ST George Illawarra made it two wins in succession with an impressive 24-12 victory over Melbourne Storm Monday night at WIN Stadium, Wollongong.
For coach Paul McGregor, it was his third win in charge since taking over from Steve Price five matches ago.
The Dragons also avenged their controversial first round loss to the Storm in Melbourne when the home team scored a try after the siren to win the match.
The win now places the Dragons on 16 points (seven wins, eight losses, bye) just two outside the top eight.
They play North Queensland on Saturday night at Kogarah. The Cowboys will be without Jonathan Thurston because of Origin.
It will be an emotional afternoon for the Dragons as the game will mark the special tribute to the late Reg Gasnier, one of league's first four original Immortals, who died on May 11.
On a windy Monday night, St George Illawarra raced to a 10-0 lead through tries to Josh Dugan and Gareth Widdop.
Dugan, playing at right centre, used his strength to score near the corner while Widdop regathered a kick ahead for his four pointer.
Melbourne Storm bounced back late in the first half with fullback Billy Slater scoring after a slick passing movement.
The Dragons led 10-6 at halftime, playing with the benefit of a strong breeze.
Just before halftime NSW centre Josh Dugan twisted his right left and was in considerable pain. But he returned in the second half and showed no ill affects from the injury.
With the NSW State of Origin team to be named today, Tuesday, coach Laurie Daley will be hoping the converted fullback will be fit for selection for Origin III.
Forward Trent Merrin, not selected in the original 17, passed a late fitness test, overcoming an ankle injury, and made his presence felt with a series of strong runs in attack.
The Dragons surged further ahead midway through the second half when a Benji Marshall kick through was regathered by hooker Mitch Rein who fell on the ball to score a try, converted by Widdop.
Tries to winger Jason Nightingale and Charly Runciman in the 64th and 70th minutes sealed the result.
St George Illawarra 24 (Josh Dugan, Gareth Widdop, Mitch Rein, Jason Nightingale, Charly Runciman tries, Gareth Widdop 2 goals) d Melbourne 12 (Billy Slater, Kurt Mann tries, Cameron Smith 2 goals). Crowd: 10,117.
