Dean Young has warned Cronulla that St George Illawarra are desperate to avenge their shock round two defeat to their local rivals when the sides face off in Monday's NRL clash at Kogarah.

The unfancied Sharks stunned the premiers 16-10 at a rainsoaked Toyota Stadium and Young admits the result was a wake-up call for the premiers and proves that the form book goes flying out of the window when the two sides meet.

"It was a very un-Dragonslike performance from us but they played well and got the cash that night, but that was a long time ago and we want to make sure they don't catch us out again," Young said.

"They are playing a lot better than they were in round two and we have had some good footy throughout the year.

"But it is irrelevant what sort of form these clubs are in. They are always good games, the fans love it, the players love it, and all the boys are looking forward to this one."

The Dragons go into the game refreshed after coach Wayne Bennett gave his players all of last week off following the bye and Young believes now that State of Origin commitments are over the focus is firmly on retaining their title.

"I don't think it is a physical thing, it is a mental thing and Wayne and his staff are great at that, he always gives us the full seven days off during the bye - there is no training or anything like that," he said.

"It was great, the boys got to go away, or do nothing at home and get your mind away from footy.

"We have eight games to go this season, no interruptions and looking now looking forward to the back end of the year."

Shane Flanagan's in-form side go into the game looking for a fifth successive victory and Young is fully expecting the Sharks' forwards, led by the irrepressible Paul Gallen, to make life difficult for the Dragons.

"It's always good playing the Sharkies, there's lot of history there and it's a local derby and it will be good to be playing at Kogarah," he said.

"They have a mobile and physical set of forwards and it is going to be a tough night, but we are confident of getting the win."

The Dragons will be without Ben Hornby (ankle) with Nathan Fien continuing to deputise at halfback.

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