The Bega Valley junior, who played with the Bulldogs, got a call up to train with the top grade over summer. 

Now, visit the St George Illawarra Dragons website, and you'll find his profile listed in the Telstra premiership roster. 

Aitken, 19, was heavily praised by Benji Marshall and now looks likely as a starter with the NRL squad. 

“He is one of the biggest up and coming stars that I have ever worked with,” Marshall said. 

“I think Euan is going to be the next big thing.

“If he is not playing round one I will be very surprised.”

Aitken was widely regarded locally for his talent and may just get the chance to show his skills in the national competition. 

Josh Dugan is expected to make a move to fullback, opening up a spot for the young centre following the departure of Brett Morris. 

Aitken said coach Paul McGregor spoke to him about the opportunity. 

“When Mary [McGregor] spoke to me about training with the top squad, he just sat me down and said; ‘you are as good as the other blokes and so as long as you train well and play well I will have no choice but to put you in the starting side’,” Aitken said in an interview. 

“It has been a good experience to get to train with the top squad and I am just doing everything I can to try and get a starting spot.”

Aitken is hungry for a shot in the top squad and felt he could “give it a good shake” if he had the chance.