St George Illawarra were brought crashing back to earth, suffering a 34-16 loss at the hands of Parramatta on Sunday night.
The final score made the game look much closer than it was with the Dragons as poor this week as they were excellent in their round one thrashing of Penrith last week.
The Dragons were blown away in the opening 20 minutes as the Eels ran in seven tries to three in Wollongong having opened the scoring after just 25 seconds through Clint Gutherson.
Parramatta winger Semi Radradra grabbed a try either side of the 20 minute mark before Brad Takairangi crossed on the half hour mark to give the Eels an 18-0 lead.
St George Illawarra captain Gareth Widdop scored just before half-time to give the Dragons some hope, before Bevan French crossed for Parramatta six minutes into the second half to all but seal the result.
The Dragons were their own worst enemy, completing just 25 of 36 – or 69 per cent – of their sets in possession, making 12 errors and losing the penalty count 9-5.
Josh Dugan hit back with a try three minutes later for the Dragons before Radradra completed his hat-trick on 58 minutes.
New signing Paul Vaughan strolled over for the Dragons with 10 minutes remaining before Radradra crossed for his fourth to round out the 18-point win.
The Dragons lost Tyson Frizell to a concussion test three minutes into the second half, with the representative back-rower unable to return.
St George Illawarra will need to regroup quickly, with a daunting trip to Southern Cross Group Stadium to face the reigning premiers – and fierce local rivals – Cronulla next Sunday night.
Leader Scoreboard
Parramatta Eels 34 (Semi Radradra four, Clint Gutherson, Brad Takairangi, Bevan French tries. Clint Gutherson three goals)
defeated
St George Illawarra Dragons 16 (Gareth Widdop, Josh Dugan, Paul Vaughan tries. Gareth Widdop two goals)
at WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Crowd: 16, 023
Leader man of the match: Semi Radradra (Eels)
Dragons’ next three: Sharks (away), Warriors (home), Tigers (away)