St George Illawarra will hand rugged forward Daniel Russell his NRL debut at the age of 27, in what interim coach Ryan Carr hails "a great story".
The Dragons have endured a tough season but Russell has been a shining light for the club in NSW Cup and will finally get his chance in the big time against Canberra in Wollongong on Friday night.
The Papua New Guinea international has been in the Brisbane and North Queensland systems and was a member of the Cowboys side that won the 2020 NRL Nines before rupturing a pectoral.
Carr has named Russell, who can play in the middle or on an edge, in the No.17 jersey against the Raiders.
"It is nice to have a good story. He deserves it. It is a great reward for persistence and hard work," Carr said.
"For Dan Russell to get his debut at 27 it just symbolises everything we are trying to be about here at the moment which is just putting the team first, competing hard, being committed and never quitting.
"Multiple times he could have quit throughout his career but he hasn't. He's kept at it and I am super happy for him."
Talatau Amone and Jayden Sullivan are a young halves combination that Carr has immense faith in and he is backing the duo to fire in the absence of captain Ben Hunt, who is in camp with Queensland's State of Origin side.
"I have worked with them a while now and I know they have got the ability and talent," Carr said.
"The opportunity is there and I want them to play with confidence and their natural game.
"We have only had Ben here for one session the last month and they have been training together and doing a good job. They have a good combination and hopefully they go out there with a lot of belief and back themselves."
The Dragons will be captained by prop Blake Lawrie in the absence of Hunt.
"Blocker (Lawrie) captained us in the St Helen's trial. He's got a lot of care for the club," Carr said.
"He grew up around the area and this is the club he debuted for. He signed (until 2026) and he has matured a lot with his leadership qualities."
The Dragons are in 16th position and in need of a win while the Raiders, in fifth, can stay in the race for the vital top four with victory.
