But the four-tries-to-two victory came at a heavy cost, with Broncos halfback Peter Wallace suffering a possible season-ending ankle injury late in the match.

Coach Ivan Henjak said it was too early to tell but he was hopeful Wallace could play in Saturday's preliminary final against arch rival Melbourne at Docklands Stadium.

''We'll wait to see what the damage is with Wal,'' Henjak said.

''We'll enjoy tonight, they deserve that.''

Wallace was rushed to hospital for scans after he suffered suspected ligament damage to his left ankle in the 74th minute.

The Dragons became the first minor premiers since 1993 to bow out of the finals in ''straight sets'', heaping more misery upon their long-suffering fans.

Wayne Bennett's much-vaunted outfit lost five out of its last six matches to limp out of the premiership race.

But Bennett rejected any suggestion the Dragons had lived up to their reputation as chokers.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times