St George Illawarra suffered its fourth straight loss in the NRL when they were defeated by second-placed North Queensland Cowboys 18-12 on Saturday night at WIN Stadium, Wollongong.
The Dragons were without eight players, either through injury, suspension and State of Origin duty.
Down 12-6 at halftime, the depleted Dragons fought hard in the second-half but the Cowboys held on to get the two points.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor had to make eight changes to his team who were brave and gallant against a Cowboys outfit who were missing four State of Origin players including the game's premier player and their Captain Johnathan Thurston.
The Dragons had three faces who debuted in the match; St George junior and Arncliffe Scots junior rugby league product Yaw Kiti Glymin.
But the young winger was replaced in the 43rd minute when he tore his hamstring.
New signings Mark Loane from the Gold Coast, who scored a try in the second half, was strong in general play, as was Canberra recruit Luke Page.
Both forwards added plenty of muscle in attack and defence.
Dragons hooker Mitch Rein was relentless in attack and defence and the team's best player.
Rein played himself to a standstill in the beaten team. Lock Mike Cooper also toiled hard.
Centre Euan Aitken continued his development with another strong game and scored the Dragons' opening try.
The last team the Dragons toppled this season was Cronulla 42-6 at Kogarah Oval on Sunday, May 31.
They must now prepare for another derby clash with the Sharks on Sunday, July 12 at Remondis Stadium at 4pm.
The Dragons remain on 20 points despite the loss.
Barring injury for NSW playing against Queensland on Wednesday, July 8 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, fullback Josh Dugan and forward Trent Merrin will play against the Sharks.
Coach McGregor will hope to get injured troops Jason Nightingale,
Tyson Frizell, Jack de Belin, and Joel Thompson back next weekend.
North Queensland Cowboys 18 (Kane Linnett 2 tries, Jake Granville tries, Ethan Lowe 3 goals) defeated St George Illawarra 12 ( Euan Aitken, Mark Loane tries, Gareth Widdop 2 goals).
Leader Man of the Match, Dragons hooker Mitch Rein.
Crowd, 11,813.
Can the Dragons come back?