Reigning NRL champions Sydney Roosters got their hands back on the ANZAC Day Cup with a 20-10 victory over St George Illawarra Dragons.

Having lost their grip on the trophy in a 24-8 reverse a year ago, the Roosters took their revenge on Thursday at the SCG.

Latrell Mitchell, playing at centre, was responsible for over half of the hosts' points tally and the Roosters were 14-0 to the good at the break.

Scores from Dragons duo Zac Lomax and Matt Dufty made for an interesting finish, but Siosiua Taukeiaho's late try put the result beyond doubt, sending the Roosters top of the standings.

Mitchell was quick out of blocks and kicked a penalty before converting his own try inside the opening quarter of an hour.

When Angus Crichton touched down following a 40-20 from Jake Friend and Mitchell added the extras, the Roosters looked comfortable heading into the interval.

But Trent Robinson's men, who needed golden-point heroics to down Melbourne Storm last time out despite having led 20-0, allowed their opponents back into the contest.

Lomax crossed in the corner and Dufty dotted down under the posts soon after to set up a tense finale, but the lively Taukeiaho​ settled matters with a defence-splitting charge for the line three minutes from time.