Matt Dufty could loom as St George Illawarra's supersub this NRL season as coach Paul McGregor weighs up how to use the club's young fullback.
Dufty has been relegated from the Dragons' starting side this year with Gareth Widdop moving back to fullback to accommodate Corey Norman's arrival in the halves, with the Englishman set to leave the joint-venture club at the end of the year.
After playing every game last season, the 23-year-old pushed his case in Saturday's trial win over Newcastle, with plenty of good second-half involvements and a try assist courtesy of nice footwork and a long ball.
And McGregor said there was still a chance he could fill a bench role for the Red V come round one against North Queensland, particularly given the versatility of his spine.
"Duft is an option to be in our 17 for sure. We can change things up in our spine if he comes on the field," McGregor said.
"We know Gareth is a world-class five-eighth, he's also been one of the better players at the World Cup at fullback. We know Hunty can play No.9, because he plays for Australia off the interchange at No.9.
"And Cam (McInnes) can play 13 so there is an opportunity to play them all at some stage as well.
"Duft is a really important part of our team, he knows that. That's why he stayed with us long term."
Dufty's case is largely helped by Kurt Mann's move to the Knights, leaving the Dragons without another genuine utility option.
Jai Field and hooker Reece Robson are other options unless McGregor opts to go with four forwards on the bench.
Elsewhere Euan Aitken faces a battle to hold out Zac Lomax at right centre. Both spent time there on Saturday after Lomax began outside Aitken on the wing.
McGregor is then expected to play his best side against South Sydney in next week's Charity Shield.
Fijian winger Mikaela Ravalawa also put his hand up for potential round one selection on Saturday, scoring twice with Jordan Perera the Dragons' most accomplished flyer.
"He is certainly an athlete, he is (188cm), 106kg, can run, changes ball with either hand, fends with either arm," McGregor said of Ravalawa.
"He is explosive so we have got to keep working with him because he is only new to our systems. But he is a big boy and something we are looking for as outside backs - speed and size."
