Sydney Rooster Michael Jennings says he expects to be tested by NSW State of Origin centre partner Josh Dugan in his NRL return on Saturday.
Jennings will play his first game since suffering a back injury in Origin II when the Roosters take on St George Illawarra at Allianz Stadium.
Dugan has excelled at centre since being shifted from fullback by Dragons coach Paul McGregor earlier in the year.
He was rewarded with a Blues jersey in the centres following an injury to Josh Morris in Origin I.
Jennings said he gave Dugan some advice on the finer points of playing centre while in Origin camp and hoped that did not come back to bite him.
Jennings admitted his back was not 100 per cent and was expecting to be challenged by Dugan.
"I think it's a great challenge for myself, especially to see where I'm at," he said.
"Duges has been playing some good footy so that's a personal challenge for myself. It will really challenge me to see whether I'm 100 per cent fit."
The Roosters go into round 21 in fifth but, after three losses in their past four matches, their footing inside the top eight is far from steady.
They sit on 24 points, just two points in front of 12th-placed Parramatta.
Jennings admitted there was added pressure on the reigning premiers going into their clash with the Dragons.
"I don't really look at the ladder," he said.
"Our main focus is we have to get these two points - it is crucial.
"I think this week is going to start us off on where we want to be going into the finals."
Jennings' return has been offset by injuries to Sonny Bill Williams (thumb) and Mitch Aubusson (ankle).
Prop Sam Moa said the Roosters' pack seemed to lift in Williams' absence because of a desire to pick up the slack.
"Sonny is a massive loss but everyone seems to contribute more when he's not playing because of the type of player and the type of guy he is," Moa said.
"His work is tremendous and there's not another player on the planet who can do what he can do.
"I think when he's not playing, everyone has it in the back of their minds that they have to up their work rate and do more for the team."
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