NRL team announcement: Round 1 v Wests Tigers

Author: Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp: Sun 15 Mar 2020, 05:15 PM

St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has finalised his 17 ahead of the Dragons' Round 1 clash against the Wests Tigers at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Sunday, March 15.

Josh Kerr (knee) has been a late inclusion, with Jackson Ford and Euan Aitken the two names to drop out at the final hurdle. Adam Clune and Jacob Host dropped out of the original 21 on Saturday.

McGregor has named four new faces ahead of a fresh campaign, with Brayden Wiliame (St George Illawarra player No. 229), Issac Luke (#230), Tyrell Fuimaono (#231) and Billy Brittain (#232) all set to make their Dragons debuts.

Veteran front-rower James Graham will run out for his first taste of footy in 2020, while Trent Merrin will feature in his first game at the Dragons since 2015.

This is the first time the Dragons have opened their season in the Illawarra, while the Wests Tigers will play at WIN Stadium for the first time in 12 years.

Paul Vaughan previews Tigers clash

Round 1 of the 2020 season will be a round for all. A round where together as a game we say thank you, recognise and honour the thousands of people who helped with relief operations as well as those impacted by the recent Australia-wide bushfire devastation.

NRL team for Round 1 v Wests Tigers

1. Zac Lomax – sponsored by Floormania
2. Jordan Pereira – sponsored by Wollongong Jetski
3. Brayden Wiliame – sponsored by University of Wollongong
4. Tim Lafai – sponsored by Nutrition Station, Wollongong
5. Mikaele Ravalawa – sponsored by Baytek Construction
6. Corey Norman – sponsored by Kingsgrove Sports Centre
7. Ben Hunt (c) – sponsored by Paul's Customs and Forwarding Solutions
8. James Graham – sponsored by EFEX
9. Issac Luke – sponsored by Dincel Construction System
10. Paul Vaughan – sponsored by Fox Property
11. Tyson Frizell (c) – sponsored by Modus Projects
12. Tariq Sims – sponsored by Stonemasons & Landscapers (since 1970)
13. Blake Lawrie – sponsored by SMAI

Interchange:
14. Trent Merrin – sponsored by Dynamic Projects
15. Tyrell Fuimaono – sponsored by St.George Bank
16. Billy Brittain – sponsored by TripADeal
21. Josh Kerr – sponsored by Professionals Padstow