The Dragons trailed by two late in the match in Wollongong before a 79^th minute try to Mikaele Ravalawa snatched a vital 12-10 home win over the Eagles.

It saw them climb to fifth on the ladder ahead of Thursday's Anzac Day blockbuster against the Roosters, with the run of four straight coming without Gareth Widdop, Jack de Belin, Tyson Frizell and Korbin Sims at different stages.

Norman believes the value of those wins will become even more apparent as the season progresses.

"It was a bit of a scrappy game, a bit clunky but credit to Manly's defence they were really hard to crack tonight," Norman said.

"It was a gritty game but it was good to get it.

"Last week was good and we could've easily come out here and rolled over and thought it was just going to happen again but Manly turned up so we said 'let's go' and turned up to.

"These wins that are grittier wins are a lot better [than blowouts] and build a lot more confidence."

It followed a 40-4 blowout win over the Bulldogs a week earlier, but their two wins prior came via a single point, Norman piloting clutch field goals through the posts on both occasions.

It was halves partner Ben Hunt who proved the match-winner on Saturday, producing a pinpoint grubber for Ravalawa's late four-pointer.

It runs counter to previous criticism of Hunt's game management in tight contests and Norman says it brings plenty of confidence down the stretch knowing either can step up the clutch moments.

"It just shows that our combination's building," Norman said

"I think each week we're getting better and there's plenty of room left for improvement. He put that kick in there tonight and got us home which is really good.

"I think the last four weeks he's been playing out of his skin. He's copped a lot of criticism in the past but to his credit his turning up every week and having a blinder."

It was a sentiment echoed by coach Paul McGregor who said his No. 7 has never showed more late-game composure.

"He's growing in that area for sure. His kicking [on Saturday] was as good as it's been and his game management's been great," McGregor said.

"I think the option of Normy on the left and [Hunt] on the right gives us a good balance as well because you've got a left and right-foot kicker on either side of the ruck.

"The opposition have to hedge their bets a little bit so they get less kick pressure and where they're putting them...it's no fluke.

"They practice pretty hard on it through the week and their execution under pressure's been great."