As St George Illawarra begin their transition into their next chapter, Adam Clune believes he can be a key cog in the club's future.
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In recent weeks, the Dragons have blooded the likes of Tyrell Sloan, Talatau Amone and Mathew Feagai - joining fellow Illawarra Steelers products Jayden Sullivan and Max Feagai in the top grade.
While all five of those prospects, as well as Gerringong's Jackson Ford and Zac Lomax, appear part of the Red V's future plans, Clune believes he should also be in their calculations - especially after both Corey Norman and Matt Dufty were told their services weren't needed in 2022.
"We've got some exceptional young talent coming through the club at the moment, which is really exciting for all involved," the Albion Park-Oak Flats product said.
"It was really special to see Tyrell score on his debut a couple of weeks ago and he's just the latest junior to be given a crack in top grade.
"I'd obviously love to be part of that young core moving forward because I believe I can be an asset to the club.
"With a contract at the club next year, not to mention being from the area and part of the club for years now, my main focus is producing strong performances for the Dragons, who are the only club I want to play for.
"Hopefully, if we can keep all us younger guys at the club together, it will lead to success in the not too distant future for the Dragons."
With a number of those young prospects primarily playing in the halves, along with skipper Ben Hunt, Clune is happy to slide into the hooking role if it means he gets to play in the NRL each week.
"I just want to be playing first grade week in, week out and am happy to fill any role the coaches want from me for me to do that," he said.
"At the moment, that bench utility role is where I'm getting my spot in the 17, so it's up to me to do as best as I can there, to help the team win.
"I'm working hard on different facets of my game each day at training to further develop me as a player, which I hope helps keep me in the 17 each week."
Clune's next chance to prove this will come against the Warriors, with the whole squad riding high after their thrilling last-up win against the Raiders a fortnight ago.
"Everyone was super pleased with the way we stuck it out for the full 8- minutes against a tough Raiders outfit, especially on our home deck," the 25-year-old said.
"Making it even more impressive was that it came off the back of a hard loss, highlighting the resiliency of this squad.
"That's all in the past now though and we're all focused on this Friday against the Warriors."
One player that won't be lining up for New Zealand at Central Coast Stadium in round 16 is former Dragon and Shellharbour product Euan Aitken, who has been forced into isolation for two weeks following a cabin crew member on his Gold Coast to Sydney Virgin Australia flight testing positive to COVID-19.
"I contacted Euan when I heard the news, which is extremely disappointing for him," Clune said.
"It's, unfortunately, the way the world is at the moment and these things are out of our control.
"As disappointed and frustrated as Euan is to not face his former club, this doesn't change our approach to the game.
"The Warriors are a strong team regardless of who's on the field and anything less than our best won't be good enough."
Another wrinkle to the current COVID-19 climate is the postponement of the 2021 NSW Cup, due to the enforced lockdown of the Greater Sydney region.
"It's not just the guys who are going back and forth between first and reserve grade who will be impacted by this, as it's devastating news for those part-time players trying to establish themselves," Clune said.
"Especially if you take into account last year as well, it's disappointing those players in NSW Cup won't get the chance to develop the consistency of playing week to week.
"From the Dragons perspective, I know our side was determined to try and fight for a finals spot and this obviously interrupts that.
"It makes it even more important that everyone is doing what they can to stay fit, so they're ready to go whenever the season is called back on."
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