St George Illawarra were hoping to be celebrating their legendary back-rower and Immortal Norm Provan with a win but it was a star Penrith forward in his 100th NRL game who stole the show in a 20-16 victory for the premiers.
Viliame Kikau helped himself to two first-half tries at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium before the Dragons almost chased the Panthers down, with a late try to Zac Lomax setting up a frantic final four minutes.
The pre-game festivities were dedicated to Provan, who passed away last October, with the western grandstand at Kogarah named in his honour.
A similar tribute will be held at the next Kogarah game for another Dragons Immortal, Johnny Raper who died in February.
However, on Friday it was Kikau that was in his element.
He made the surprise trip to Sydney by his Fiji-based family for his 100th NRL game worthwhile, charging down a Ben Hunt kick in the 10th minute to run 40 metres untouched.
His second try was trademark Kikau, when he charged onto the ball on the left edge to barge over for a try.
The Dragons have other worries than simply trying to fix loose execution.
Hooker Andrew McCullough could be on the sidelines for an extended period after dislocating his left elbow.
He had a premature end to his 2021 season with a serious ankle injury last August.
Both sides enjoyed five-try round one wins, but by halftime in round two it appeared their would only remain one undefeated side,
The Panthers scooted out to a 20-6 lead, scoring two tries while Dragons forward Jaydn Su'a was in the sin bin for a late tackle on half Sean O'Sullivan.
The tackle was fairly innocuous but O'Sullivan needed treatment by a trainer and h was then forced off the field for a concussion assessment, due to the intervention of the NRL-appointed doctor in the bunker.
The one bright spot for St George Illawarra was 19-year-old fullback Tyrell Sloan scoring a fine try as he flew through the air to collect a Hunt kick.
The second half brought some worrying injury news for both sides.
McCullough was helped off with his arm injury before Panthers winger Brian To'o limped off with a left ankle complaint.
Prop James Fisher-Harris didn't return after the break due to a head knock.
The Dragons kept probing with a wealth of possession and Su'a scored down the right edge.
Then deja-vu for the Dragons.
Lomax was then sent tothe sin bin for an obstruction but, unlike the first half, they didn't surrender any points while a man down.
With the Dragons trying to find a way through the Panthers defence, Jack Bird was ordered from the field by the independent doctor.
Tariq Sims made his return to first grade after playing in the NSW Cup last week, while George Burgess could come under the match review committee microscope for late and high contact on Jarome Luai.
Penrith head to Bathurst next round to take on Newcastle while the Dragons meet local rivals Cronulla in Wollongong.
