The St George Illawarra Dragons were defeated 34-18 by the Sydney Roosters at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Saturday.
The Young Dragons notched three tries in the defeat with hooker Ryan Fletcher securing a double whilst centre Paora Kemp converted all three goal attempts.
The home side managed just the one consolatory try in the opening stanza with rake Ryan Fletcher weaving his way around several markers for the four-pointer.
Dragons centre Paora Kemp was accurate from the tee to add the extras.
Unfortunately, come the halfway mark of the match the hosts were down 28-6.
The Young Dragons displayed a much-improved style of play when the fixture resumed and managed to adapt to the more physical style of play shown by their opponents.
The home side managed a further two tries, again through Fletcher as well as Stuart Mason, with Kemp converting both goals.
However, the Roosters knicked a further converted goal for a final score of 34-18.
St George Illawarra Dragons 18. Tries: Fletcher (2), Mason. Goals: Kemp (3/3).
Sydney Roosters 34.
