That's the message St George Illawarra star Paul Vaughan has for critics who believe the Dragons are wobbling after back-to-back NRL defeats.

The Dragons dropped below second spot for the first time this year after being upset by Wests Tigers on Sunday, quickly prompting memories of last year's famous finals miss.

However Vaughan hit back at doubters who are predicting another collapse, pointing to the team's five State of Origin representatives this year as proof of their credentials.

"I'm sure we'll prove them wrong," Vaughan said.

"We've got a great side here. You see the boys playing representative football, it's a good reflection on the team and how they're going.

"So if teams are going to underestimate us, it's just on their head and on their call. But we've got a great team here and the boys are building towards something special."

The Dragons had been considered premiership favourites for most of this year, having held top spot for all but one week over the opening 16 rounds.

However current ladder leaders South Sydney have since garnered most of the attention on the back of their current nine-game winning streak.

Vaughan insisted the Dragons remain bulletproof in their belief of their ability to have a serious crack at the premiership.

"We know that we've earned that position and worked hard for it. If you ask any of the boys, they'll say the same thing," he said.

"I guess everyone loves to see Souths go well because they've been in the comp for so long. They are going well, so they deserve all the credit they get."

Vaughan denied the gruelling Origin period had begun to take its toll on their form, however is confident getting back in the winner's circle with the entire squad back on deck.

"It's just excuses to be honest. We're a good team and we should be playing good football. We've had a bit of a lapse the last couple of weeks but that's no excuse," he said.

"All the boys are back on deck and ready to have a crack at the comp and give it a good shake."

Australian Associated Press