The Dragons on the top of the World!

[Luca]

The St George Illawarra Dragons have sealed their fifth-successive NRL victory with a dramatic 13-12 come-from-behind victory over the injury-ravaged Penrith Panthers at ANZ Stadium on Friday night.

Having dominated the first half, the Panthers conceded early tries to Ben Creagh and Josh Morris to surrender their 12-0 half-time lead and set up a thrilling finish.

Neither side could take the ascendancy and the contest appeared destined for golden-point-extra-time before Dragons No.7 Jamie Soward slotted a late-field goal to break the deadlock and continue his side's mid-season surge.

The Panthers fought bravely despite the loss of fullback Rhys Wesser with an abdominal tear, but remain outside of the top eight after their third-straight loss.

Wesser's injury compounded the late withdrawal of centre Michael Jennings and Paul Aiton which stretched the Panthers' horrific injury list to no less than nine players, forcing the inclusion of debutants Wade Graham and Masada Iosefa.

The Panthers posted the first points of the contest in the eighth minute when powerful backrower Trent Waterhouse burst through and linked with Ryhs Wesser who scored under the uprights.

Jarrod Sammut added the extras for the 6-0 lead.

Both sides wasted their opportunities in what was an end-to-end affair before Penrith No.7 Luke Lewis brushed of some tired defence to score a converted try in the shadows of half-time.

A Shane Rodney conversion handed the visitors a surprise 12-0 advantage at the break.

Creagh showed great strength to plant the ball over the line for a converted try shortly after the resumption to close within a converted try.

In the blink of an eye the Dragons were back in the contest when Morris retrieved a clever kick and showed a clean pair of heals in the race for the line - Soward added the extras to level things up at 12 apiece.

Having missed a second-half penalty and field-goal attempt, Soward made no mistake with his 69th minute effort to keep the Dragons' impressive streak alive.

St George Illawarra Dragons 13
Tries: J Morris, Creagh
Goals: Soward 2
Field Goal: Soward

Penrith Panthers 12
Tries: Wesser, Lewis
Goals: Sammut, Rodney

Sportal Player of the Year:
3 - Ben Creagh (St George Illawarra Dragons)
2 - Ben Hornby (St George Illawarra Dragons)
1 - Trent Waterhouse Penrith Panthers