'Bit of a reverse cycle': Two-time Olympian set to make NRL debut for Dragons

A two-time Olympian will make his NRL debut this weekend, with Dragons winger Nathan Lawson called into the side to face the Newcastle Knights.

The 26-year-old, who played for Australia at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, was brought to the club in the off-season and has been plying his trade in NSW Cup.

Lawson has scored five tries in eight games for St George Illawarra and will now get his opportunity to pull on the famous Red V in the top grade.

FOLLOW LIVE: Women's State of Origin game three updates

READ MORE: 'So many memories': Cup hero reflects as annual tour launches

READ MORE: 'Massive question mark': Clubs sweat on 28 Origin stars

Speaking to media on Thursday, head coach Shane Flanagan admitted it was a little different to give a debut jersey to a player with so much success already.

"It was interesting in the presentation with his dad and his partner," Flanagan said.

"We presented a jersey to a bloke that has been to two Olympics and represented Australia numerous times.

"It was a bit of a reverse cycle that he's making his debut now in a different code. He's really excited about it and I'm really looking forward to him playing.

"One thing I know is that he will compete really hard."

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Lawson will line up on the wing for the Saints, while the coach also confirmed that Valentine Holmes will back up from State of Origin commitments in the centres.

One man who won't be there on Friday night however is cult figure Christian Tuipulotu, with the powerhouse Tongan international given an extra week to recover from injury.

"CT is very, very close," Flanagan said.

"We could have pushed him if it was a semi final or something like that.

"It's just with his history, we told him he was playing all week and get him to the start line, but we were always gonna pull him at the last minute.

"He's just had that hamstring cause a few problems and our staff thought it would be better off if he had a really good training week and get him ready for next week."

Tuipulotu started the season in strong form, crossing for seven tries in five games and averaging 186 run metres for the Dragons.