St George Illawarra Dragons returned to winning ways in NRL with a fine defensive showing to grind out an 18-16 victory over the lowly Canterbury Bulldogs on Monday.

On paper, the Dragons – who return to the top of the table thanks to their win – were clear favourites against a Bulldogs side who have managed just three wins this season.

But the Bulldogs had cause for optimism against a Dragons team hammered 28-2 by Penrith Panthers last time out, with the visitors having also had four players feature in last week's State of Origin opener.

The Dragons, who had lost 11 of their previous 12 against the Bulldogs, showed their strength early on, though, when Euan Aitken broke the hosts' defence after a well-worked move in the third minute.

Tariq Sims also crashed over inside the opening 10 minutes and, although Adam Elliot put the Bulldogs on the scoreboard with a fine shimmy off the left foot, the Dragons were 14-6 to the good at the break with Nene Macdonald dotting down for their first converted score.

The momentum swung dramatically in the Bulldogs' favour with Will Hopoate and Brett Morris scores putting the home team ahead by the 48th minute.

A couple of Gareth Widdop penalties edged the Dragons back in front and a stoic defensive effort in the closing stages ensured they held out for the win despite not scoring a second-half try.