St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor saw enough against "the best team in the world" to know his Dragons will be competitive again at season's end.
Slow starters at the SCG, the Saints were forced to fight back from 14-0 down at half-time to make a tussle of it against Sydney Roosters on Anzac Day.
In reality, they were their own worst enemy early in the 20-10 loss.
They had just 37 per cent of the ball in the first half and completed only 10 sets. Truth be told, they were lucky not to trail by more.
But after fighting back to 14-10 midway through the second half, McGregor had every reason to believe his side can match it with the defending premiers come the business end.
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"They're the best team in the world and you can't give the best team in the world too much possession," McGregor said.
"I would like to play them with 50 per cent possession and complete at above 80.
"But in saying that they won the game. Because they have a very good football team and they have proved it time after time."
With the majority of their early-season problems behind them, the Dragons had won four straight headed into Thursday's loss.
And they weren't without their chances to make it five in a row.
Paul Vaughan slipped when trying to beat the last defender on a midfield break. Ben Hunt dropped the pill cold on the player after a bust and on another occasion Mikaele Ravalawa as he threatened to go downfield.
All against a side who have now won six on the bounce, and are off to the best start of any defending premiers since Melbourne in 2013.
"I know what sort of playing group I've got there," McGregor said.
"They're very hard working and understanding. They're a group that knows when they need to do more.
"That shows a lot of resolve and motivation going forward. Because our group will continue to grow."
