St George Illawarra Dragons National Youth Competition fullback Matthew Dufty is confident in the team's ability leading into the match against the Melbourne Storm on Monday.
The Penshurt RSL junior admits the young Dragons undefeated status is a confidence boost, but says the team have worked hard to maintain consistent results.
"It's great to be at the top of the ladder, but it doesn't come easy. You have to work hard for good results and we have worked extremely hard to be where we are now," said Dufty.
"It was a tough week at training, we did a fair bit of conditioning to freshen us up and I'm feeling good.
"It was a very humbling experience playing at the SCG for the first time, it was just incredible.
"Souths are a pretty tough team, they came out with something to prove, but the boys worked well together and our fitness levels pushed us through for the eighty.
"The body is feeling good, it's only six weeks in, and I'm still adjusting to the full eighty minutes, it's a lot different to SG Ball.
"The speed and pace of the game are obviously a big difference, but I'm enjoying every minute of it.
"The coaches are great, they've obviously been around the game a while and know their stuff, I'm just trying to learn all I can to improve my game.
"Melbourne will be tough, especially on their home turf, but we've had a good week at training and we'll be ready to go come Monday.
"We just need to keep working hard, stick to our structures and plans and play the eighty together."
