse flanker scoring a late try off a slick Benji Marshall grubber to take the score to 62-0.
Potential fullback candidate Tim Moltzen did his chances no harm, the classy utility scoring 3 tries and centre Dean Collis also getting a double.
The game suffered some logistics problems, the oval losing power and lighting in the first 10 minutes – with players required to play in near pitch black conditions until order was restored.
The Shellharbour side saved face by jagging a late try, Dragons forward Neville Costigan scoring the touchdown for the feeder side in the final 10 minutes.