Captain Patrick Herbert nailed a long-range field goal two minutes from full-time to seal a 25-24 victory over the third-placed Roosters on Sunday. Former Dragons playmaker Jackson Hastings, facing an uncertain future in the NRL with the Roosters, starred in the contest.

Hastings scored off his own kick in the final minutes, before converting to level the scores at 24-all. But it only set the scene for Herbert to turn game-winner, after centre Izaac Thompson was a two-try hero.

The win ensured the fourth-placed Dragons avoided third straight loss and kept top eight rivals, including Monday’s opponents Parramatta, at bay. After taking on the Eels in a crucial clash as a curtain-raiser to Monday’s NRL battle, the Dragons under 20s finish the home-and-away season against Newcastle. 

The Dragons NRL team is officially out of the finals reckoning after their 42-6 capitulation to the Roosters.

However, the NSW Premiership feeder team, the Illawarra Cutters are also still in the hunt for silverware.

The Cutters, coached by former Cowboys assistant Jason Demetriou, are second on the ladder and face Wyong on Saturday. 

NATIONAL YOUTH CUP

Ladder (after 24 rounds): PANTHERS 38, COWBOYS 33, ROOSTERS 32, DRAGONS 31, SHARKS 31, TIGERS 30, EELS 30, RAIDERS 28, Knights 25, Broncos 24, Storm 22, Titans 22, Bulldogs 21, Warriors 20, Rabbitohs 18, Sea Eagles 11.