Dragons recruit Shaun Nona is yet to return to full training with the Red V following off-season ankle surgery.
Nona suffered the injury during the Illawarra Cutters NRL State Championship win over the Ipswich Jets in October.
Signing with the Dragons on a one-year deal since, Nona has yet to push his claims for a first grade start this pre-season.
First-choice half Drew Hutchison's recent ACL injury opened the door for the likes of Nona, Josh McCrone and Kurt Mann to partner Gareth Widdop come Round 1 of the 2017 Telstra Premiership season.
"I was very upset with what happened to Drew. You don't like to see that happen to anyone," Nona told Dragons TV.
"There is a position open there now though and I'm definitely going to put my hand up for that spot. Hopefully when I do return to training permanently I'll be able to impress.
"If I do all the little things right – and if Mary (Paul McGregor) gives me the opportunity – I'll definitely be keen to grab it."
Nona was otherwise hopeful of returning to full training after the Dragons' Christmas break.
"(The ankle is) coming good," he said.
"I started running this week and the physios are doing everything they can to get me back out training for good with the boys."
This video first appeared on Dragons.com.au
