Already missing starting forwards Kal Collins (injury) and Jackson Ford (Dragons), the Lions pack became even more depleted when Tim Moore was forced from the field early, with a hyper-extended elbow.

But back-to-back tries out dummy-half from Ford put the visitors on the front foot mid-way through the first half and they didn’t look back.

Both of Ford’s tries were converted by Rixon Russell, as the reigning-premiers led 12-nil midway through the first half.

Despite the best efforts from both sides, neither was able to add more points to the scoreboard, due to poor ball handling and discipline – as the score at the main break was 12-nil to Michael Cronin’s men.

The Gorillas came out more determined in the second stanza and nearly broke through for their first points off a Manny Sultana bomb.

The kick was left to bounce by Lions fullback Isaac Russell, which then bounced over his head and toed towards the try-line by Gorillas chaser James Collins – but the kick was too heavy and the ball ran dead before the home side had a chance to ground it.

The Gorillas continued to press, as powerful second-rower Nick King put Manny Sultana into a hole, only for Joel Doosey to bring him down as the tryline beckoned. 

Three tackles later, the Gorillas were held up over the tryline – which would prove to be a turning point in the match.

Minutes later, the Russell brothers broke the home fans spirit, as Rixon broke the line before Isaac backed up on the inside, to score next to the posts.

Jake Taylor took over the kick duties and the Lions led 18-nil.

Manny Sultana was finally rewarded for all his hard work, finding himself on the end of an Aaron Henry chip and chase, to open the account of the hosts. He converted his own try but his team still trialled 18-6.

The match was sealed when Corey Mulhall, who moved in from the centres to the front row mid match, scored his team’s fourth and final try.

Taylor converted the try, before booting another penalty goal in the final minutes, to make the final score 26-6 to the Lions.

The unbeaten Lions were led by Nathan Ford, Mulhall, PJ Ford and Michael Brown, while the Gorillas, in their first loss of the year, were best served by Henry, Manny Sultana, Nick King and Andrew Diomei.

In round four action, the Lions enjoy the bye while the Gorillas head to Noel Mulligan Oval to take on Port Kembla.