St George Illawarra put five tries past the Warriors and scored 25 unanswered points as they ran away with a 31-12 NRL win in a wind-swept Auckland.
But coach Steve Price hailed his side’s defence as the Dragons shut out the Warriors in the second half on the way to back-to-back victories to start their season.
“We hung tough and we got the job done,” he said.
Price pointed to his players’ ability to keep the deficit to six points at the interval after facing a stiff breeze caused by the remnants of Cyclone Lusi.
He also cited their ability to stay resilient when the Warriors had their moments attacking their line in the second spell.
“It was pleasing to go in at halftime 12-6 with the amount of field position the Warriors had and I knew the tide would turn,” he said.
“I was happy with the guys, especially with the goalline defence in the middle of the second half when we were under the pump and the boys stood tall.”
The result extended the Dragons’ winning streak over the Warriors to nine matches dating back to 2008.
Skipper Ben Creagh couldn’t explain his club’s superiority, but said he didn’t believe in hoodoos.
“Apparently we have one against Canberra and I don’t believe in that either,” he said of the Dragons’ own nine-game losing run against the Raiders.
The Warriors were left waiting for their first win of the year, and their first at Eden Park after four attempts.
The loss was compounded by skipper Simon Mannering being put on report for a high tackle on Kiwis teammate Jason Nightingale.
There was also the disappointing sight of substitute Ben Henry, who was coming back from a knee injury, limping off near the end.
Coach Matthew Elliott was at a loss to explain his side’s performance.
“Our will to compete in the game at the moment could be questioned,” he said.
“I know we are a much better team than that.
“There’s something collectively, starting with me, that we’re not doing right.”
The match turned on the three minutes after halftime, when the Dragons scored through fullback Adam Quinlan and centre Gerard Beale to jump out to an 18-12 lead.
Victory was sealed with a length-of-the-field effort from winger Brett Morris, before Creagh added the icing by dotting down in the final minute.
In the first half, the Warriors made a fast start, with prop Ben Matulino leading the way with some big runs and offloads.
Their dominance brought dividends in the fourth minute, as fullback Sam Tomkins got his first NRL try.
But the Dragons, added by Warriors indiscipline, responded when Mitch Rein scored from a dummy-half dab.
The visitors showed good structure in their attack, but it was the Warriors who struck next through centre Jerome Ropati.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
I agree about Hurrell, but what I the issue with Elliot?
The eye
Guest
Dragons are going well off the back of Widdop and playing good relatively error free football..but don't get carried away by that win,their opponents were awful and just aren't respecting the football.If it comes down to Hurrell or Elliot I'd take Hurrell.Tomkins and Johnson have been easily spotted and contained by lightweights and the forwards cough it up far too easily,the worst performing team in the league and not looking remotely like a winning combination.
Charles NSW
Guest
It will be good in these two matches to see how they go Dragons have a lot of improvement yet with their players! Beale will continue to improve after injury Two centres in Charly Runciman and Peter Mata'utia fighting to take Farrell centre role Three 1/2 backs fighting for a permanet position with Kyle Stanley a class act if he can improve after injury Tyson Frizell is showing some good signs wit Mike Copper contiually improving Mitch Rein is fighting for an SOO spot in the hooker role Leeson Ah Mau is also improving with time with Ben Creagh finding form Trent Merrin is playing well at lock Then you got three top notches in Dugan, NIghtingale and Morris Too many are still not giving the Dragons enough respect that they deserve The respect is that are all fighting to earn their positions and that is a good thing for their fans!
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
They get the chance to spank the wounded Sharks this weekend and then have Broncos at WIN. So it could be 2 more weeks to build confidence before Souths and the horror stretch.
Charles NSW
Guest
Who would have thought that the Dragons are on top of the ladder! Lets hope they get a feel for being up there much longer
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
I agree with everything you have said. In the game against the Warriors Farrell did little in attack and when given the chance after the Widdop chip and regather he passed too early to the winger and killed the try. Both Mata'Utia and Runciman scored tries on the weekend in NSW cup. He put in some kicks, but I thought Williams did not show much in attack and I would like to see Witt back as half.
Hez
Roar Rookie
Mike Cooper is looking like a snappy buy
Buzzard
Guest
Totally agree Clark. Move Tonkin's to 5/8, Fish to FB.
Clark
Guest
Though Tomkins was good. Injected himself pretty well. Warriors just need to cut out the silly penalties and sometimes embarrassing dropped balls. Ropati will definitely help on fringe defense if he can stay healthy.
Buzzard
Guest
Rapira needs to go. Take Townsend & Neilson with him.
Fenpatch
Guest
Bad loss. Hate to be the sheep when the Warriors players get home.
DSF
Guest
Warriors desperately need to get rid of mathew elliot and some of their fairy forwards, Warriors are breeding through too many weak forwards we need some grinders, simon mannering is a useless captain but the warriors have no other options. Dragons look better this year for sure, Widdop is exciting but not too sure if him and dugan are enough to mount a strong challenge towards the title, I still think Steve Price is below par but the dragons would do good to build this year like the panthers did last year.
Mr snrub
Guest
Widdop is really good. Composed, classy and an honest hard working footy player. When he was in Melbourne his value was overshadowed by the big 3 but he is really making his name in the opening games. It's a shame he can't play origin because NSW could use him big time. I think if he keeps up these performances he'll be a contender for the daly M.
Charles NSW
Guest
The Dragons have had many issues to face this season Therefore it is pleasing to see them finally chalk up some wins and with good scores However they have a long way to go before they can be a contender for the finals Their first half needs to be more discipline as they are giving up too many points They are still making fundamental mistakes which has cost them points They need to be able to settle on a permanent 1/2 back Their centre Farrell is of some concern if he is up to the task Do they have the forwards to match it week after week especially going up against the likes of Manly and Souths The coach Price with the help of Widdop has them firing in both attack and defense He must take credit for their improvement especially having to adjust to a number of new players in the team Dragons have been lucky to contest against teams that are not firing themselves They will need to pick up much more pace when they face the big guns I have said all along they will make the eight and anything can happen after that!
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Sharks next week