St George Illawarra have continued their impressive start to the year to move into second position, however the victory against the Wests Tigers may have come at a price.
Dragons fullback Josh Dugan suffered a suspected hamstring tear midway through the second half of the 28-6 win over Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
![Treble: Jason Nightingale goes over for one of his three tries.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170526023557im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/b/y/l/o/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gvbv2f.png/1491138623963.jpg)
The injury is a major setback for the high-flying Dragons - and it could also have huge ramifications on the representative scene, with Australian coach Mal Meninga to name his side for the mid-season Test in four weeks' time.
Dugan, the incumbent Australian centre, required the support of two Dragons trainers to leave the paddock, marring what was otherwise a successful afternoon for Paul McGregor's men.
![Setback: Josh Dugan goes off with a suspected hamstring injury.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170526023557im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/c/0/j/y/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gvbv2f.png/1491138623963.jpg)
"It's no good mate, he has hurt his hammy," McGregor said.
"Not sure how bad it is but he grabbed for it straight away. We will just have to gauge that tomorrow through a scan. He won't be right for next week. He is in ice, he is in good spirits but he is disappointed. Losing quality players hurts.
"We saw Kurt [Mann] come in today and I thought he was outstanding. He has waited for that opportunity and he took it today. We have some handy players in our club. Obviously Josh Dugan is Josh Dugan, there is not many of them around. So he will be missed."
The Dragons' transformation over the off-season has seen them shake off their tag as the competition's most ineffective attacking team to become one able to score freely.
!["He's is in ice, he is in good spirits but he is disappointed," said Coach Paul McGregor of his star fullback.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170526023557im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/b/x/q/c/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gvbv2f.png/1491138623963.jpg)
Skipper Gareth Widdop has been the main reason behind the transformation of the Dragons, guiding his side to No.1 in the competition in points scored over the opening five rounds.
Widdop has been largely criticised for the Dragons' attacking woes over the past two years, but with his future beyond this season up for negotiation, the former Storm playmaker has returned to form.
The Dragons' big men were again dominant through the middle of the paddock, with Paul Vaughan adding to his case as this year's State of Origin bolter in his side's fourth win of the year.
"It was a tough game of footy," McGregor said.
"They certainly brought it. Our goal-line defence was special today. When you're under fatigue, to only allow yourself seven errors for the game is outstanding. It shows their commitment to each other, their connection to one another and certainly their fitness."
Jason Nightingale inflicted all the damage in the opening half, bagging a hat-trick to give St George Illawarra a 14-0 advantage at half-time.
The Tigers' only try came off a fortuitous ricochet, with Kevin Naiqama diving on a loose ball from a Mitchell Moses grubber.
The win sets up a mouth-watering showdown against the high-flying Manly Sea Eagles who, like the Dragons, came into the season with their coach under immense pressure.
"They're in form and they look like they're having fun," McGregor said.
"They're certainly playing good footy. They're coming off three wins. It will be good to catch up with Baz [Manly coach Trent Barrett] too  - I haven't seen him for a while."
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