Merimbula-Pambula product Euan Aitken will run on for the St George Illawarra Dragons as the NRL kicks off this weekend.
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It was thought he may be challenged for the right centre role by Zac Lomax, but the team list released by the club on Tuesday has Aitken at number three and Lomax on the interchange bench.
Unsurprisingly, Jack de Belin is listed as "Unavailable (welfare)".
Dragons coach Paul McGregor has named two debutants in his 21-man squad ahead of the round one clash against the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville on March 16.
Mikaele Ravalawa will make his NRL debut on the wing, and will be joined by five-eighth Corey Norman as the Dragons' first debutants of 2019.
Skipper Gareth Widdop's move to fullback has been formalised, with Matt Dufty moving back to the interchange as a result.
Round one of the Telstra Premiership will see all 16 clubs support the North Queensland Flood Appeal. The NRL will donate $100 for every point scored across the eight games.
The Dragons will support the appeal by donating a signed jersey to North Queensland's online memorabilia auction.
The two club captains Widdop and Michael Morgan will also sign a match-day football that will be included in the Cowboys' fundraising efforts.