McInnes wins player of the year

Given the last match of a regular season had no bearing on Melbourne's ladder position or finals future,coach Bellamy sent out a line-up with just 547 games of NRL experience behind them-Storm skipper Cameron Smith has played 427 himself.

Despite missing their regular stars, only the Storms four missed sideline conversions kept the Dragons in the match during the first half.

A Tyson Frizell try just before the break kept them in it, before the Red V debutant Jayden Sullivan took charge in the second half.

Lomax's 63rd-minute penalty try, awarded due to Ricky Leutele illegally shouldering him off the ball in pursuit of a grubber, gave St George Illawarra a lead that Melbourne threatened, but never reeled in to take the consolation win.

St George Illawarra hooker Cameron McInnes a just announced 2020 New South Wales State of Origin squad member has also been named as the Dragons' Player of the Year for the second straight season.

The first-year captain McInnes was rewarded for his outstanding performances in a season where he shared his time on field between hooker and lock.

McInnes also topped the competition's tackle count despite missing the opening two matches of the Dragons' campaign due to a leg injury suffered at February's Perth Nines.

Newcastle Knights-bound back-rower Tyson Frizell also finished his Dragons career on a high after winning the Immortals Trophy for the first time.

Frizell was selected by the coaching staff in consideration of the Immortals criteria: demonstrating outstanding commitment and dedication in all aspects of rugby league.

Frizell leaves the Red V having won every available performance-based award throughout his eight-year term.