The rangy second-rower was yesterday again named in the starting line-up ahead of former Queensland State of Origin player Neville Costigan.

And although Kiwi international Jeremy Smith and powerhouse prop Michael Weyman have received much of the praise for the Dragons' solid start to the season, Prior has clearly impressed Dragons coach Wayne Bennett.

Prior yesterday revealed the key to his early season success was improving his fitness as part of Bennett's strict regime.

"I suppose he wanted me to get my fitness up there with all the boys," Prior said.

"Every time we were doing the fitness drills he was trying to get me to stick with Ben Creagh and Beau Scott."

The Dragons completed a ballwork session at WIN Stadium yesterday before taking a dip in Wollongong's continental baths in preparation for Sunday's showdown with the Sharks at Kogarah's WIN Jubilee Stadium.

Prior played 62 minutes of Saturday's victory over the Gold Coast, making several damaging runs and completing 23 tackles.

In the first round against Melbourne, the 21-year-old played 42 minutes, making 12 hit-ups for 99m and making 32 tackles.

Possessing outstanding footwork for a forward, Prior is agile for a player of 190cm and has proven to be dangerous on the right edge.

"I've been given a fair opportunity, getting a start in round one," Prior said.

"So it showed a bit of confidence in me; I feel heaps better having a few games under my belt from last year."

Based on early results, Prior is passing the early tests of his rugby league education under Bennett with flying colours.

Prior said he was attempting to learn as much as he could from his bigger name team-mates.

"I look to guys like Beau Scott; I do a fair amount of work with him, he's always helping me in picking lines to run.

"Jeremy Smith as well. It's been great having them teaching me different things."