South Sydney coach Michael Maguire says it is no fluke St George Illawarra are flying high and his side needs to match their defensive resolve when they meet at ANZ Stadium on Monday night.
The Dragons have been the surprises of the first eight NRL rounds - after starting as $151 outsiders to win the premiership, they went into the weekend equal top of the table with Brisbane.
The Dragons are on a six-game winning streak, a feat they haven't matched since 2011, the year after they won the grand final.
And Maguire says there is no secret to their success - they have simply turned up in defence.
They are the competition's best defensive side, having conceded just 86 points in their eight games this season.
Since round three they have conceded an average of less than nine points per match and also lead the league in fewest line breaks conceded and sit second for fewest missed tackles.
"St George are leading the competition in a lot of areas," Maguire said.
"Defensively they're showing great strength there and one of the best. For us we have to be spot on with our attack and make sure we build pressure."
The Rabbitohs, meanwhile, are on a three-game losing streak.
The instability in their halves and backline has contributed to their drop in form, however they will receive a boost this week with the injured John Sutton (jaw) to return at five-eighth.
Star halfback Adam Reynolds is also considered a good chance to make an early return from a knee injury.
STATS THAT MATTER
* The Rabbitohs have won five of their last six clashes against the Dragons, with their only loss coming in golden point in 2013.
* The Dragons have won just twice in 13 Monday night matches since 2012.
* The Rabbitohs have lost their last three and are looking to avoid losing four straight under coach Michael Maguire for the first time.
* Over 50 per cent of the Rabbitohs' tries conceded this season have come in the set following a penalty.
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