Mudgee Dragons showed they're a side to keep tabs on this Group 10 season after besting Blayney Bears, Orange CYMS and finally Orange Hawks in Saturday's decider at Carrington Park.

Dragons had made plenty of off season moves and, under the guidance of former NRL player Jack Littlejohn, they're already looking the goods following an 18-10 win in the final.

Panthers' bid for a fourth straight triumph in the pre-season competition were denied in Friday night's opening game defeat to Lithgow Workies.

St Pat's had better luck in their opening clash against Cowra Magpies before they were stopped in the semi-finals by Hawks to the tune of 14-10, denied by a last minute try.

Saints player-coach Luke Branighan was naturally disappointed not to go the distance but had a lot to take away from the two games.

"I'm pretty happy with our pre-season and I go into the competition with some confidence. We've had two good trial games against Orange Hawks and Forbes Magpies before the knockout as well," he said.

"Like a lot of sides we had some players missing but we did some good things at the knockout. We do need to improve though if we're going to be competitive with the top sides.

"I thought the boys stuck at the task really well but we weren't really building any pressure, so we need to be better to beat Orange CYMS in the first round."

Several Saints players showed that their pre-season efforts are reaping the rewards.

"Benjamin John was good in both games, as was Mick Latu. A couple of our forwards went alright. Jack Mackey looked strong out there," Branighan said.

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"It's disappointing going out in the semi-final but I feel like we've still had a really good pre-season."

Panthers never got going in their contest against Lithgow as they went down 16-4.

Workies were dominant through the middle of the park and capitalised on a weakened squad from the defending Group 10 champions.

Panthers coach Doug Hewitt said the absentees from his team certainly made the going harder but there was much more room for his side to apply themselves in defence.

"Most of our pack was away. We had Jack Siejka, Brent Seager, Blake Seager and a couple of guys out wide away as well and that really forces the guys there to step up," he said.

"It got a couple of our younger blokes out there to have a crack and get some minutes, but Lithgow's one of those teams who are so mobile through the middle of the field. They're tough to stop when they get a roll on."

Panthers' premier league side now have a three week stint away from the field after bringing their opening Group 10 game forward.

"Next week will be a bit hard. Our reggies boys have their game against Blayney then we have the bye," Hewitt said.

"We might try and get an in-house trial going to keep everybody fresh."