St George Illawarra lost 16-12 against Parramatta on Saturday night at Pirtek Stadium, in an at times controversial NRL clash at the Eels' home ground.
The Dragons suffered their third consecutive loss in an expansive game and exciting encounter where they had two tries disallowed which upset their loyal supporters.
Parramatta rallied after a week of controversy with news their star signing from Manly Keiran Foran may-or-may-not honour his lucrative four-year deal from 2016 onwards which put the Eels management under public pressure.
The Dragons led 8-6 at halftime and led 6-0 after just two minutes through a try to centre Euan Aitken which was converted by five-eighth Gareth Widdop.
But the Eels ran out 16-12 the victors in front of 15,046 people.
Eels winger Semi Radradra scored the first of his three tries, scoring in the left hand corner which was converted by halfback Chris Sandow.
The referees had their share of close calls in the match for both teams with Dragons winger Dylan Farrell and centre Euan Aitken each having four pointers denied after video referee decisions ruled against them at critical stages of the game.
The Dragons had several late withdrawals through injury with winger Jason Nightingale and forward Jack de Belin ruled out before kick-off.
Winger Eto Nabuli who scored one try was Nightingale's replacement an hooker Mitch Rein was also out suspended. Craig Garvey came into the team on the interchange bench and Heath L'Estrange was starting hooker.
Joel Thompson was an unexpected starter in the second row, overcoming a knee injury after missing last Monday's loss to the Roosters.
But Thompson was replaced in the second half with a hamstring strain.
Second rower Tyson Frizell was also treated for a back injury and spent time on the sideline.
The Dragons hammered the Eels try line in the dying stages with several consecutive sets of six tackles but couldn't breach their defence.
Dragons and NSW fullback Josh Dugan, skipper and lock Ben Creagh and centre PeterMata'utia were the best for the big Red V.
The Dragons next tackle North Queensland on Saturday, July 4, at WIN Stadium, Wollongong, and both teams will be without their respective NSW and Queensland representative players.
The Blues and Maroons teams are announced on Tuesday for the third and final origin clash in Brisbane on Wednesday, July 8.
The loss leaves the Dragons on 20 points and from 14 matches this year have won eight, lost six and had their two byes.
Scoreboard:
St George Illawarra Dragons 12 (Eto Nabuli, Euan Aitken tries, Gareth Widdop two goals) lost to Parramatta 16. crowd: 15,046.
Leader Player of the Match: Dragons fullback Josh Dugan.
