"They've obviously got a big squad but a lot of teams have had big squads in the past and not played well," Scott said.

"They like to use him (Taylor) a bit wider but we've handled him in the past, so this will be no different.

"They'll be putting a full strength line-up out there. It's a pretty good hit-out for us before Parramatta (in round one)."

The Charity Shield is officially a trial, but it is historically an intense game that can become heated.

"It's not really a trial, is it?" said back-rower Ben Creagh. "Having that much feeling, being televised and at ANZ - it's not really a trial. They're always tough games."

Creagh was looking forward to testing his mettle against Souths' new-look line-up.

"It's probably the biggest pack in the comp isn't it? ... It's going to be a good test for us, which is what you like to see at the start of the season."

Dragons coach Wayne Bennett will use the match as a chance to trial a host of positional changes in an effort to rejuvenate his side's faltering attack.

Although they were the NRL's best defensive team last season, St George Illawarra's lack of attacking options were exposed during the finals series.

In an effort to spark their offence, New Zealand international Jeremy Smith will be moved to the right edge, alongside Beau Scott and Jason Nightingale.

"He's going to add to our options out wide," Scott said. "I've done a lot of work with him and Sowie (Jamie Soward) in the last couple of weeks ... he brings a lot more ball playing. It's a different combination but I think it will be a big bonus for us."

Matt Prior will be trialled in the front row.