Mitch Rein determined to remain No 1 Dragons hooker

Dragons rake Mitch Rein has no intention of relinquishing the No 9 jumper despite having a fight on his hands to remain the club's first-choice hooker.

Rein has been named at hooker for Saturday's Charity Shield, having had a mortgage on the starting position since playing every game of the 2012 season - his second in the NRL.

He's since been an ironman for the club, missing only three game in his past three seasons. The 2014 season was another step up, with Rein regularly playing the full 80 minutes for the first time in his career.

It's earned the 24-year-old first crack at the position this year, but with the returning Craig Garvey and veteran Heath L'Estrange nipping at his heels, he knows he must perform.

"There's a bit of competition there for the spot," Rein said.

"It's always good to have that competition there to test yourself, and we're always pushing each other and trying to improve. It comes down to what Mary [coach Paul McGregor] wants to do.

"We'll have to work out what's best for the team and whatever's best for the team, I'll do."

McGregor held discussions with members of the Dragons squad at the end of last year, and Rein said he was ready to take his game to the next level.

"If you're not doing something right [McGregor] let's you know, that's for sure," Rein said.

"You're always on your toes and on your game there, because he won't let little things slide. We've mostly spoken about making the right decisions at different stages of the game.

"That does come with experience. I've played up around 80 games now and that stuff does come with time. That's the main thing I'm working on, making better decisions at important parts of the game."

Saturday's match is a chance for Rein to solidify his position when he goes head-to-head with stand-in Souths skipper Issac Luke. After a poor performance in last year's match, Rein said it was important the Dragons enter the season proper on the right foot.

"As we all know, being the defending premiers and coming off their Nines victory, they'll be full of confidence," he said.

"They've got a fair few of their top players playing, and it's always an intense match.

"It is a trial and we're still trialling all our plays, so things will be a bit rusty at times, but it's a good test for us to see where we're at. It's pretty much like a regular game, so it'll be a good opportunity for everyone to put their hand up for selection heading into the season."