They don’t match the talent – or certainly the pay packet – of their star teammates, but they don’t mind taking them down a peg or two.

Dragons prop Jeremy Latimore is one of those guys. The honest toiler on the park and the chief prankster on the Dragons bus.

Even as the self-described “journeymen” chats to The Mercury ahead of his 150^th game this weekend, teammates walk past tossing barbs. He throws his own back. It’s all good fun.

“I try to bring them back to earth,” Latimore says of higher profle teammates.

“That’s my goal every day. I do open myself up and when they get a chance, they rip straight back into me which I deserve. 

“I’ve just got to cop it on the chin. It makes it fun coming to training and having a laugh. It’s a great crew of boys who enjoy coming in every day.”

It's where the 31-year-old’s value lies according to coach Paul McGregor.

“He’s a team player and he's a person that goes to different clubs and he leaves with friendships,” McGregor said.

“There’s other people who bounce around clubs because of the opposite. He’s one who does the right thing everywhere he goes and that’s why he always finds a new club.

“He’s back with us now after being here in 2012. He’s always got energy, he’s always laughing. He knows where he’s at in his career, he knows he’s a squad member, an important one. 

“He’s an experienced player and the other players absolutely adore him, so they love having him around.”

For the record, it’s five clubs and 10 seasons since debuting with the Eels in 2009. He’s also had stints at the Warriors, Panthers and Sharks, while he played his first season with the Dragons in 2012.

“I know every postcode in Sydney,” Latimore joked.

“I’ve been a bit of a journeyman but there’s been a lot of hard work to get where I am now. [150 games] is a little milestone I’m pretty happy with.

“At the end of the day it’s more about the game this week and going out and playing well, but it’s something I can sit back after the game and look on fondly.

“Before I played first grade I had a lot of self-doubt. I had a lot of injuries when I was young and you wonder if it’s ever going to happen.

“It’s up and down at times, life on the fringe, but I’ve enjoyed every step and I love playing rugby league with my teammates. I’ve met a lot of good people along the way so I definitely can’t complain.”

He also won’t complain if the 2018 season is his last, though he plans to stay on the ride as long as he can.

“I’m ready to go post-footy, I’m going to get into mortgage broking, so whatever happens happens but I’m enjoying my footy at the moment,” he said.

“Working can wait if I can get another year at the Dragons. I’m loving my time here so I won’t look to go anywhere else.”