Prodigal son Mathew Head will get first crack at the St George Illawarra No.7 jumper after being named at halfback for Saturday's NRL trial against the Sydney Roosters in Perth.

Head will partner Jamie Soward in the halves with Ben Hornby still sidelined following off-season shoulder surgery.

Head hasn't worn the red V since 2007 when a debilitating knee injury looked like it would prematurely end a promising career.

The diminutive playmaker found a new home with Hull in the English Super League before Wests Tigers threw him a lifeline last season.

Injuries again curtailed his opportunities at the Tigers, the Dragons taking another punt in the hope his darkest days were now behind him.

"It has been a long pre-season so everyone is just itching to get out there and play," Head said.

"I'm really excited to start the season with the number seven on my back and I am looking forward to playing again with the Dragons."

New coach Wayne Bennett named a strong line-up for the club's first hit-out of the season with former internationals Matt Cooper and Wendell Sailor named in the starting line-up.

New buys Jeremy Smith, Luke Priddis and Darius Boyd will start the game from the bench along with backrow star Ben Creagh.

"The players are certainly keen to get out there and play and everyone will be getting an opportunity," Bennett said.

"I won't be looking for anything in particular out of the game, it is really about the players getting some match fitness and working on timing and cohesion."

Team-: Brett Morris, Michael Lett, Chase Stanley, Matt Cooper, Wendell Sailor, Jamie Soward, Mathew Head, Justin Poore, Dean Young, Michael Weyman, Beau Scott, Jarrod Saffy, Matt Prior. Interchange: Jon Green, Dan Hunt, Luke Priddis, Ricky Thorby, Ben Creagh, Jason Nightingale, Darius Boyd, Jeremy Smith.

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