It wasn't just any old game of reggies either – it marked the first time Wests Tigers coach Jason Taylor made good on his promise to drop the NSW rake to the NSW Cup.

The stage will be much grander for the latest clash of the dummy halves, with McIlwrick named in the Tigers No.9 jersey to oppose Farah in what will be the South Sydney recruit's first clash against his former club.

The Tigers hooking stocks have been stretched following the departure of Farah and injuries to Matt Ballin and Jacob Liddle that have sidelined them for the opening-round grudge match. McIlwrick, a journeyman who has eked out 28 NRL appearances across three clubs before joining the Tigers in the off-season, is looking forward to again marking up on Farah.

"I played the game he dropped back down, so that was pretty interesting," McIlwrick said.

"It was pretty good to be a part of. It was great to see the support Robbie got. It's one of those situations, it's rugby league at the end of the day and that's why we play it, the uncertainty of it. It keeps you on your toes, it was a bit of a funny situation.

"He's a great bloke, I've played against him a couple of times now. He's always professional and will always do his best as well.

"He's playing for Souths now and it's a great opportunity for him to impress there. Souths will do what's best for them and we'll worry about us."

While the Tigers named Jordan Rankin on the wing, it's understood Moses Suli will make his anticipated NRL debut after being named on an extended bench.

At Manly, youngster Brian Kelly has been given the first crack at replacing veteran centre Steve Matai. The retirement of skipper Jamie Lyon and the departure of Matai opened up two three-quarter spots, one of which was filled by Dylan Walker's shift from the halves. The other will go to Kelly, who was released from the final year of his Gold Coast contract to join the Sea Eagles. The departures of the Manly stalwarts played no part in Kelly's decision to shift south, although the NSW under 20s representative is keen to meet the pair.

"They've carved up the centres spot, I've grown up watching them," said Kelly, who has played alongside fellow recruit Jackson Hastings at junior representative level.

"I'd like to meet them and get to know them – their own experiences, the highlights of their career and what the best thing is about Manly."

Asked if he should thank them for retiring and opening up an opportunity for him, Kelly chuckled: "I couldn't say that. It's been good watching them growing up and that. I'd love to meet them."

The Sea Eagles have named four other new recruits for the Eels clash – Blake Green, Akuila Uate, Curtis Sironen and Lloyd Perrett.

As revealed by Fairfax Media on Sunday, Josh McCrone has won the race for the Dragons No.7 jersey. St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor opted for McCrone over Jai Field following the season-ending ACL injury to Drew Hutchison. However, Field is still in line to make his NRL debut after being named on an extended bench. Their opponents, Penrith, have named Te Maire Martin as Nathan Cleary's halves partner, while Kiwi internationals Dean Whare and Peta Hiku make their long-awaited returns from injury.

Cronulla have named Gerard Beale at fullback in their clash with Cronulla, although coach Shane Flanagan has named Valentine Holmes in jersey 21 in a pointer towards him being given every chance to overcome a hamstring strain.

The Knights continue to blood their local juniors in an attempt to turn around the club's fortunes, selecting Luke Yates and Sam Stone, the son of former coach Rick Stone.