ST GEORGE Illawarra fans will have to wait at least another week before getting a real insight into life post-Wayne Bennett after coach Steve Price named a largely second-string team for the side's first game of the year in Wollongong on Saturday night.
Most names would be unrecognisable even to the Dragons purists with just five players from the squad of 27 having played first grade.
New recruits Daniel Vidot, Atelea Vea and Will Matthews will play alongside prop David Gower.
Former Cowboy Ray Cashmere, who is contracted to the Dragons feeder side Illawarra, will also start at prop.
Gower said he was looking forward to blowing a few cobwebs out on Saturday.
"Pre-season is always hard," Gower said.
"I want to show [Price] that I'm enthusiastic and that I've learned a few things from last year.
"I want to try and show him that I'm ready to play."
Gower has added seven kilograms to his body weight during the pre-season.
He said he hoped his added muscle would see him improve on his five first grade appearances last season.
"I'm a bit bigger, a bit quicker but just as fit," Gower said.
"We've trained hard for three months for it.
"Pricey has put his own stamp on a few things with a few slight changes from Wayne (Bennett)."
The Bulldogs have named a similar under-strength side as Des Hasler takes charge of his first game as coach.
The match kicks off from 6pm
at WIN Stadium, Wollongong.
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