They won't all be in the Red V but week one of the NRL finals will illustrate the richness of the Illawarra production line.

The Dragons continue to sweat on the fitness of Gareth Widdop ahead of Saturday's elimination semi-final clash with the Bulldogs but Albion Park junior Drew Hutchison looks poised to make his finals debut in just his fourth top grade fixture.

Just two seasons ago Hutchison was plying his trade in the NYC alongside fellow young-guns Jackson Hastings, Jack Bird and top grade teammate Euan Aitken who will all turn out in week one of the finals.

Wests Wollongong junior Hastings will be steering premiership favourites the Roosters against Melbourne in the absence of Mitchell Pearce while Bird will be looking to end South Sydney's back-to-back crowns with Cronulla.

Having played alongside all three, Aitken hasn't been surprised at the rapid success of the Dragons 2013 NYC class.

"Growing up with them I always knew they were all quality players," Aitken said. "All three of them are great players and great leaders so I always knew they'd do well.

"It's great to see Birdy and Jacko are getting a crack and performing so well for their clubs.

"I've played with Drewy since SG Ball as well so, if he comes out and players for us this weekend, I know he's up to the challenge and will do a good job."

Aitken's own rise has proven meteoric with the 20-year-old notching 22 consecutive games since debuting in round three.

He said a finals appearance was the cherry on top of an impressive first year in the NRL.

"The goal at the start of the season was to get a taste of NRL, maybe a play a few games," Aitken said.

"I never expected to start all season from my debut so to do that has been a massive achievement for myself and I'm just looking to improve on that.

"It's a great feeling to be part of the club's first finals charge for a couple of years and I can't wait to play on the weekend."

Widdop will no doubt be given until match day to prove his fitness but Benji Marshall expressed total faith in Hutchison should he not recover in time for the clash with the Bulldogs.

"Gareth's doing everything he can to get back and I've seen a massive improvement from last week to now in his leg," Marshall said.

"If he comes back it's a boost for the team but if he doesn't Drew's preparing like he's going play.

"I've taken Drewy under my wing since preseason and he's got a good understanding of the way I play.

"For a young half I thought he showed a lot of touches of class last week. He over-called me a couple of times and got a few repeat sets and I was happy with that because he took a lot of pressure off me."