Coach Des Hasler is doing his best to play down the significance of next week’s top of the table blockbuster in Mackay – but Canterbury centre Josh Morris admits the meeting with Melbourne is a massive test of his side’s NRL premiership credentials.

The Bulldogs surged into second spot courtesy of Friday night’s 28-20 win over struggling St George Illawarra, a fourth straight victory setting up an epic clash in the unlikeliest of venues.

As a Canterbury home game, the match would normally have been played at ANZ Stadium, but Saturday night’s contest could well determine how likely it is that the two sides will again match-up at the Olympic venue on the last Sunday in September.

“I think it’s a massive test – down there they got us by six (in round seven) and it was probably one of our toughest games all year,” Morris said.

“Whilst we did get a win (against the Dragons), we were disappointing in that second half – if we play like that next week a side like Melbourne will definitely expose us.

“They are the benchmark, we know we have to be right on our game to beat them.”

One man right on his game is Morris, whose form and confidence has only grown with his standout performances for NSW in the opening two State of Origin encounters.

On Friday night he scored a double to take his tally to 11 tries from 13 games in 2013, including a memorable first half effort in which he stepped around Dragons fullback and twin brother Brett.

“Playing against the Dragons, I don’t need any motivation playing against Brett,” Josh Morris said.

“A win tonight caps off a good week.

“Ricky (NSW coach Ricky Stuart) wanted us to come back and play like Origin players and I think tonight I did that.”