The Dragons have secured their long-term plan for life after Gareth Widdop, signing club junior Matt Dufty for a further two seasons.
Skipper Widdop is tipped to keep the No.1 jersey warm for Dufty this season before returning home to England after citing homesickness just months after signing a four-year extension.
Despite the reality of facing a short-term demotion, positive conversations with the club have eased Dufty's nerves and provided reassurance around his position.
"I'm very happy about re-signing for another two years. It wasn't a difficult decision. The Dragons is somewhere where I think I could play my best footy and where I wanted to stay," Dufty said.
"I feel like a weight has been lifted. I've had it over my head for a while now and I'm glad the positive discussions I've had with the club has ended this way.
"I'm really excited for this year to come. I'm not sure where I'll play but it's a good headache for Mary (coach Paul McGregor) to have.
"We have all been playing different positions, trying to get our different combinations sorted and with the strike force we have, it's exciting to see how we all play."
While Corey Norman, Ben Hunt and Widdop form a new spine, Dufty is on track to play the utility role left by the versatile Kurt Mann.
The Penshurst RSL junior's future was in the air even before news of Norman's signing, rumoured to be on the open market to pave way for Jarryd Hayne.
But those whispers were quashed when Hayne was charge with aggravated assaul and his well-documented court case turned all 16 clubs cold on the Eels superstar.
Dragons director of rugby league pathways Ian Millward revealed Dufty had knowledge of the club's pursuit of Norman, however he was always sure of his importance at the Dragons.
"He's a local junior who has gone through our pathway system, and we know he's a person we want here long-term at this club. He's a passionate Dragons player who brings a real skill set to the team," Millward said.
"We have been in deep discussions and negotiating with Matt and his agent since last year. He was aware of our discussions with Corey Norman at all times and he knew where his future lied at our club at all times.
"As for this year, we're really excited by 2019 with the depth and quality of our roster. In regards to what positions everyone plays, that's up to the coach. [The coach] is excited by not only the spine he has in 2019, but also 2020 and 2021."
The Dragons start their 2019 season against the Cowboys on Saturday 16th March.
