Jason Nightingale is happy to return to fullback for St George Illawarra, but will be watching video of the best custodians in the game ahead of Sunday’s clash with Cronulla.
Desperate Dragons coach Steve Price has abandoned his experiment of playing NSW winger Brett Morris in the No.1 shirt in a bid to ignite his misfiring attack, who have scored the least number of points in the NRL this season.
Morris will return to the right flank for the Wollongong visit, the Sharks once again without skipper Paul Gallen.
Nightingale was the usual deputy fullback when Darius Boyd was at the club, but Price has preferred him on the wing this season.
Despite this, the 26-year-old said he is not looking to stay in the role permanently.
“I enjoy getting my hands on the ball and it will be a tough challenge as, physically, you do a bit more running, but one I am looking forward to,” Nightingale said.
“The top No.1s in the game are the fittest players in their teams and I’ll have to look closely at what they do closely and try to emulate it in my game.
“I haven’t made it a goal of mine to keep the position. I just want to play consistent footy.”
Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah returns to the side after missing last week’s loss to Canterbury due to concussion.
Farah will take the field against Penrith on Saturday at Allianz Stadium, as might Gareth Ellis who has been sidelined with a broken foot sustained in round five.
The England international has not been named in Tim Sheens’s side, but said he might still figure if he can convince the club’s medical team he is ready to return.
“I am trying to get back for this week, but the problem is I don’t know if I am going to get enough running or team stuff to warrant me playing,” Ellis told AAP.
“Ideally, I would want a full week but, if not this week, then next week for sure.
“The injury has got quite a high rate of recurring so I am in the hands of the medical staff and putting my faith in them.”
Shane Shackleton will make his debut for the Panthers off the bench following his recent switch from Parramatta.
Gold Coast coach John Cartwright will give a Titans debut to hooker Beau Falloon who has not played for the club since his arrival from South Sydney.
Falloon tore his biceps in pre-season but has been named on an extended bench for the trip to Canberra.
Queensland star Nate Myles returns from a sternum injury with prop Luke Bailey back from a rib problem.
Glenn Stewart is back for Manly’s trip to Newcastle.
The NSW back-rower missed the third State of Origin clash in Brisbane last week with a partially-torn medial ligament, but is in the starting line-up for the battle with the Knights on Saturday.
