Rein is one of several big-name players not yet on the Dragons books for 2017 including Benji Marshall, Ben Creagh and Joel Thompson who all appear likely to head into season with their futures up in the air.

Rein did his chances of earning a new deal no harm in 2015, producing a career-best season that bumped him up the pecking order as heir-apparent to NSW vice-captain Robbie Farah -  who was linked to a move to the Dragons when facing an uncertain future at the Tigers - at Origin level.

It leaves the 25-year-old in no rush to settle his future with his main focus on producing top form come round one.

‘‘All the stuff about being off-contract I honestly haven’t even thought about that yet,’’ Rein said.

‘‘I’m not feeling any extra pressure at all. I’m just really comfortable with all the preparation I’ve done this preseason.

‘‘My main goal is just to play footy. I know everybody says that and it’s a bit of a cliche but it’s the truth.

‘‘I’ve been in the [same] position in the past and it’s out of my control.

‘‘There’s no point getting caught up and worried about that stuff.

‘‘They way to go about it is to stay as focused on the job and care-free as you can.

‘‘When you’re in a good head space that’s when you play good footy and I feel like I’m in a pretty good head space at the moment.

‘‘I felt like last year was a step in the right direction and I’m still only scratching the surfaceof my potential,’’ Rein said.

‘‘I want t keep bulding and getting better and better.’’

Rein had his first hitout for the year in the Dragons disappointing Auckland Nines campaign that saw them drop all three of their pool games.

He’s looking forward to a return to the 13-a-side format in Saturday’s Charity Shield.

‘‘It’s always a good first trial to have to test yourself out,’’ Rein said.

‘‘In years gone by neither side takes the game lightly at all. We’ve seen pretty close to full-strength sides the past couple of years.

‘‘Souths are a pretty big and powerful side and have been pretty successful the past couple of years. It’s always a good physical clash to start the year. 

“It’s always tough the first couple of games with match fitness. It doesn’t matter how fit you are it’s always different when you start playing games.

‘‘It’s just something you’ve got go through, get out as many minutes as you can and build that [fitness] base.”