Gareth Widdop and Benji Marshall gave a masterclass in halves-play steering the St George Illawarra to an impressive 32-18 victory over Caberra in round 10 of the NRL on Sunday at WIN Stadium on Sunday.
Widdop at five-eighth and Marshall at half, engineered tries and each scored four pointers themselves as the Dragons recorded their seventh win of the season.
The win takes the Dragons to 14 points, sharing the lead with Brisbane, North Queensland and Melbourne.
After leading 20-12 at halftime the Dragons had the odd anxious moment against the Raiders who showed plenty of fight and character in an entertaining attacking game.
After losing to premiers Souths on Monday night, the coach Paul McGregor got them back on track to win against a team that has been their hoodoo in recent times.
The Dragons have now beaten Canberra in three straight games, twice this season.
McGregor would be pleased with the team's improving attack with their charge up the ladder this season built on discipline and defence.
The Dragons scored five tries to the Raiders' three and second rower Tyson Frizell was outstanding in attack and defence.
Benji Marshall was replaced late in the game with a knock to his knee.
But Marshall said on radio not long after the match he was okay but was taken from the field as a precaution.
Leader Player of the Match: Gareth Widdop.
The Dragons have the bye next week and meet Cronulla in the local derby in their next match on Sunday, May 31 at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah.
Dragons 32 ( Gareth Widdop, Benji Marshall, Joel Thompson, Euan Aitken, Jason Nightingale tries; Gareth Widdop 6 goals) defeated Canberra 18. crowd: 13,102.
