He's ranked as one of the two best centres in NSW, but Blues Origin player Beau Scott admits his days in the St George Illawarra backline are numbered due to Mark Gasnier's return.

Gasnier was named on the bench for the Dragons' Monday night clash against Penrith - with coach Wayne Bennett to make a call on the former Test star's availability later in the week.

Gasnier, who only signed with the club on Monday, will have his first training run in Wollongong on Wednesday, giving the 28-year-old just three sessions to convince Bennett of his readiness after 18 months away from the game - which included a season of rugby union in France.

His return has left Bennett with an interesting conundrum, with the Dragons riding high atop the NRL ladder and Scott having elevated his game to the ranks of Origin selection.

It's a NSW spot which was once the domain of Gasnier, Scott adamant he was happy to move aside to accommodate his former teammate with Bennett having assured him of an ongoing role in the team.

"I'm definitely in his plans - it's good to know," Scott said.

"It's great for the club, great for the game (to have Gasnier back)

"Down the track I'll probably move back into the back row I guess and move in closer to the ruck.

"I'm happy with that - from the team perspective it will be great I think."

Asked how the move to the forwards would impact his career, Scott said: "I've played a fair few games in the back row - it's nothing unfamiliar to me, it's not like I'm trying to start another career in another position.

"I enjoy playing it - whatever role I get asked to do on the field I'll be more than happy to fill it."

Fitting Scott into the backrow isn't without its problems either - with representative trio Ben Creagh, Dean Young and Jeremy Smith named to face the Panthers and Neville Costigan due to come back in following Queensland Origin commitments.

Should Gasnier prove his readiness there appears little doubt Bennett will rush him into the starting line-up, prompting a reshuffle with Matt Prior moving back to the front row.

Already without their four Origin players, Penrith have also been hit by the unavailability of in-form hooker Luke Walsh for the marquee clash.

Walsh injured his hamstring in Friday night's win over Manly and was not named on Tuesday, but Panthers officials haven't ruled out the possibility of a late recovery to face the Dragons.

The elevation of Michael Gordon to the NSW side has resulted in Panthers coach Matthew Elliott calling up former Sydney Roosters bad boy Sandor Earl.

Earl, who along with Jake Friend was involved in a nightclub incident last year, was let go by the Roosters last year after just three top grade games.

Elsewhere, South Sydney are sweating on scans on star hooker Issac Luke, who dislocated his shoulder at training on Tuesday.

The Rabbitohs have the bye this weekend, but Luke could face an extended period on the sidelines if it is found he has suffered ligament damage.

Sydney Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce missed a month of football when he dislocated his shoulder earlier this year.

Pearce's absence due to Origin commitments will see the Roosters field their third halves combination in as many matches with Todd Carney to partner Braith Anasta in the halves for Sunday's trip to Canberra.

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