Kyle Flanagan is set to be handed the keys to St George Illawarra’s stumbling attack, with Daniel Atkinson to survive the axe for Friday’s clash with Manly.
Flanagan is set to return in the No.7 jersey for the winless Dragons. He has one cognitive test to pass to clear concussion protocols after getting through training on Tuesday.
Desperate to find a win, the Dragons will shift Atkinson to the No.6 jersey and give him permission to run while Flanagan steers the ship.
Atkinson copped the brunt of criticism from Dragons fans for his kicking game over the weekend after a 32-0 loss to North Queensland which has ramped up the heat on head coach Shane Flanagan.
Rising star Kade Reed is also expected to be named on the extended bench, while Tyrell Sloan will play fullback in place of the injured Clint Gutherson.
—Pamela Whaley
METCALF OUT 2-3 WEEKS
Chanel Harris-Tavita is set to replace Luke Metcalf in the halves for the Warriors with the latter facing a 2-3 week stint on the sidelines.
Metcalf succumbed to the hamstring injury during the Warriors loss to the Sharks last Sunday.
The Warriors are hopeful that Metcalf will miss only a fortnight of football with the issue not considered overly serious.
Harris-Tavita will partner Tanah Boyd in the halves in their round six clash with the Storm at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
—David Riccio