One week ago, St George Illawarra was reeling off their opening-round loss to Cronulla-Sutherland.

But just like any desperate side does, the Dragons flipped the script and proved all the doubters wrong the next time they stepped on the field - which was on Saturday, when they downed Tariq Sims' former side the Cowboys in Townsville.

"That was my first time going back to Townsville since they've had the new stadium and facilities up there, which are top-notch," the Gerringong product said.

"One thing I didn't miss was the heat - we even went up a day earlier to try and acclimatise a little better but it was still extremely difficult to play in.

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"In terms of the game itself, those unforced errors saw us produce another slow start, which is something we had talked about improving during the week.

"It honestly felt we were just tackling for the first 15 minutes of the game - which lead to us conceding a try off a kick.

"Our starts and defusing cross-field kicks are areas we need to address as a team.

"One aspect that was pleasing though was we stuck to our defensive structures for close to the majority of the game.

"We've come a long way as a group since our disappointing showing in the Charity Shield.

"If we can nip those tries off kicks in the butt, I believe the club is looking really positive in the direction it's heading.

"While there are good signs at the moment, it's something we need to continue to work hard on each time we step on the track."

Another adjustment back-rower Sims and his side have had the make the past few weeks to the increased speed of the game.

"The speed has been super fast and I definitely noticed it on the weekend - it was one of those games where you just couldn't get your breath back," the 31-year-old said.

"Once the ruck is shot, you can't stop it - it's one of those things that if you try to slow it down on tackles three of four, you're probably getting penalised with another set of six.

"You just can't afford to do that to the big boys in the middle."

Speaking on the topic of middle forwards, Sims still believes there is a role for the giant prop despite the recent evolution of the game.

"Obviously the body shapes of that typical big man are starting to change to adapt to the speed of the game but I truly believe you still need those big fellas in the middle of the park with the ability to skittle the opposition," the 185-game NRL veteran said.

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"It's those big forwards or those massive wingers that blow the rucks away and gets the ball moving nice and quick for your side - anytime a player requires three or four players to bring him down is a real positive asset to your side.

"While the overall minutes of a big man might decrease, their impact is still crucial, if they can adapt to the game's pace."

Now the Group Seven junior, who praised the play of his new skipper Ben Hunt, and his Red V outfit will get the chance to build on their season's maiden win when they host Manly-Warringah at WIN Stadium on Friday night.

"All the boys are looking forward to playing back in Wollongong this weekend against a Sea Eagles side who are under pressure but also wary of at the same time, as they have so many players that can hurt you," Sims, who will start in the back-row alongside Josh Kerr on Friday, said.

"But if we concentrate on our controllables and pick up where we left off against the Cowboys, I'm confident we can record our second win of the season on Friday."

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