The Dragons side, which finished the season in second place, saved their worst performance for last, according to coach Steve Price.

His side battled to contain the Tigers in the opening exchanges and Wests rushed to an 18-0 half-time lead.

"We saved our worst performance for the end of the year and that was the most disappointing thing,'' said Price.

St George Illawarra had to be the first to score in the second stanza if they were to have any chance of fighting their way back but the Tigers struck early through winger Sama Sauvao who pounced on a cross-field kick.

Tries to Dragons hooker Mitch Rein and fullback Chris Astill were not enough to reel in the deficit.

"We've been great at training for the past two weeks,'' Price said. "There were absolutely no excuses for that performance.''

Several of the National Youth Cup players are expected to join the Dragons top squad next season.

Trent Merrin, who already has first grade experience, and backrower Jake Marketo are among the players expected to take the step up from the Under 20s competition.

Price, who will become Wayne Bennett's assistant coach with the first grade side next year, said the players had an opportunity to make it into the NRL.

"They've still got a lot of areas that they need to work on to become good NRL players,'' Price said.

"We will just have to work hard in the off-season and see where it takes us.

"I was impressed with Trent who tried his guts out.''

Toyota Cup player of the year Beau Henry is still eligible for the competition next season.

A decision on the new under-20s coach is expected next month.