South Sydney has won its first Charity Shield match since 1999 with a determined 30-6 victory over a listless St George Illawarra at Aussie Stadium.

The Dragons looked a shadow of the side which made the NRL finals last season and, to make matters worse, they lost international centre Matt Cooper (broken nose) in the opening minute.

Cooper was immediately taken from the field as a precaution in a trial match played in wet conditions in front of 20,481 fans.

Souths last tasted success in the annual clash in 1999 when they triumphed 16-14.

The Dragons still hold the upper hand with 13 wins, six losses and three draws since the concept started in 1982.

They were missing Mark Gasnier (wrist), Trent Barrett (rested) and Jason Ryles (shoulder) and it showed as they struggled to match a physical Souths outfit.

Rabbitohs speedster Roy Bell opened the scoring in the sixth minute, running onto a Joe Williams grubber shortly after opposite number Colin Best slipped over.

In the opening five minutes former Hull winger Best had a try disallowed, was trapped in-goal, conceded a penalty and let in a try on his wing.

Williams converted a penalty goal to give Souths a 6-0 lead in the 22nd minute - extended to 10-0 when forward David Fa'alogo scored five minutes later.

Test lock Shaun Timmins fumbled a Williams kick near his own line and Fa'alogo pounced on the ball to score an easy try.

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