The St George Illawarra Dragons were 34-12 winners over the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park on Monday.
The Young Dragons notched the two-points courtesy of seven tries including doubles to the trio of Matt Dufty, Topiese Taufa and Rowland Kotobalavu.
Head Coach Ben Hornby opted to standby the line-up announced midweek which served as the team’s first hit-out following the previous week’s allocated bye round.
The home side entered the encounter with fresh legs but found themselves trailing following Roosters hooker Grant Garvey’s opening try in the sixth minute.
Roosters centre Taane Milne converted to make it 6-0.
Despite the early setback the hosts persevered forward and soon pegged themselves back into contention following the neat four-pointer to centre Topiese Taufa in the 14th minute.
The Dragons continued their newfound momentum to go one further and seize the lead through the ducking and weaving of fullback Matt Dufty seven minutes later.
Subsequently, Dragons second-rower Ryan James converted to make it 10-6.
Dragons winger Rowland Kotobalavu got in on the action and managed to etch his name on to the scoresheet against his former club with seven minutes left before the interval.
The Red-and-Whites were first to strike after the break when Dufty found the line a second time, carrying several defenders with him.
James converted to put his side 20-6 up with half-an-hour left on the clock.
Fellow Dragons second-rower Jacob Host followed-suit with a four-pointer of his own just shy of the hour mark.
The Roosters though proved undeterred by the large deficit and managed to breach the home side’s defence for only the second time in the encounter through winger Charlie Taylor in the 64th minute.
Milne added the extras to make it 24-12.
However, the home side struck back shortly thereafter courtesy of Taufa’s second four-pointer of the match.
James converted to make it 30-12.
The hosts dealt the final blow with five minutes remaining when Kotobalavu bagged a double, diving over in the corner.
St George Illawarra Dragons 34. Tries: Dufty (2), Taufa (2), Kotobalavu (2), Host. Goals: James (3/7).
Sydney Roosters 12. Tries: Garvey, Taylor. Goals: Milne (2/2).
