Coach Wayne Bennett put all his faith in Soward and Hornby as they drove the Dragons to the minor premiership, but when the finals campaign rolled around, St George Illawarra's star faded.

And while it is early days as the team has its first hit-out of the season on Sunday, the creative 20-year-old Warilla junior may be just the missing ingredient.

The reigning National Youth Cup halfback of the year, Henry still qualifies for the under-20s competition this season.

But new Dragons under-20s coach Adrian Lam certainly isn't banking on having Henry that much.

"I don't know how often we're going to get Beau Henry back," Lam said.

"I'm unsure whether the club wants to play him at a higher level or with us, so we're prepared to play the year without him.

"Obviously he's a key player, he's shown that in the NYC, but we've prepared ourselves pretty good with the talent we've got."

Henry is not only likely to be hot property at the Dragons' selection table, but he will also prove highly sought after on the open market this year as he comes off contract at the end of the season.

Caretaker Dragons coach Steve Price - in charge because of Bennett's involvement with the All Stars game - said Henry's game was a still a work in progress, but said the club was prepared to be patient with his development.

Price admitted there was no denying the wonder boy's talent, though.

"He has still got a lot of work to do, a young guy coming through our 20s system last year," Price said.

"He has still got a lot of areas in the game he needs to improve. But he is definitely a talent."