Defending NRL champion, the Penrith Panthers, defeated the St. George Illawarra Dragons 40-20 last night to finish seventh in the points table.

The Panthers started strong, scoring four tries from Thomas Jenkins, Paul Alamoti, Casey McLean, and Nathan Cleary to lead 22-6 at halftime.

They scored another three tries in the second half from Isaiah Papali'i, Lindsay Smith, and Paul Alamoti.

Cleary starred with four line break assists, two try assists, 131 run metres, and 16 points.

Meanwhile, the Dragons scored four tries from Kyle Flanagan, Corey Allan, Tyrell Sloan, and Jaydn Su'A.

In other results, the Titans beat the Wests Tigers 36-28 and the Sharks defeated the Bulldogs 24-6.

Looking at the matches today, the Dolphins will take on the Raiders at 4pm, and the Eels will face the Knights at 6.05pm.