St George Illawarra youngsters chasing first grade opportunities

The players, however, recognise that is far from being the case.

With coach Paul McGregor blooding a number of junior stars in recent weeks, those within the squad know their place in the team next year is on the line.

For Korbin Sims, the performance of debutant Tristan Sailor on Saturday night is a sign he and the rest of the team are set to face pressure from those attempting to force their way into the starting side.

"The young kids we have in this squad today are exceptional talents," Sims said. "That's why they're here, they're playing first grade and it's quite easy for them to focus on what they're doing.

"There's a lot of talent in this squad that moving into the 2020 season for the Dragons is going to be very exciting, not only for us at the club, but the fans as well.

"The young guys are keeping us older lads in check. When we all get together as a group and you see them working so hard to get their start, like Tristan and Josh Kerr and Jackson Ford.

"They've been playing tremendous footy in the Canterbury Cup and credit to them, they've pushed their way into the starting squad."

As Sailor's performance suggests, one of the most intriguing positional battles set to take place will be for the No. 1 jersey.

Where coach Paul McGregor ultimately lands will have a flow on effect to the final make up of his backline.

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Gareth Widdop's move to England will see Corey Norman return to five-eighth, leaving a host of youngsters to fight it out for the starting fullback role.

Sailor was handed his debut on Saturday and has stated fullback is his best position. Zac Lomax is also shaping as a genuine contender, though he has also excelled in the centres and featured on the wing this year.

Matt Dufty is out of favour, with the diminutive fullback reportedly told he can consider other opportunities.

Also reportedly told he can explore his options is centre Euan Aitken, which could see Lomax fill that role.

The wing has also been a position of instability for the Dragons, with McGregor searching all season for two reliable wingers. Jonus Pearson, Mikaele Ravalawa and Jordan Pereira have all struggled to make the most of their opportunities.

It's been a similar story in the forward pack, with injuries and suspension forcing McGregor to turn to numerous youngsters throughout the season.

Blake Lawrie, Jacob Host, Luciano Leilua and recently Jackson Ford have all experienced significant game time and while Ford has impressed since making his debut in round 21, the others have seen their form fluctuate throughout the year.

Host acknowledges he has struggled at times this year, and he has moved between the NRL and reserve grade in recent weeks. After featuring for the Dragons on Saturday night, he is set to return to the Canterbury Cup this weekend, however he remains determined to put his best foot forward for 2020.

"We go into the pre-season with the mindset of competing for spots," Host said.

"You've got to be putting in a lot of hard work during the pre-season to try and not only get yourself ready for the season, but to put your name on the sheet so you can be there round one."

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