Like so many other campaigns during their 10 years in the NRL, it wasn't meant to end this way for St George Illawarra.

But as referee Shayne Hayne blew his whistle for fulltime in Manly's 38-6 victory, he not only brought a close to the Dragons' season, he also called time on an era which failed to deliver.

While it has been well documented coach Nathan Brown, captain Mark Gasnier and veteran prop Jason Ryles will no longer be part of the joint venture club, Saturday night's loss also signalled the end in the red and white for Josh Morris, Lagi Setu, Ben Rogers and Kirk Reynoldson.

Two others that didn't play, hookers Simon Woolford and Rangi Chase, are also gone.

The era under Brown will forever be seen as one in which the Dragons underachieved, no premierships with one of the best rosters in the game.

On the other side, Steve Menzies' fairytale farewell tour stayed on track.

In what was his last ever appearance for the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval, Menzies scored the first try of the match, an effort which included him headbutting the ball as he touched down in front of the grandstand which now adorns his name.

He was also given the final kick at goal, but it hardly seemed to matter that he pushed it to the right of the posts.

"That's it, 16 years have come to an end," Menzies said of his last appearance at Brookie.

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