South Sydney hooker Damien Cook held off former NSW rake Robbie Farah's challenge in the pre-season and has gone from strength to strength for the Rabbitohs over the first three rounds.
Despite the Bunnies losing their opening two games, Cook's whole-hearted performance ensured he retained the No.9 jersey for last week's home meeting with Manly.
The 26-year-old had a typically busy game as Souths romped to a convincing 34-6 victory.
Unfortunately for Farah, the former Wests Tigers star could become a mainstay in the NSW Intrust Super Cup if Cook continues to be an attacking spark around the ruck for the Bunnies.
''I had a good pre-season and one of the big things for me will be to play consistent footy throughout the year, and I feel if I do that and I'm playing some good footy, then I should hold my spot,'' Cook said.
''It's definitely been a goal of mine and I'm enjoying every part of it.
''I wouldn't say I was concerned after the first two rounds. We were playing some footy [but] we just weren't able to put it all together and play the whole 80 minutes.
''It's a team sport but you have to make sure you are doing your job first and I've got to keep working on the things I need to work on.
''If I'm doing my part and everyone else is doing their part, it's the complete package and we will hopefully get more wins.''
With goal-kicking halfback Adam Reynolds still sidelined with a knee injury and Greg Inglis not quite ready to lead from the fullback position, Cook remains confident with how the combinations are progressing.
He said the Bunnies were delighted to see the plays they have been working on at training transfer to the field.
''It was a relief to get our first win because we really have been working hard and doing a lot of good things despite our first two losses,'' he said.
''Round one we sort of got blown off the park and against Penrith [in round two] we just didn't put a good performance together for the whole 80 minutes, so it was really positive to finally play like we've been training.
''We learnt a lot from what we did against Penrith. We knew to just stick to our game plan in round three and the halves did that really well and everyone else responded to that. We ran away with it in the end so it was a good result.''
The Rabbitohs are bracing for their annual Good Friday clash with Canterbury in round four at ANZ Stadium, with both sides chasing their second win.
Cook says building on their attack from the previous weeks will boost the Bunnies' chances of climbing the competition ladder.
''We've moved on pretty quickly to the Bulldogs game,'' the former Helensburgh Tigers junior said.
''We've done our review and had a look at where our attack can be a lot better and smoother across the park, and just keep building on our combinations week in week out.
''They're going to come out firing just like we will. They obviously went one from three as well with their first win on the weekend like we did, and we're both looking to get that next win.
''Being a good Friday match, we love that game. Both teams love it and it gets a big crowd turnout, and they make it extra special."
Rabbitohs press conference - Round 3