With Dragons fullback Josh Dugan and half Benji Marshall both returning from off-season surgery it seems likely that coach Paul McGregor will seek to explore other options in the Auckland Nines and pre-season trials.
While the Dragons’ halves are settled, the rest of the backline is open with numerous players staking a claim. Dugan has been mooted for a shift to the centres and only Jason Nightingale’s wing position looks certain.
In the forwards, the front row is relatively settled with Leeson Ah Mau certain as one prop and Mitch Rein as hooker. English international Mike Cooper is the other likely starting prop, leaving Russell Packer 130-kilogram Mose Masoe as bench props.
February 6-7
Fixture: Auckland Nines
The Auckland Nines is a competition St George have not fared well at in the past, but the weak group they have been drawn alongside will help their chances this time around.
Dugan and Marshall are unlikely to be risked in Auckland, giving Adam Quinlan a chance starting at fullback with Gareth Widdop in the halves alongside Drew Hutchison or Josh McCrone.
The backline will likely be without regulars Jason Nightingale and Euan Aitken, paving the way for Tim Lafai and Kurt Mann to prove themselves for their new club. Mata Utia is another option at fullback.
Up front, Rein is likely to be rested, while New Zealanders Packer and Siliva Havili will be given a chance to impress in front of a home crowd.
Similar opportunities are also likely for Tyrone McCarthy and Dunamis Lui, and Tyson Frizell will be given a chance to prove the fitness of his troublesome back.
Saturday, February 6
Fixture: Trial v Wynnum-Manly Seagulls
While the Nines are underway, the remainder of the Dragon’s squad will play a trial against the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls on February 6. This is where I expect serious selection battles to come forward leading up to the Charity Shield match against Souths.
Saturday, February 13
Fixture: Charity Shield v South Sydney
This year’s Charity Shield clashes with the NRL All Stars match, providing a chance for further experimentation with the squad.
With Widdop playing for the All Stars either Drew Hutchison or Josh McCrone will get an opportunity to impress at five-eighth.
As the Dragons’ front row and two reserve props are settled, the chances in the forwards will be in the back row. Both Frizell and Joel Thompson will be on All-Star duty, with Dunamis Lui set to be given a chance in the second row. Ben Creagh and Jack De Belin are the other likely starters.
If coach McGregor is serious about Dugan playing centre this year I expect him to start there alongside Euan Aitken. Jason Nightingale will be on one wing, with Peter Mata Utai on the other.
Kurt Mann looks a likely starter at fullback, and Marshall will have his first real chance to work with the heavier forward pack close to the line. Expect the Dragons to dominate in the forwards.
Saturday, February 20
Fixture: Trial v New Zealand Warriors
Given the absence of a few key players for the Charity Shield, this game looks like a very serious trial for season selection. Expect the Dragons’ starting lineup for the NRL season to take shape.
Whoever is selected at fullback will be in for a stern test against Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, while Havili will be looking to show his old team a trick or two before the Dragons final trial.
Saturday, February 27
Fixture: Trial v Central Queensland Capras
This match looks like match purely to test fringe players or players yet to have a good run in the earlier games.
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