He has knack of following the game's premier fullbacks around but Dragons recruit Justin Hunt believes it will ultimately help rather than hinder his career.

Hunt made his first top-grade appearance since joining the club in February in the Dragons' 18-12 loss to the Cowboys on Saturday.

Called up in the absence of Josh Dugan and Jason Nightingale, the 26-year-old was one of the best on ground with 19 runs for 212 metres including a late line break that almost pulled the match out of the fire.

He may have been called up as a stop-gap but coach Paul McGregor said the performance had certainly put Hunt in the frame for ongoing selection.

"He is [in contention] now, I was very impressed with Justin," McGregor said.

"He ran over 180 metres and had 20 carries. He certainly looked likely to break the line when he carried the ball and positionally he was OK.

"He was very grateful for the opportunity because he hasn't had much of an opportunity in the last 18 months of footy."

Hunt played 14 NRL games in three seasons with Souths and the Eels. His previous top-grade appearance came for the Eels in round 12 last year and Hunt admits his career was at a crossroad prior to joining the Dragons.

"I went through some tough times at Parramatta," Hunt said. "I had groin surgery in the off-season and I got a game last year and it probably wasn't my best game. I also broke my back in that game so I went through a tough period there but the Dragons came along and gave me a chance.

"The chance to learn off players like Benji [Marshall] and Gareth [Widdop] and Duges and add to my game was a big reason for coming here.

"I felt that I worked really hard to get back [to the NRL] and I'm really delighted that Mary gave me the chance.

"I just wanted to get out there and repay the faith Mary showed in me and prove a few people wrong as well."

With Dugan sure to return at fullback after completing his Origin duties, Hunt is facing another long stint in the NSW Cup but said he was happy to play on the wing if the chance arose.

"I debuted on the wing at Souths and I've played a lot of wing," Hunt said.

"I'm not a specialist winger but I like to show my versatility and I'll put my hand up wherever I get a chance.

"I followed Greg Inglis and then Jarryd Hayne so I don't know if there's something there but it's definitely a good thing having someone like Duges there to learn off.

"He's pretty much the best fullback in the game so that's a good thing for me."