They've won three on the trot, but Canberra Raiders coach Peter Marrapodi insists talk of challenging for the under-18s SG Ball premiership is premature.
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The red-hot Raiders have bounced back after a loss in the opening round to take plenty of momentum into Saturday's match against St George Illawarra at Seiffert Oval.
Last weekend's emphatic 40-20 victory over the Newcastle Knights has consolidated the Raiders' position in the top eight, but Marrapodi is well aware the Raiders can't afford to get complacent if they're to collect the silverware.
''It's a long way off to be thinking of that just yet,'' Marrapodi said.
''The thing at the moment is we're not playing well but we're still winning.
''Our attitude's helping us win matches. It's a pretty pleasing sign as far as going deep in the competition anyway.''
Not even a 12-hour round bus trip to the Hunter Valley on the day of the game could derail the Raiders.
Taking a 10-point lead into the break, the visitors showed great resistance and superior fitness to ground out the result in the second half.
Forwards Patrick Mago and Mitchell Shaw were outstanding in the victory, laying a platform which halfback Anthony Milford took advantage of.
The Raiders are set to be boosted for the match against the Illawarra outfit with the return of captain Hayden Pengelly from injury.
''They're traditionally a really strong development area, so we're expecting a tough game on Saturday,'' Marrapodi said.
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AT A GLANCE
SG BALL: Canberra Raiders 40 (M Shaw, A Milford, J Baker, I Hamad, B O'Sullivan, J Ballard, R O'Sullivan tries; T Schubach 5, A Milford goals) bt Newcastle Knights 20.
HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP: Newcastle Knights 32 bt Canberra Raiders 14 (L Croker, J Williams, J Hickson tries; C Hart goal).
SATURDAY
Raiders v Illawarra at Seiffert Oval. Harold Matthews Cup at 1pm, SG Ball at 2.30pm.
