St George Illawarra Dragons: 2021 round 1 predicted team

In a series analysing who will line up in each position for all 16 teams in the opening round of the Telstra Premiership in 2021, NRL.com looks at the St George Illawarra Dragons.

NRL.com says: There are four wingers vying for two spots, with Max Feagai and Cody Ramsey also in the frame.

Jack Bird could play a number of spots but is likely to start off at centre. New coach Anthony Griffin may still lean towards bringing him back from his ACL tear in the forwards.

The luring of Andrew McCullough from Brisbane follows the loss of Cameron McInnes for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Billy Brittain will be McCullough's back up.

Adam Clune is likely to replace the suspended Corey Norman in the halves for round one.

Jack de Belin remains stood down until his court case is resolved.

Jamie Soward says: The talking point will be where Ben Hunt plays. Anthony Griffin has made no secret about where he wants Ben to play and it's with Corey. 

Vaughan will probably start with someone like Fa'amausili with Josh Kerr off the bench so they have a bit more foot speed to start. I love the back row of Sims and Ford, who could be a breakout player this year.

I don't think Lawrie will start at 13; I wouldn't be surprised if Jack Bird found himself in the back row because of his versatility of being able to play centre, fullback, five-eighth ... he may start off the bench but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him spend some time in the back row with Max Feagai or Wiliame at centre.

Both Feagai brothers will be pushing for spots. Pereira will start on one wing and may partner Ramsey.

Merrin and Lawrie are probably competing for one spot because they're similar body types. 

Poasa has come from a Roosters system and will be expected to bring some of those values. One thing about the Dragons is they have depth in the outside backs because the Feagai bothers have come up to top squad.

Clune and Sullivan will be pushing Hunt and Norman the whole way.