There's no way the rampaging NRL Premiers St George Illawarra will be getting ahead of themselves this year.

Even though they already look to be way ahead of their rivals two weeks before the new season even kicks off.

The Dragons returned home from the UK on Thursday to find a place for the World Club Challenge Cup in their bulging trophy cabinet following last weekend's 21-15 win over Wigan.

The victory rounded off an outstanding pre-season campaign which has also included a 32-10 Charity Shield mauling of Souths and a 28-14 thumping of the Bulldogs.

Betting institutions have responded by installing the Dragons as clear favourites for the 2011 NRL title.

Mirroring the low-key approach of their coach Wayne Bennett, whose future at the Dragons beyond this year is the only cloud on the club's horizon, Dragons players continue to talk down their prospects.

"We're excited that we have won it (The World Club Challenge) but we know we're in for a tough season ahead," Dragons centre Mark Gasnier said on the team's return to Sydney.

Prop Michael Weyman savoured the win, but stressed the Dragons still had things to work on prior to beginning their NRL title defence

"It was a good bit of history for us and one that I know I'll never forget," Weyman said.

"Were still sorting out things ahead of the season and it'll come together later on."

A stopover in Hong Kong before returning home allowed the Dragons time to reflect on their latest triumph..

"The feeling that we won really sunk in when we arrived in Hong Kong, we were there for 36 hours and once it sunk in there it became pretty enjoyable," winger Jason Nightingale said.

Hooker Nathan Fien said the Dragons would get straight back into training on Thursday.

"It's exciting as this is a reward for what we achieved last year," Fien said of the WCC win.

"Were now on a level playing field as we haven't won anything (in the NRL) this year so we'll be getting stuck into it and looking forward to the Titans in round one."

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