Dragons coach Steve Price has opted to hold fire on his high-profile players for Saturday night's trial against the Bulldogs by selecting a squad largely void of NRL experience.
Whereas in previous years the Dragons have worked on a formula of giving marquee names match-fitness minutes in the annual hit-out, Price will rest his stars until the club's second trial - against the Cowboys next weekend in Perth.
Full coverage of the DragonsDaniel Vidot was the biggest name included in the heavily NSW Cup-oriented side announced yesterday - days after his sentence to the lower-tier competition, for arriving late to a training session, was said to be revoked.
Atelea Vea, Jack Stockwell, Will Matthews and David Gower were the other Dragons factored in the squad.
North Queensland Cowboys recruit Ray Cashmere, signed to play NSW Cup this year, was an inclusion too.
Gower was pleased Price had given him the nod to prove himself in the first of three trials.
"It's always good to see the end of preseason and start playing footy," he said.
"I'd say the Bulldogs are going to rest a few of their players like Pricey has with us but it will be a good game - any time you throw the boots on, you've got to play well.
"I've obviously got a few more things to work on compared to some of the other boys so I'll take the chance on Saturday and try to show Pricey, Folkesy [assistant coach Steve Folkes] and Paul McGregor [Illawarra NSW Cup coach] that when the time comes I'm worth a shot."
Gower hoped a strong performance during the trial would help leverage his bid for a first-grade spot during the season, expanding on his time at the Wests Tigers and in the English Super League.
The 26-year-old was called upon last year when eight St George Illawarra players were selected for the State of Origin series, making five Red V appearances.
"I was pretty happy with last year; I came into the season as a reserve grader that had not really played much NRL," Gower said.
"I always expected to get a go around the Origin time, to be honest, and I got a couple of games earlier than I thought.
"I got to play five games and a couple of trials and I now know what it takes to play at that intensity consistently and I've just got to trial well in the next few weeks.
"When and if my time comes, I can't let the opportunities pass me up."
The trial, to be played at WIN Stadium, will consist of four 20-minute quarters.
The Bulldogs will name their squad for the match this morning and are expected to follow suit by including only a handful of first graders.
Email a friend