ST GEORGE Illawarra have announced a strong squad to take on Warrington Wolves in the inaugural World Club Series.

Josh Dugan has been cleared to play after spraining his knee in the Charity Shield.

The State of Origin star is joined by fellow New South Wales representative Trent Merrin, New Zealand internationals Benji Marshall and Jason Nightingale, plus England half back Gareth Widdop in a squad that clearly means business at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday, February 20.

New recruits Eto Nabuli, Heath L’Estrange, George Rose, Dane Nielsen and Jake Marketo have all been named in the 20-man squad.

Dragons coach Paul McGregor, whose right-hand man Ian Millward provides plenty of experience in the English game, said he was looking forward to seeing how his side will match it with Wolves.

“Our squad is made up of those players who have stood out to me in pre-season training as well as the matches that we have had at the NRL Auckland Nines, against the Mackay Cutters and involved in the recent Charity Shield,” McGregor said.

“This overseas fixture presents a great opportunity for our group, both on and off the field, and everyone is really looking forward to the match and experience.”

Dragons’ World Club Series squad: 1. Josh Dugan 2. Eto Nabuli 3. Euan Aitken 4. Peter Mata’utia 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Rory O’Brien 9. Mitch Rein 10. Leeson Ah Mau 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Ben Creagh (c) 14. Trent Merrin 15. Jack de Belin 16. Heath L’Estrange 17. George Rose 18. Dane Nielsen 19. Dylan Farrell 20. Jake Marketo