Just 125 days after steering Manly to a second premiership, Des Hasler kick-started his new campaign at Canterbury on Saturday night with a 28-18 NRL trial win over St George Illawarra at WIN Stadium.
In stark contrast to his former club's 32-point loss to Cronulla on Friday night, Hasler's squad showed glimpses of their master orchestrator's trademark style, running away with the game through gritty defence and some costly Dragons errors.
The match also provided the small army of Red V fans their first snapshot of their side under new coach Steve Price following the departure of Wayne Bennett to Newcastle.
But with little in the way of NRL talent - only 146 first-grade games between the 53 players involved - judgement of either team's title hopes would be better reserved until a later date.
"It was okay, I thought both sides were pretty solid," Hasler said.
"I thought the way they were travelling with the ball and the skill factor were good, but more than anything they've had a long off-season and it's good to get out there and play some footy.
"I was particularly pleased with the way some of my forwards went tonight."
Marty Taupau was a standout in the Bulldogs pack despite a first-half sin-bin ruling for a high shot.
Some handy work from Ratu Tagive, Shane Pumipi and Josh Portlock helped Canterbury to a handy 14-6 lead at halftime en route to their six tries to three victory.
The Bulldogs then appeared to lose their way early in the final stanza, but critical Dragons errors meant the visitors would not be outscored.
Dean McGlinchey delivered the final nail in the coffin with his 74th-minute four-pointer for the Bulldogs, allowing Hasler some confidence heading into next Sunday's trial against the Sydney Roosters.
For the Dragons, Jack Stockwell and Will Matthews shone most.
New recruit Daniel Vidot was a notable absence during the second half of the game after starting on the left wing.
His replacement, David Catterall, quickly made his presence known with two second-half tries down the left side.
Dragons coach Steve Price said he was undeterred by the result, pointing out that the game provided a better gauge for Illawarra NSW Cup coach Paul McGregor.
"This is a good introduction for our five players from the top side to show their worth tonight," Price said.
"This is a good education for the players and a good chance to go back to the basics and keep working hard."
Played at a ground with a heavily scaffold-braced western grandstand, the game also provided Bulldogs NSW Cup coach Barry Ward with some promising indications that his team can extend their run of three consecutive premierships.
