The St George Illawarra Dragons were defeated 26-6 by the Penrith Panthers at Sportingbet Stadium, Penrith on Saturday.
The Young Dragons scored only the one try in the encounter through second-rower Wes Lolo.
Co-Head Coaches Ben Hornby and Dean Young made several changes to the line-up announced midweek with winger Leigh Higgens coming in for Issac Thompson.
Additionally, prop Heheako Tuima was a late addition to the interchange in lieu of fellow forward Harry Stewart.
The Red V entered the fixture ranked second on the table and struck first with an early charge-and-barge try to second-rower Wes Lolo three minutes in.
Dragons fullback Sitiveni Moceidreke converted to make it 6-0.
However, from here on in the visitors were left scoreless as the home side rallied to take charge of the game.
The Panthers scored their first points of the game through centre Peter Tia Tia in the ninth minute.
Panthers fullback Corey Harawira converted to make it 6-all.
The home side followed through with a second four-pointer courtesy of winger Christian Crighton five minutes later to take the lead.
The Panthers struck once more six minutes prior to the interval through hooker Josh Tangitau to make it 14-6.
The hosts continued their attacking prowess following the interval with a try to second-rower Chris Smith just after the hour mark.
Harawira converted to make it 20-6.
The home side struck again with Crighton bagging his double of the encounter in the 67th minute.
Harawira converted to make it 26-6.
Penrith Panthers 26 defeated the St George Illawarra Dragons 6
St George Illawarra Dragons 6. Tries: Lolo. Goals: Moceidreke (1/1).
Penrith Panthers 26. Tries: Crighton (2), Tia Tia, Tangitau. Smith. Goals: Harawira (3/5).
