Rookie Matt Dufty has ousted NSW star Josh Dugan from the St George Illawarra No.1 spot as the Red V turn their attention to the future.
After making an eye-catching debut, including scoring one try and setting up another two against Manly on the weekend, the 21-year-old has held his place for Saturday's round-21 NRL clash with Newcastle.
Dugan had been expected to slot straight back into the fullback spot after missing last week through injury but has been named by coach Paul McGregor in the centres.
With Dugan bound for local rivals Cronulla in 2018, McGregor is mulling over who will fill the key position long term.
Kurt Mann had been floated as an option however it appears Dufty will be given the first opportunity to make the position his own.
The Dragons have also been given a boost with Joel Thompson to return after being a late withdrawal from the side to take on the Sea Eagles.
Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith has been named despite being under an injury cloud because of a pectoral strain.
Fullback Billy Slater (concussion) will miss their clash with Manly on Sunday with Cameron Munster to revert to the No.1 and Ryley Jacks coming into the halves.
Canterbury skipper James Graham will return from a neck injury as the Bulldogs attempt to save face for the remainder of the season.
Graham has missed the past four weeks but will return to the paddock on Thursday night against Penrith.
Brisbane captain Darius Boyd has been named to return from a broken thumb, with Kodi Nikorima dropping out of the 17 because of a hip injury.
South Sydney coach Michael Maguire has shuffled his side after their lacklustre season, with Alex Johnston moving to fullback, Cody Walker going into five-eighth, John Sutton switching to the back-row and Damien Cook replacing Robbie Farah in the starting hooker role.
Nu Brown comes into the Cronulla No.6 spot for James Maloney, Api Koroisau and Brenton Lawrence are back for the Sea Eagles while Bevan French replaces Clint Gutherson as Parramatta fullback.
Penrith skipper Matt Moylan has succumbed to a hamstring injury, with Tyrone May named at five-eighth, however Bryce Cartwright could be a late call-up from the extended bench.
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