St George Illawarra captain Trent Barrett on Monday vowed the Dragons wouldn't make the same mistake twice and believe their own hype ahead of the NRL's penultimate weekend.

Barrett on Monday admitted the Dragons were swept away with their favouritism last year before losing the preliminary final to Wests Tigers.

He said it won't happen again as the Dragons prepare to play minor premiers Melbourne on Saturday, despite becoming the new title favourites.

"Everyone was saying us and Parramatta would make the grand final and maybe we did believe it a little too much and turned up and didn't play well," said Barrett.

"I think the young guys are playing a lot better this year and the older guys have learnt from last year so time will tell."

Barrett said it was too early to declare the Dragons favourites and still believes the Storm are the team to beat.

"I don't know, that's a bit premature," said Barrett of the Dragons favouritism.

"Melbourne didn't win a minor premiership by eight points because they were a bad team. We have not beaten them for a long time. It will take a really big effort from us to beat them and I think we have to improve on our last two weeks."

Dragons coach Nathan Brown said the red and white's committed defence, conceding just one try in two NRL finals matches, was key to their improved performances.

"I would not say that I'm surprised. For three weeks coming in we did only have one passing try (conceded) each game," said Brown.

"During our five losses we had times when sides did not have to work hard to score ... now sides that score have got to work pretty hard to get over our line.

"If we keep working hard and putting our body on the line it will create frustration and frustration leads to errors and better field position and better ball."

Dragons Test centre Mark Gasnier will be given until match day to overcome his hip related injury - Brown saying if he can run he will play.

"He is by no means 100 per cent playing, probably 50-50," said Brown.

"We will train all week with young Darryl (Millard) out there and if he plays we will still be confident we will go well.

"(Gasnier) doesn't have to prove to me (he can play) he has to prove to the doc ... he will either be able to run and play or he won't be able to run."

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