Unwavering Cronulla coach Chris Anderson hopes the struggling National Rugby League club was strong enough to see his plans through after they suffered their sixth defeat to open the season at a rebuilt Kogarah Oval.

The Sharks were the victims of an historic day for St George Illawarra as the Dragons returned to their spiritual home - now known as Oki Jubilee Stadium - before a sell-out crowd of nearly 17,000.

The Dragons won 28-12 to move into a share of fourth on the ladder with four other teams - Newcastle, the Warriors, Melbourne and Penrith.

After presiding over his sixth defeat from as many starts, Anderson admitted he was feeling the heat following a controversial start to the year in which he axed stalwarts Nick Graham and Dean Treister.

"I don't think we're in crisis," Anderson said.

"It's never happy when you're losing, but I'm just there to do a job.

"If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out. It's not going to change the way I do it.

"I'm in there to do the best I can and I'm busting my arse week in, week out, the same as these players are, to make sure we get some wins.

"That's all I can do so if it's not going work out that way that's not a problem for me.

"I just hope the club is strong enough to see it through."

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