Tyson Frizell looks set to shift into the St George Illawarra No.13 while Jack de Belin is stood down from the NRL.
The Dragons are facing a forward pack reshuffle with de Belin becoming the first player stood down under the game's new behaviour policy.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor expressed his disappointment that the NSW Origin forward had been sidelined without having been convicted of a crime, but has turned his attention to getting his side back on track two weeks out from the season kickoff.
He said Frizell would move from his right-edge back-row spot to lock and Jacob Host or Luciano Leuila would come into his starting side.
"You don't replace a player like Jack - you look from within first and foremost," McGregor said in Mudgee where the Dragons will take on South Sydney on Saturday in the Charity Shield.
"The probability would be for Tyson to go to 13. And young Jacob and Luciano to share the role on the edge back-row.
"Both players have developed well over the last few years and now get their opportunity with this opening."
De Belin has pleaded not guilty after being charged with aggravated sexual assault. On Thursday, he released a statement in which he reiterated his innocence.
However, he was stood down under the behavioural rules approved by the ARL commission, allowing the NRL to move against any player charged with an offence carrying a jail term of 11 years or more.
The Rugby League Players' Association has taken up the fight to the game, arguing that it denies the player the right to the presumption of innocence and that Rugby League Central already has the power to strike out a player if there is evidence against him.
De Belin has engaged legal representation and is believed to be considering filing an injunction against the NRL.
"The commission governing the game no doubt have the greater good of the game at heart," McGregor said.
"My thoughts are that Jack is the first NRL player to be denied the presumption of innocence without a witness or video evidence.
"No doubt it's impacted Jack and his family. Jack maintains he's innocent and draws strength from that and understands he'll get his opportunity to defend himself in court."
