Pressure a privilege for emerging St George Illawarra stars

The performances of Sloan, Talatau Amone, Jayden Sullivan, and Max and Mat Feagai have been one of few bright spots in an otherwise disastrous season.

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The youngsters have long been on the radar, the group playing a key role in the Steelers 2019 SG Ball success and that potential has translated to the NRL in recent weeks.

While the hype could become a burden, Sloan feels the group's junior success will help them break into the top flight.

"I don't think it's pressure, it's a bit of a welcome sign going forward," Sloan said. "We're all pretty confident guys, we all build off each other's confidence.

"I think it's more of a good thing going forward. Hook's given us a chance this year, we're just trying to take these chances and hopefully it goes well from next year."

Sloan will again line up at fullback this weekend, with Amone at five-eighth and Sullivan at hooker for the clash with South Sydney.

With the Rabbitohs resting a number of key players, including Adam Reynolds, Cody Walker and Damien Cook, and missing Latrell Mitchell through suspension, the match has emerged as a winnable affair.

A victory would be a positive way to end the season and Amone said the rookies have learnt how much tougher it is to prevail in the NRL compared to junior football.

"Our preparations have been great, it's just all the little things that we need to fix up to get that result on the field," Amone said. "We're just lacking the one percenters that we need to fix.

"In juniors you can afford to make a mistake or two. Once you get to the big leagues, you can't afford to make those little mistakes because the good teams make you pay."

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The past six weeks have provided Amone, Sloan and their peers a unique experience living alongside senior teammates in Brisbane.

It's a situation that has provided multiple challenges, but one the club is hoping will have long-lasting benefits.

For Sloan, this period has provided an opportunity to observe his senior teammates and learn what it takes to play in the NRL.

"I'm walking around all the boys every day," Sloan said. "They're taking me under their wing. I love being around the boys, they're helping me out on and off the field.

"Whatever I can learn from them now, hopefully helps me next year and so on in my career.

"Andrew McCullough with his injury has had a lot more time to be in and around the boys. He's been really good for me, off the field more than on the field. He's like a dad to me, he's guided me off the field as much as on the field.

"Benny Hunt as well, I try to be around them guys each and every day, just to get a bit of knowledge.

"Sometime's it's not even about footy, it's about life skills as well. Those two guys have been a massive help."

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