Coach Paul McGregor’s two biggest selection decisions this year centred around who would partner Gareth Widdop in the halves, and who would start at fullback. And while McGregor was already leaning towards keeping Dugan at fullback, ha has also previously stated the NSW representative is best used in the centres. 

But Dufty’s chances of an NRL debut against Penrith on March 4 ended at the Auckland Nines.

“After scans (Tuesday), it has revealed a medial meniscus tear,” Dragons performance manager Nathan Pickworth said. “He'll have an arthroscope (Wednesday) and that will be removed. The return-to-play time frame is around 4-6 weeks.”

Shellharbour junior Jai Field is now the front-runner for the vacant halves position, after Benji Marshall left the Dragons last year and Drew Hutchison sustained a season-ending knee injury in pre-season. 

Kurt Mann is another contender, but the ex-Melbourne player’s NRL experience in the centres, could allow Field to force his way into the team. 

Cameron McInnes, recruited from Souths, is poised to start round one at hooker, provided he produces solid form during the trials against the Tigers on Saturday in Wollongong and the Charity Shield next week against South Sydney. 

Saturday (7.40pm)

DRAGONS v WESTS TIGERS

WIN Stadium

Dragons: Leeson Ah Mau, Euan Aitken, Jack de Belin, Levi Dodd, Jai Field, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Reuben Garrick, Siliva Havili, Jacob Host, Tim Lafai, Blake Lawrie, Luciano Leilua, Kurt Mann, Jake Marketo, Will Matthews, Tyrone McCarthy, Josh McCrone, Cameron McInnes, Taane Milne, Shaun Nona, Reece Robson, Hame Sele, Tariq Sims. 

Tigers: Josh Aloiai, Luke Brooks, Michael Chee Kam, Matt Eisenhuth, Jordan Grant, Tim Grant, Watson Heleta, Justin Hunt, Jamal Idris, Chris Lawrence, Connelly Lemuelu, Jack Littlejohn, Wes Lolo, Jeremy Marshall-King, Esan Marsters, Matt McIlwrick, Kevin Naiqama, David Nofoaluma, Jordan Rankin, Ava Seumanufagai, Bayley Sironen, Sauaso Sue, Moses Suli, Elijah Taylor.

NSW Premiership trial: Illawarra Cutters v Wyong Roos (5.45pm)

Gates open: 5.30pm

Round one

Saturday, March 4

DRAGONS v PANTHERS

UOW Jubilee Oval, Kogarah

Kick-off: 4.30pm

Possible Dragons team: Josh Dugan, Nene Macdonald, Kurt Mann, Euan Aitken, Jason Nightingale, Jai Field, Gareth Widdop c, Paul Vaughan, Cameron McInnes, Russell Packer, Tariq Sims, Tyson Frizell, Jack de Belin. Interchange: Siliva Havili, Leeson Ah Mau, Joel Thompson, Luciano Leilua.