RUGBY LEAGUE: After a smashing start to the game and leading 22-14 over St George at half-time, the Mitchell Magpies were unable to finish the game as strongly.

With a full-time score of 42-26, St George claimed the win and the Rise Up Shield at Rowden Park on Sunday.

Magpies coach Glen Thomas was devastated with the result, after StGeorge was able to completely dominate the second half.

"I really just want to forget about the game,” Thomas said.

"We put the cue in the rack too early and they got away from us.”

Matthew Newton and Greg Hamilton proved to be the standout players in Sunday's game.

"Their workload was just massive,” Thomas said.

"They just kept going andgoing, even when the game was getting away from us.”

Newton proved to be invaluable, scoring two tries, with Daniel Bruce, Kimba Fien and Matt Beitz scoring a try apiece.

Playing this Saturday against top-of-the-table Roma Cities, who are coming off a 116-0 win against Taroom-Wandoan at the weekend, will prove to be the Magpies' toughest game of the season so far.

"We're definitely going to have our work cut out for us but we're up for the challenge,” Thomas said.

"Having the home ground advantage will hopefully work in our favour.”

In training this week, Thomas will be working with the players to improve their defence to prevent Cities from having the same opportunities to score that St George had.

"We want as many of our supporters coming out on game day to cheer the boys on,” Thomas said.

"We really appreciate those who show up. It makes a big difference.”