Young star Matt Dufty will miss the start of St George Illawarra’s season after suffering a knee injury at the Auckland Nines.
The Dragons named a 23-man squad for their trial with the Wests Tigers at Wollongong on Saturday, with Dufty joining Patrick Herbert (ankle) on the sideline.
Dufty had scans on Tuesday which revealed a medial meniscus tear suffered at the Nines against Manly. The 21-year-old Penshurst RSL junior was scheduled to have an arthriscope yesterday and is expected to miss between four and six weeks.
St George Illawarra have also rested their Four Nations quarter of Josh Dugan, Tyson Frizell, Gareth Widdop and Jason Nightingale for the clash with the Tigers.
Jai Field, who starred at the Nines last weekend, has been named along with new signing Cameron McInnes and representative centre Euan Aitkin.
Dragons assistant coach Dean Young said the coaching staff were looking forward to seeing the young squad in action.
“I'm sure the fans will be excited to see the likes of Jai Field run around. They would've seen what he can produce over at the Nines so we're excited to see how he goes in the 13 v 13 real stuff,” he said.
“I think the trial is a reward for the Wollongong fans. They're a real passionate group and they always support the team.
“To have a trial down in Wollongong is great for the players and great for the fans and hopefully they all turn up. I'm just looking forward to seeing how our young guys go against men.”
The pre-season match is St George Illawarra’s second to last before their season opener against Penrith at UOW Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on March 4.
The Dragons also play South Sydney in the Charity Shield at ANZ Stadium on February 19.
Dragons' squad:
Leeson Ah Mau, Euan Aitken, Jack de Belin, Levi Dodd, Jai Field, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Reuben Garrick, Siliva Havili, Jacob Host, Tim Lafai, Blake Lawrie, Luciano Leilua, Kurt Mann, Jake Marketo, Will Matthews, Tyrone McCarthy, Josh McCrone, Cameron McInnes, Taane Milne, Shaun Nona, Reece Robson, Hame Sele, Tariq Sims.
