Dragons youngster Tyrell Sloan tipped to shine if handed NRL debut

The talented Steelers junior is in line to come into the side for the Raiders clash, with Dragons fullback Matt Dufty battling to overcome a shoulder injury.

The off-contract star first suffered the injury during Magic Round before returning two weeks ago. He received a knock in Monday's loss to the Bulldogs and has struggled to train this week.

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Dufty's potential absence comes as Zac Lomax was also ruled out, the club taking a cautious approach in his return from a thumb injury.

The fullback remains in the squad for the match, with Sloan likely to come into the final 17 if he can't suit up.

St George Illawarra have high hopes for the 19-year-old, having featured in Illawarra's SG Ball premiership in 2019 alongside Jayden Sullivan, Mat and Max Feagai and Talatau Amone.

A development player in 2021, the Dapto junior is signed with the club until the end of the 2023 season.

Sloan impressed in a pre-season trial this year while Griffin has also been pleased with his performances in three NSW Cup appearances. In those games, the teenager has scored two tries and made two line breaks.

"He's a really classy kid," Griffin said. "He had a great off-season, which is always a good indicator, as Talatau did. He's played well in the under 19s, similar to Talatau Amone.

"He's done everything he needs to do at the lower level and then he's come up and played two or three NSW Cup games and performed there. He's obviously part of our future, he's signed here long term and it will be great to see him."

Sloan's debut comes as Griffin continues his focus on developing the juniors coming through the St George Illawarra ranks.

The pending departure of Dufty and Corey Norman has led to some speculation the Dragons are in the market for a fullback or five-eighth, rumours the coach regularly has denied.

Instead, Griffin backed those within the club to step up and lead the team to success in the coming years.

"No," Griffin said when asked if the Dragons are in the market for a five-eighth. "At the moment we've got Amone and Sullivan that have been in our system. They've both been elite halves in the under ages and lower grades. Jack Bird can play five-eighth as well, so we're well covered there.

"Amone's been really good (since making his debut). It's been hard on him, he hasn't played much in the halves, but he's done a really good job in the centres and he's come on at lock and hooker.

"To be able to give him some time in first grade, particularly straight after playing 19s, the fact he's been able to play at that level is a great sign for the future."

Griffin did reveal the club is still looking to bolster their forwards stocks through external recruitment.

The return of Jack de Belin has helped on that front and Francis Molo's arrival in 2022 will make for a handy addition, but with further cash to spend officials are searching the market.

"We'll probably continue to try and build our forward pack over the next six months," Griffin said. "At the moment, we're just dealing with what we've got to deal with at the moment, we're sorting out our list, but the forward pack's always been a focus."