Dragons coach Paul McGregor is adamant his team won't fade away after a strong start to the season as they have done in previous years as they continue to build momentum with Sunday's 34-14 win over the Melbourne Storm.
St George Illawarra's 8-1 start to the season has put no pressure on the competition favourites as McGregor says external expectations are the least of their worries.
"We talked about expectation, but it's expectation from not within. We've got appreciation about what we're doing at the moment," McGregor said.
"Everyone else outside obviously is looking towards expectation of the game, we're looking to run out in front of 19,000 people who appreciate what we're building.
"But we can't be complacent with what we do."
Dragons press conference: Round 9, 2018
McGregor said there was plenty of belief at the club but no signs of complacency.
"We got a lot of belief and our attitude is really good so it's just about maintaining that and not being complacent," he said.
"There is no sign of that in the shed at all, that's the beautiful thing about the squad.
"Even players we've had in the past, there are no egos here we are just working hard as one and we know that it can get taken away pretty quickly."
While admitting his team gave the Storm too many opportunity through poor ball control, McGregor was pleased with his side's defence against a side that have averaged more than 40 points a game in the previous three weeks.
"The boys have been working hard on what we need to improve each week and holding themselves accountable," he said.
"We turned the ball over too many times when we probably didn't need to in early tackles, which probably swung the momentum at times.
"Defensively our middles were outstanding and our left edge were very good so to get the result is nice."
Sims building to his best