The Sydney Roosters Holden Cup side fought bravely before going down 22-20 at Allianz Stadium.
With the scores level the Dragons were awarded a penalty and opted to kick for goal, two points which eventually decided the match.
On a losing side Tyler Cornish was the standout constantly proving a handful for the opposition defence.
Cornish was the first to score on the night when a clever step helped the halfback glide over to make it 4-0 early.
A dropped ball was then picked up on the half way line by our latest NRL debutant Brendan Elliot who raced away to further extend the lead.
The Tricolours then showed great determination defending the line under great pressure before being rewarded with another try.
Cornish again was in the thick of things, this time jinxing backwards and forwards to set his outside men up, and it was Jack Goodsell who touched down to move top of the competitions try scorers list.
The Dragons then hit back, two late tries from Dee Jay Harris put the visitors back in the contest.
A third try straight after the resumption then put the Dragons within two but the home side stabilised and extended the lead when Goodsell outpaced his opposite number to score his second.
A great set of hands and then an explosive burst of speed from Dragons fullback Matt Dufty then leveled the scores.
Both sides then traded blows but it was the Dragons who were awarded a penalty right in front, gifting the visitors two points and the victory.
