A late bloomer in the NRL, Pereira missed losses to the Roosters and Raiders through suspension, opening the door for young-gun Jason Saab to make his first appearances of 2020.

Tipped to be a future star, Saab's management made multiple requests for a release from his three-year deal in the lead-up, but it hasn't stopped McGregor rushing Pereira straight back into his 17 for Sunday's clash with the Sea Eagles.

READ MORE: The surprising stat that tells the real story of the new NRL

the 27-year-old Kiwi said he never expected to simply walk back into the side like Origin back-rower Tariq Sims, who's returning from injury.

"There was no inkling or nudges that 'you're in this week' so I probably found out when [the media] found out as well," Pereira said.

"I was hoping but, at the same time, trying not to get my hopes up. I'm not the type of player with the Tariq Sims type of credentials, he's got the body of work that speaks for itself.

"I haven't earned that right yet so I was also ready for the hard news that, if the boys were winning, [McGregor] would have to stick with it. I was willing to accept that and be happy for the guys that got an opportunity.

"That's how I got my opportunity, thought unfortunate circumstances, injuries. I took it and did what I could with it. I'm a grateful person for the position I'm in and this just adds to that, it brings a little bit more gratitude to be in the starting side and wear the number two."

He won't be taking it for granted either after a bumpy ride through 2019 that saw him play the Dragons first 11 games before being dropped to reserve grade and ultimately suffering a career-threatening neck injury.

Sign up for Tackle Count, the NRL newsletter you need: Straight to your mailbox every Thursday before the footy kicks off

He did enough to earn a wing spot this season and he's looking to truly lock it down after admittedly letting that opportunity slip last season.

"Midway through last year I felt very comfortable and I felt like I'd established myself as an NRL player but then I didn't have a few performances to back up that feeling," he said.

"I wasn't complacent, but it might have seemed that way when I had a terrible game against the Sharks and ended up getting dropped. This year I'm going to try and not have that.

"I'm trying to have a good balance between needing to earn that spot but not play with the nerves of being new [to the NRL]. I'm there again now, I don't feel the outside pressures, I don't feel timid or nervous. I feel like I'm really confident in my role and comfortable as an NRL player."

He may not be feeling, but outside pressure will continue to pile on his side should they drop Sunday's clash to a Sea Eagles side missing a number of big names.

READ MORE: Sims to make early return against Sea Eagles

It leaves them vulnerable, but the Dragons weren't able to capitalise on similar chinks in the Roosters and Raiders armour, though Pereira saw positives in both outings.

"I was proud of the way the boys ripped in, they were the two grand final sides from last year," he said.

"I'm not the best analyst of the game, I'll never be a head coach, I'm not that way inclined, but I thought the boys played really well and just got a bit unlucky in a few areas.

"We missed a few opportunities that could've been points, Flanno [assistant coach Shane Flanagan] showed us them on film and they were genuine points we left on the board.

"It's good we've identified those and we're looking to capitalise on them in the same situations going forward."