St George Illawarra chief executive Peter Doust is confident the Dragons are acutely aware of how high the premiership stakes are in regard to off-field behaviour just four weeks out from the NRL finals.
The indefinite suspension of Melbourne star centre Greg Inglis over the alleged assault of girlfriend Sally Robinson has placed a major doubt over the Storm's ability to qualify for a fourth successive grand final.
It is the latest of a string of indiscretions by high-profile rugby league players this year, but the competition-leading Dragons have so far managed to stay controversy free.
Full coverage of The St George Illawarra DragonsDoust and new coach Wayne Bennett laid down the law to the St George Illawarra squad pre-season and the Dragons boss yesterday claimed an improved community focus had contributed to their clean reputation.
"We might consider ourselves a bit proactive in our approach to our community involvement," Doust said.
"That goes as far back as our season community launch, it was making a bit of a statement about our priorities in the community.
"We don't want to have to worry about the players knowing what they have to do.
"But it is getting to this end of the season. It is what the players play for, everyone likes to be at the pointy end of the season."
As they close in on the minor premiership, Bennett, a teetotaller, again emphasised the importance of staying out of trouble during the recent bye weekend.
A number of other clubs have battled with off-field incidents involving alcohol, including the Roosters coach Brad Fittler and forward Nate Myles, as well as young hooker Jake Friend, who was caught drink-driving.
Star Manly fullback Brett Stewart, due back from injury before the finals, is facing sexual assault allegations following a boozy season launch. With the Illawarra still waiting for a rugby league premiership and joint venture partners St George starved of title success for 30 years, it is the Dragons' best chance yet to break the drought this year.
Doust laughed off suggestions St George Illawarra were already measuring up "2009 premiers" T-shirts, claiming the club's talks with Melbourne and 2007 AFL premiers Geelong was about capitalising on increased levels of corporate support.
"We are certainly not counting our chickens," Doust said.
"We wanted to make sure we started putting plans in place for the 2010 season and thought it was a commonsense approach to speak to other clubs who have had successful seasons.
"The point is, our merchandise, Red V membership and corporate support is all up as a result of the team's on-field success and we are looking at ways to improve that."
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