With Australian forward Trent Merrin now at Penrith, St. George Illawarra have a void to fill in their pack and Jack De Belin says he is desperate to become the Dragons’ first-choice lock forward.

De Belin, grandson of famed Kangaroo Fred, said lock has always been his position off choice.

“100 per cent I want to be starting and I want that No.13 spot,” de Belin said.

“Playing 13 has always been my position and what I’ve wanted to do so obviously the goal is to start but you’ve got to look at the bigger picture as well.

“I’m not one of those impact players I need to be playing some big minutes which I was able to do last season.

“If I come off the bench I know I’ll be just as pivotal to the team.”