Struggling Saints need Benji - urgently

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CAN Benji Marshall save the disgraceful Dragons?

Marshall is almost certain to be rushed directly into St George Illawarra's side for Saturday's match against Parramatta after the Dragons were walloped 38-6 by Canterbury.

"It was a soft performance," lamented Saints coach Steve Price.

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Under pressure yet again, Price will find it difficult to resist pushing Marshall straight into his starting side in the halves.

Before Sunday, Price had reservations about exactly when to play Marshall, who hasn't played rugby league for nearly nine months.

Can Benji Marshall save the Dragons' season?

But Sunday's result will no doubt prompt Price to give the former Wests Tigers star a crack at the Eels. And it may just save Saints' stumbling season.

Asked whether he would name Marshall this week, Price said: "That's irrelevant. I will worry about that on Tuesday."

Is it too soon for Benji Marshall to play in the NRL? Source: News Corp Australia

Marshall might be able to attack — but he won't help St George Illawarra's flimsy defence.

"No excuses — it was a soft," Price said. "We are about being brutally honest. I'm not a bloke who minces his words.

"This is a proud football club and we know we are better than what we dished up.

"I'd like to think today was a one-off. We had a lot to play for, they are a quality football team.

'We will have to keep working hard, stick by your mates and pull through tough times."

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St George Illawarra were horrible on Sunday. They had nothing.

The Dragons have now lost five of their past six games as their season of promise quickly evaporates. It was an insipid effort.

They just couldn't match or overcome the giant Bulldogs pack. It was a mismatch.

Missed tackles, kicking dead from a kick-off, dropped ball, forward passes — Saints did everything wrong.

"There is no point sugar coating things," said Saints skipper Ben Creagh. "We dug a hole in the first half and kept digging."

Ben Creagh sits dejected after another try by Tim Lafai. Source: News Corp Australia

Canterbury has won six straight games and look headed directly for a top four finish. It will take one hell of a forward pack to dominate the Dogs.

The Bulldogs scored four first half tries to lead 22-0 at half-time.

Centre Tim Lafai, who wrote 'MUM' on the wrist strapping, celebrated Mother's Day with three tries.

The Dragons' chances were all but over after 40 minutes, some of their disappointed fans left ANZ Stadium with still 20 minutes remaining.

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Saints' kicking game in the first half was particularly poor, while Sunday's winning margin was a new record between the two clubs.

"I was very pleased with the first 40 minutes," said Canterbury coach Des Hasler. "It was pretty solid but we lost our way a little toward the back-end.

"They are a good footy side and we knew we had to come here with plenty of energy."

Hasler though is refusing to talk-up his side's performances.

Tim Lafai — with 'Mum' on his wristband — bagged three tries as the Bulldogs went top. Source: Getty Images

"We can't get ahead of ourselves," Hasler said. "We aren't through the rep period yet.

"Souths are coming good, so are the Roosters and Melbourne. There is still a long way to go."

With Manly and Gold Coast losing, Canterbury are now outright competition leaders. They look strong, big and organised.

"We have been fortunate to have the majority of the side on the field for the opening two months," said Bulldogs skipper Michael Ennis.

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