If anyone knows how to mastermind a stealth attack on the NRL premiership then it’s Canterbury coach Des Hasler.

But the Bulldogs mentor believes his team’s opponents on Saturday, North Queensland, are doing a better job of going unnoticed than any other title contender this season.

Hasler’s men have emerged as premiership favourites after reaching the top of the ladder with last week’s impressive victory over Manly at Brookvale – their eighth consecutive win.

But the Cowboys have climbed up to fourth following Monday’s victory over Wests Tigers in Townsville, with four wins from their past five matches.

And Hasler believes a team boasting stars such as front-row pair Matt Scott and James Tamou as well as electrifying backs Matt Bowen and Johnathan Thurston is geared for success.

“They actually are flying under the radar,” Hasler said on Wednesday, referring to the tag often thrown at his teams.

“They’re playing some great football, particularly the two State of Origin and Australian front-rowers in Tamou and Scott.

“They give them a great platform to work off.

“I’d have to say the No.1 (Bowen) is probably in career-best form again … he had a year or so of injury there and he’s bounced back really well.

“Almost unstoppable in broken play and couple that with a fit Johnathan Thurston, they’re a quality side.”

Bulldogs’ five-eighth Josh Reynolds certainly is aware of the challenge that awaits him this weekend when he’ll line up against Queensland and Australia star Thurston.

The 23-year-old believes Thurston has been the game’s greatest player for the past five years and knows he’ll have to avoid being over-awed when he takes on the superstar.

“On the field you’ve got to make sure you’re on your toes because you never really see him have a bad game,” Reynolds said.

“You try to bring yourself up for the big games and it’s definitely going to be one of those.

“They’re the players I want to base my game around. You never really see him in the paper for having a shocking game.”