The man expected to replace Mark Gasnier remains wrapped in cotton wool, but Dragons coach Steve Price has rolled out the heavy artillery for their preseason invasion of Perth.
A 25-man squad will fly to Western Australia today, featuring captain Ben Hornby and representative stars Ben Creagh, Nathan Fien, Jamie Soward and Trent Merrin.
However, Chase Stanley - recruited from Melbourne as a contender for the right-centre position - was not named when the club released the list yesterday.
Stanley suffered a season-ending knee injury with the Storm in round one last year and is still on the comeback trail.
Full coverage of the Dragons"He's in the last phase of his recovery program," a Dragons spokesman said. "At this stage he's a chance for Charity Shield and to play in round one."
Versatile forward Matt Prior could move to the centres outside Beau Scott when the Dragons take on North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday at nib Stadium in the WA capital.
Prior revealed he will move back to the edge after spending the Wayne Bennett era in tight at lock.
The Thirroul junior started his career under Nathan Brown as a centre or second-rower, while under 20s talent Nathan Green will also gain valuable game time against the Cowboys.
Kiwi international Jason Nightingale has also been rested after playing for the NRL All Stars on Saturday, but Fien will travel with the group.
Hornby is in doubt because of a thigh strain.
"It will be a different training and playing environment for our squad and something that I know they will benefit from and enjoy," Price said of the trip.
"It will be the first game of the year for most of the squad and after a long preseason they are very much looking forward to the prospect of playing a game and the Cowboys will be good challenge."
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