After being handed a "dream" NRL debut last week, St George Illawarra rookie Mitch Rein has no qualms about being placed on selection tenterhooks ahead of Monday night's derby with Cronulla.

Rein was chuffed to receive a game-day call-up from Wayne Bennett before playing a 30-minute cameo in the premiers' 25-16 first-round dispatch of Gold Coast.

The 21-year-old hooker has retained his place on the interchange bench this week, but admits he has no idea when - or if - he will be thrust into the fray against the Sharks at Toyota Park.

"I would not have a clue with what's going on. I just stick to my own business and see what happens," Rein said.

"Whatever's best for the team, I'm happy to do that."

Rein, who grew up supporting the Sharks, said his mum was more nervous than he was after he took the call from supercoach Bennett.

"I was only really nervous about letting the team down. It wasn't too bad," he said.

"Every young player playing rugby league always dreams about playing NRL one day.

"I know I've been dreaming about it for a long time, coming up through the junior ranks, so it was really good to get a run.

"I wouldn't mind getting out there again and getting another shot. I'd rather get out there hopefully sooner than later."

A proud product of the Illawarra junior ranks, Rein said it was nice to have some of his former team-mates support him as he makes the transition to first grade.

"There's a lot of blokes from the south coast and in the Illawarra area coming up," he said.

"Brett Morris is from Kiama and that's where I'm from and he's really helped me out at training and looked out for me, so it's good to have someone from your home town as well."

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