At Blacktown's HE Laybutt Field, the Dragons, who won the 2019 under 23s country decider, were rewarded for some sharp second-phase play five-eighth Dylan Farrell barged his way past three defenders to score.

Halfback and 2019 Country Player of the Year Cameron Vazzoler converted and Wade Forrester's side led 6-nil early on.

Monaro hit back with a try of their own soon after when winger Jake Butler-Fleming made a break down the sideline after the Dragons' left-edge defence was caught short.

Terry Campese, who played 139 games for the Canberra Raiders during his career, then locked up the scores 6-all.

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A chance for the Dragons to regain the lead then went begging, when a pass prior to Sam Clune's try was adjudged to be forward.

Forrester's troops were made to rue that missed opportunity when Monaro centre William Peace planted down a cross-field kick from Campese, to give the Colts their first lead of the final.

The five-eighth couldn't convert and the Colts led 10-6 just before the break.

And just when they thought they'd go into the break down by four, Dragons strike centre Ryan James produced a brilliant individual try, to level the scores just before the siren sounded.

Half Vazzoler missed the kick and the scores were level 10-all at the break.

The Dragons, made up entirely of Group Seven players, regained their lead soon after the break, following an early error by the Colts.

Centre James found space down the right edge and beat a handful of defenders before slamming it down just inside the corner, for his second of the afternoon.

Vazzoler nailed the kick and the Dragons' lead was six.

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Back-to-back penalties against the Dragons then gifted the Colts strong field position, which they gladly made the most of.

After starting on the right-hand side of the field, second-phase play by the Colts saw fullback Tristan Eldridge cross in the corner - before Campese converted to level the scores at 16-all.

With just over 15 minutes to play, the Colts poked their noses back in front, when Campese landed a penalty goal.

Despite the best efforts of the Dragons, who had numerous late chances to steal the match, the Colts held on for a hard-fought 18-16 win, to be crowned open men's country champions.