The St George Illawarra Dragons were defeated 25-12 by Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park on Sunday.
The Red-and-Whites scored only the two tries in the loss courtesy of Adam Quinlan and Kurt Mann.
Head Coach Paul McGregor made just the one change prior to kick-off, with second-rower Tyrone McCarthy making his debut from the bench in place of Jacob Host.
Dragons fullback Adam Quinlan had helped his team to the best possible start by throwing a brilliant cut out pass to winger Kurt Mann for the opening points of the match.
Dragons captain Gareth Widdop slotted the conversion from the sideline to give the Dragons a 6-0 lead.
The England international added to his team's tally shortly after, converting a penalty goal from 15 metres in from touch.
The Tigers however cut the deficit in half in the 15th minute, when centre Tim Simona threw a dummy, before giving it to winger David Nofoaluma, who went in untouched.
WingerJordan Rankin later took the two points from right in front following a penalty to Dragons prop Leeson Ah Mau to narrow the margin to two points with 15 minutes remaining.
Converted tries to halfback Luke Brooks and fullback James Tedesco sent the Tigers into the sheds with a ten point lead.
The visitors added to their lead in the 58th minute, when five-eighth Mitchell Moses popped a pass away to second rower Josh Aloaia, who slammed the ball down.
After back to back penalties, the Tigers opted to once again take the easy shot at goal, extending their lead out to 24-8 with 15 minutes remaining.
Dragons centre Taane Milne continued his brilliant game though, breaking through the visitors line before giving it to Quinlan to peg the margin back to 12 points.
However, Tigers halfback Luke Brooks slotted a field goal with three minutes left to seal the win for his team.
St George Illawarra Dragons 12. Tries: Quinlan, Mann Goals: Widdop (1/2). Penalty Goal: Widdop (1/1).
Wests Tigers 25. Tries: Nofoaluma, Brooks, Tedesco, Aloiai Goals: Rankin (2/4) Penalty Goals: Rankin (2/2). Field Goal: Brooks (1/1).
