St George Illawarra forward Tariq Sims has told Dragons fans to expect a new-look side when they commence their 2020 NRL campaign on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The changes to the franchise since last year's disastrous season have been well documented, with former Sharks coach Shane Flanagan one of a host of new faces in Wollongong.
For Sims, those new faces, along with some fresh ideas from those who remained, have led to a revamped attack and defence.
The changes will be on display for the first time on Sunday night, with the Dragons to take on the Wests Tigers at WIN Stadium in their round one clash and Sims said the match provides an opportunity to present a new look.
"Our attitude towards certain areas of the game where last year we balked at will be better," Sims said.
"There's been a lot of changes, it's been well documented, there's been a lot of new coaching staff, a lot of buy in, a lot of change in defensive structures, attacking structures. I think you guys will see a different Red V this year."
Sims' comments came as the team for Sunday's clash was unveiled on Tuesday afternoon. As per earlier reports, Brayden Williame was named in the centres, while Issac Luke will wear the number nine jersey.
Billy Brittain and Tyrell Fuimaono will make their Dragons debuts off the bench, alongside the returning Trent Merrin.
Wests coach Michael Maguire has named off-season recruits Adam Doueihi and Joseph Leilua in the centres while Luciano Leilua will play his former club for the first time on Sunday.
Read more: Tough draw no issue for Dragons: Vaughan
The skillful forward departed the Dragons in November to make way for Merrin and Sims is cautious of the threat he poses.
"They've got a really good side. Their right edge is full of talent, they've got Luc, unfortunately Luc left us and went to the Tiges, he's got his brother BJ out there. Obviously Benji (Marshall) is a veteran player, he's played some great footy and his resume speaks for itself.
"From all accounts, Luc is looking really trim, really fit, he'd be hungry to play and like everyone that plays against their old team, they want to put their best foot forward."
Sims has personally been involved in a change this year, the backrower shifting from the left side to the right side of the field.
The change sees Sims playing outside Ben Hunt, while Tyson Frizell has moved to the left, where he will link up with Corey Norman.
Sims has played across both sides throughout his career and he's looking forward to running off Hunt.
"We're just changing it up, I've been put on Ben's side for a bit. I'll run off Benny and see how that goes. It's been great, I've played both sides, left and right, so that change wasn't too much of a big deal for me.
"It's cool playing outside Benny, he's a runner of the ball and he loves to get his jersey dirty. They're the sort of halfbacks I love playing off because he's not afraid to take on the line. If he sees something, I'll be there to back him up."
While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3.00 a week. Terms and conditions apply.