St George Illawarra livewire Jason Nightingale says he'll do his best Darius Boyd impersonation if he runs out at fullback in their NRL clash against Parramatta on Sunday.

Nightingale filled in at the back on Monday after Boyd left the field with a hamstring injury midway through the second half of the Dragons 24-10 win over Sydney Roosters.

Coach Wayne Bennett has selected the New Zealand international winger Nightingale to wear the No.1 jersey this week.

And if Nightingale does run out at fullback on Sunday, he's promised to do more than simply hold his own.

Boyd has been an attacking sensation for the red and whites this year, and his expert ball-playing has seen him develop into a second five-eighth for the defending premiers.

Nightingale said he's conscious of not overplaying things, but will back himself to make things happen with the ball.

"Oh yeah, I can catch and pass," Nightingale told AAP.

"I won't try and over complicate it, I'll probably keep it as simple as I can.

"To fill the shoes of Darius will be a pretty difficult task, he's done really well this year.

"I'll try and work on the support (play) side of things a bit more and we'll train for a few things we've been doing throughout the year (with Boyd at fullback).

"We'll try not to change too much as far as our shape goes, but if I have to put a few extras in at training I will."

There's some chance bench utility Kyle Stanley could still start at fullback allowing Nightingale to continue his combination with Mark Gasnier on the right side.

"The combination is working well and I think if he (Wayne Bennett) can avoid changing it too much, then he will," said Nightingale of how his coach will cope with Boyd being out for at least three weeks.

Nightingale has developed into one of the premier wingers in the NRL and is a certainty to get picked on the flank for the Kiwis in the May 6 Test.

Despite the rise he's made in the game, Nightingale says switching to fullback permanently isn't necessarily his ambition. The St George junior will leave it up to incoming Dragons coach Steve Price to decide on a long-term fullback if Boyd decides to leave the club as expected.

"It's not really a goal of mine, mine is more about playing consistent in whatever role I'm in," he said.

"I'm sure when it comes to off-season training at the end of the year, Pricey will spend a bit of time thinking about who he wants to play at the back and if Darius chooses to move on then a decision will be made. I'd be happy to fill that role if I needed to."

Former Wests Tigers flyer Ratu Peni Tagive is listed to make his first appearance for the Dragons, taking a place on the right wing.

Tagive, 22, has been hampered by injury throughout his short career, and is looking forward to playing his first NRL match since joining the Dragons in 2010.

"It is unfortunate what has happened to Darius and the way my debut has come about for me, but I am excited to play," said Tagive.

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