New ground for Elgey as Sea Eagles hunt fourth straight win

Kane Elgey is in a special place. He's not only dragging down players twice his size, he's never experienced trying to win a fourth game in a row.

The Manly recruit moved south from the Gold Coast Titans to Sydney's northern beaches and with it has come a new lease on his football life.

As the five-eighth prepares for the Dragons at WIN Stadium on Saturday, he is contemplating his new-found happiness.

"I've never been a part of a team that's won three in a row in my first grade career," he said, after spending three years with the Titans across 46 games.

"It is such a good feeling and you know the momentum is building each week."

The 25-year-old has now passed the 50 NRL-game margin and is starting to find his feet, particularly in defence which the 88kg half has found difficult beforehand.

"The biggest questions around Kane was his defence before he came here. I think he's been really, really strong for us defensively this season," said his halves partner and Sea Eagles skipper Daly Cherry-Evans.

"If that part of his game is steady then the natural ability he's got with the footy in his hands will continue to grow.

"We saw a few more glimpses on the weekend, which were pretty special. So it looks as though he's really finding his feet within the squad."

In Manly's 26-18 win over the Knights – the third in a row – Elgey was seen entangling himself around the legs of Daniel Saifiti and Tim Glasby. The week before it was the Burgess brothers in the 13-12 win over the Rabbitohs.

And throughout those games he's had line break and try assists, and the odd repeat set.

"He's a silky player – he's super kick. His catch, pass and kick are probably second to none in our team," said second rower Curtis Sironen.

"He's getting some nice success – repeat sets and try assists. That's big for our team in helping our momentum.

"His defence has really impressed me. Being a half you get a lot of big, powerful guys run at you. 'Elge' did a pretty good job on Sam Burgess and then against the Knights he shut a few of their big guys down.

"I really noticed that and I know the other boys did too. He takes a lot of pressure of Chez too."

Elgey has no intentions of halting his momentum and sat down to watch every move of Dragons halves Ben Hunt and Corey Norman in last weekend's match against the Bulldogs at Netstrata Stadium, Kogarah.

"I was very excited to see how well Ben and Corey are coming together because I know me and Chez face them next.

"To go up against the Dragons on their home ground and knock them off, then that will be a very good start to the season."

As for his improved defensive work, he credits coach Des Hasler and a teammate.

"It's a combination of a couple of things: Des' advice and the fact I've got Joel Thompson beside me. He's like my little protector.

"He's really helped my game a lot. It's only round five but I'm seeing good signs.

"I'm working really hard on my defence. I'm not there yet but I'm pleased with how I'm going."