Donald gave Davis her maiden Jillaroos jumper last season where she was utilised as a bench utility with her ability to cover multiple positions.

It was the role she was expecting to play at the Dragons in the NRLW this season after the club recruited then-reigning Dally M Player of the year Brittany Breayley and Kiwi star Kimiora Nati.

However, Nati missed all but the opening match with illness, seeing Davis play at five-eighth in her side's run to the grand final.

She was named in the World Cup 9s team of the tournament following last weekend's tournament and her form was enough for Donald to give her the start at dummy-half with Breayley unavailable.

"She's a terrific player, she debuted there last year and we showed a bit of faith in her in the Nines and she came out of that really well," Donald said.

"With the pull-out of Britt Breayley I think just giving her an actual position and her knowing what her role is... I'm just so excited for her.

"She told us the story about sneaking out of class to watch the Jillaroos in the 2017 World Cup.

"A year later she was pulling the jersey on and now two years later she's here as a starting hooker so it's great for her."

Davis is part of a new-look spine with Kirra Dibb partnering skipper Ali Brigginshaw in the halves while Corban McGregor will play at fullback for the first time at Test level.