Dragons 2020: Trent Merrin fires up for Charity Shield return

But St George Illawarra fans will be treated to that sight once again when the veteran runs out for the Dragons on Saturday night. Merrin is a key inclusion, in his first game at the club since 2015, for the Dragons' Charity Shield clash with South Sydney in Mudgee.

One man who can't wait to see Merrin back in the Red V is Dragons assistant coach Dean Young. The pair played four seasons together, highlighted by that famous 2010 premiership win.

"I'm rapt to have Trent back," Young said.

"Off the field, he brings so much to an organisation. He's such a good person and so good to have around the group. He lights things up when a season can become long and a bit of a drag, so he's good in that sense.

"But on the field, he brings so much with the footy. He's got great feet and we're looking forward to seeing what he can dish up for us, and work on a few things defensively that we've been working on with him."

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The Dragons will look to build on their 38-12 trial win over Newcastle last weekend.

Fullback Zac Lomax was the standout, having a hand in three tries and kicking four goals. Other strong performers included new hooker Billy Brittain and Jordan Pereira, who scored four tries on the left flank.

While pleased with the result, Young said it far from a flawless team performance.

"We had a decent score line against them. But in saying that, there were some areas defensively and with the ball that the players weren't happy with," he said.

"We've worked on that during the week. As a coaching group, we want to see those areas improved that we spoke about."

The Rabbitohs have dominated the Charity Shield in recent history. South Sydney have won eight of the last 10 pre-season clashes, including the past seven straight.

However, that record doesn't faze Young, who says coach Paul McGregor will continue to blood young talent on Saturday night.

"It's not about winning or losing, there's not two points up for grabs," he said.

"Everyone loves to win but it's about working on what we've spoken about during the week to improve as a team. Charity Shield is a trial, but it's probably a little bit more intense than a normal trial. Souths have put in a really strong side so we're going to have to be on our game but we're looking forward to the challenge.

"But in saying that, it's only trial. We will give a couple of blokes an opportunity to show what they've got to put up their hand for selection come round one. Brayden Williame is going to get an opportunity, he performed really well in the [NRL] Nines and performed well against Newcastle. And there's Tyrell Fuimaono, who played in the Indigenous All Stars game last weekend. He showed Paul McGregor enough in that game to give him some time in the middle to press his claim for a spot on the bench come round one.

"There are a few spots up for grabs which is good. Competition for spots in the team is always a good thing."

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