Dufty was the pick of the Dragons squad in their trial win over Hull last week and only needs to make it through Saturday’s Charity Shield to get the No. 1 jumper for round one.

It will see him add to the seven NRL games he managed last season. Gasnier was full of praise for his talent, but was wary of placing extra pressure on the 21-year-old.

“There’s no doubt that Dufty’s going to be a good player,” Gasnier said.

“I’m quite confident and happy to say that, but there are areas he’s going to need to work on. It’s no different to anyone else coming into [first] grade, like myself when I first came into grade.

“When people are doing video on you all the time, there’s little parts of his game that he’ll tinker with so he’s not predictable.

“His passing game will develop and, at his age, it’s about confidence.

“I think he’ll get a lot better but I don’t want to put too much pressure on him.

“He’s definitely an exciting player but I don’t think we should expect him to turn games on their head on his own.”

He’s looked well at home at NRL level but Gasnier said it often takes a number of seasons to feel truly comfortable in elite company.

“Once he feels a sense of belonging, that’s a huge thing in rugby league,” Gasnier said.

“It takes you a good full season or two seasons to have that and to feel like you own that position.”