The St George Illawarra Dragons beat the Gold Coast Titans 19-6 at Skilled Park to stay top of the National Rugby League table, while high-flying Wests Tigers were brought down to earth with a 24-4 thrashing by the Bulldogs.
St George Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett heaped praise on Jamie Soward after the Dragons five-eighth produced his best game of the season.
In a match marred by a knee injury to veteran Titans centre Mat Rogers, Soward scored a try, kicked three goals and landed a late field goal to finish with 11 points.
The Warriors have the chance to move back into the top four after the Tigers' humbling. They play Penrith at Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday.
