Parramatta skipper Nathan Cayless has labelled new front row partner Justin Poore a worry wart - and not just because he's about to play against his former St George Illawarra teammates in the NRL season opener on Friday.

Cayless said Poore had been on edge for weeks ahead of the Parramatta Stadium showdown, and predicted emotions could get the better of both sides in front of a sell-out crowd.

"I'm sure there's going to be a few dust-ups," Cayless said.

"It's been a long off-season, and everyone's itching to get out there."

None more so than Poore, who spent the first six seasons of his career in the red and white before his switch to the Eels.

"He's been nervous for about three weeks," Cayless said.

"He's the type of guy that needs something to worry about.

"But he's really looking forward to it. The way he's trained has really got everyone excited about playing with him.

"It's going to be a tough game first up against the Dragons, but if everyone else can do their job, we can help him out."

Poore will be kept busy against his old side, with Dragons coach Wayne Bennett naming four front rowers - Jon Green, Trent Merrin, Dan Hunt and Jarrod Saffy - on the bench.

Cayless said he expected a physical encounter.

"They like to play down the middle of the field. That's the way that Wayne Bennett plays, and they played like that last year," he said.

"It's going to be a tough ask down the middle."

The Eels are more than capable of matching fire with fire, with Fuifui Moimoi - who finished 2009 as the form front-rower in the game - coming off the bench.

Cayless denied Moimoi had been disheartened by his relegation to the bench, but was in no doubt the Kiwi powerhouse would make an immediate impact when he got his chance.

"I suppose there's going to be a few fireworks from Fui," Cayless said.

"Like everyone, it's all about the team these days.

"He's already said to everyone on the team it's about doing the best for the team."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP