St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor can almost see the light as they appear set to emerge from the representative arena unscathed for the first time in years.

With two rounds to go before the NRL normality returns, the Dragons remain atop the NRL ladder this late in the year for the first time since their premiership season in 2010.

Even if they were to lose to both Melbourne and the Wests Tigers in the next two weeks, their season would still be relatively intact compared to previous years.

The Dragons have won just six of 18 games through the representative period in the past three years.

That record falls to 16 of 42 between 2011 and 2017 in an era where they’ve led the ladder in three different season but haven’t won a finals game.

But this year they look different, even with four State of Origin players and another three internationals in Denver last week.

“To get the three wins around this time of year (is big)” McGregor said after Thursday’s defeat of Parramatta.

“It’s just great to get through such an important time of the year winning games and with people healthy.

“Everyone was calling us the May premiers, and now we’re the June premiers.

“Obviously everyone is still waiting. They can stay waiting.”

By the Dragons’ own admission, Thursday night’s performance against the Eels wasn’t their best.

They scored just one try in the opening 70 minutes and trailed 18-8 with seven minutes to play.

But then Ben Hunt silenced his Queensland Origin critics by grubbering for Euan Aitken to score, before halves partner Gareth Widdop followed suit for fullback Matt Dufty.

“We got one that in the past we wouldn’t have,” McGregor said.

“I think clunky is a kind way to put it to be honest.

“That’s what happens when your preparation isn’t where it needs to be. It’s through no individual or teams’ fault. We’re very hesitant on a lot of things we’ve done.”

Both Tyson Frizell and Leeson Ah Mau sat Thursday’s game – the latter after his flight home from Denver with the New Zealand side was delayed.

But McGregor said he’ll still have to manage his representative stars through the run to the finals.

“Not so much playing rests but training rests,” he said.

“I couldn’t talk any of them out of playing. That’s how important it is to one another.

“Leeson turned up yesterday dressed in his training gear to play with his eyes red after four hours sleep in two days. I said go home and have a sleep and we’ll need you next week.

“Tyson is a bit different. Tyson through this time of the year his body needs a rest.”