St George Illawarra Dragons hooker Heath L’Estrange is ready to step-in to the starting rake's role if needed against the Parramatta Eels at Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta on Saturday.
The Hills Bulls junior is in contention to be part of the run-on side line-up following teammate Mitch Rein’s early guilty plea which will see him miss the upcoming tussle.
The Kiama Knights junior was charged with a Grade 1 "Dangerous Throw" offence by the NRL Match Review Committee for an incident against Sydney Roosters second-rower Boyd Cordner during the 19-14 loss at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park on Monday.
“The Head Coach hasn’t really spoken to me this week about what role he wants me to play but obviously Rein is a big loss,” said L’Estrange.
“He’s one of our leaders in the middle and part of our go forward being so quick in and around the ruck.
“We will have to see what happens between now and kick-off but hopefully I can help out where needed.
“If I was to start I would have to tone-down my energy a bit while still trying to do as much as I can and try not to gas the lungs too much.
“We have twelve weeks to go and we feel we play better when we’re playing week-in and week-out.”
