St.George-Illawarra welcomed back Corey Norman in style, ending their five-game losing run with a 24-point win over the last placed Bulldogs 36-12 at ANZ Stadium in the traditional Queen's Birthday clash.
The Bulldogs got off to the perfect start thanks to a horror opening set by the Dragons. They turned the ball over after Hopoate ran it on the last down the short side, where Pearson knocked a final pass down. First tackle off the scrum and Faitala-Mariner produced a barnstorming run off a Foran short ball to barge his way over for a try near the posts. Meaney converted.
The Dragons got the groove back quickly and hit back in the tenth minute when Hunt sent a looping long ball out to an unmarked Ravalawa, who scored out wide on the right. Lomax slotted the goal.
Just four minutes later the Dragons crossed again when Ravalawa received a good ball from Lomax and made a break down the sideline before passing back inside to Norman who scored under the posts. Lomax converted from in front.
In the 26th minute the Dragons extended their lead even further when they sent the ball left where Dufty produced a sharp catch and pass to put Pearson into space. He stepped inside the cover defender and scored in the corner. Lomax again converted.
The Red V continued their run after the break and in the 54th minute, Tariq Sims went on a stepping run back inside and was brought down just shy of the tryline. On the next play the Dragons went right and caught the Dogs short on numbers, allowing Hunt to stroll in for a try under the sticks. Lomax converted.
Seven minutes later and the Dragons were in again. This time Hunt held up a short ball for Host, who made a break, then grubbered. The ball bounced off a Bulldogs defender and Lomax cleaned up before running 25 metres to score. He then converted his own try.
The final 10 minutes saw both sides cross for another try, firstly the Bulldogs when Foran called for the ball and Fualalo obliged. Foran hit a gap and ran 20 metres to score under the sticks. Meaney converted.
But the game was sealed 3 minutes later when Ravalawa leapt over a defender before somehow managing to get the ball down for a scintillating try. Lomax again converted to hand the Dragons an easy win.