John Sutton says South Sydney must prove over the next month that they are premiership material, starting with tonight's danger NRL game against North Queensland at ANZ Stadium.
After the Cowboys, the Rabbitohs face tough road matches against Brisbane, Manly and Melbourne before they enjoy a bye in round 17.
Souths have beaten the Broncos just twice in eight matches at Suncorp, and have beaten the Sea Eagles just once in their past five games.
Their clash with the Storm is a home game but will be played on unfamiliar territory in Perth.
Sutton has declared the challenging period can show whether they are finals pretenders or the real deal.
"This is the time where we've all got to step up and all show we really want to be there at the end of the season," Sutton said.
"I'm really confident in the boys and I'm pretty sure they're all confident as well that we can really dig in now the next few rounds and come away with some good victories."
North Queensland have lost six of their past seven matches and are languishing at the bottom of the ladder.
In their loss to Manly last week, the Cowboys' right-side defence was constantly targeted and leaked points.
Winger John Williams has been dropped as a result, with Michael Bani coming into the side.
Sutton said attacking the edges was one of Souths' strengths, and backed key men Sam Burgess, Dave Taylor, Colin Best and Beau Champion to again challenge the North Queensland defence out wide.
Sutton warned tonight's encounter is a danger match for the Rabbitohs.
"They're always dangerous when Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen are in the side and especially JT after the Origin - he played unreal there and they didn't get the win last week so I'm pretty sure they'll come out fired up wanting to get a win," he said.
Cowboys coach Neil Henry said his side's right-side defence was a concern.
"Michael Morgan [ five-eighths] is struggling a bit down that side too defensively but he's a kid who's going to learn every time and he'll be better for the run."
- AAP
