Shane Flanagan has indicated only injuries will allow Zac Lomax to move away from St George Illawarra's wing.
Lomax was rested from parts of Dragons training on Friday to manage workloads, but is not in any doubt for Saturday's clash with North Queensland at Kogarah.
With Lomax unhappy at being shifted to the wing, captain Ben Hunt this week became the first Dragon to confirm the 24-year-old wanted out of the club.
The Dragons have, however, made clear they will not budge and have become known for refusing releases without adequate compensation in return.
But Flanagan is adamant the situation is not impacting Lomax's performances, with the winger one of their best players over the opening fortnight.
"It hasn't been a distraction for the playing group. Whether it's a distraction to Zac, I'm not quite sure," Flanagan said.
"But he hasn't shown it with his performances.
"Every club deals with (those challenges), players moving on, changing clubs or so on. But, at this stage he's done a really good job."
Happiest at right centre, Lomax was shifted to the left by former coach Anthony Griffin last year. He was dropped, returned to the side and is now being used on the wing by Flanagan.
Flanagan has previously stated Lomax is likely to move throughout the year, but when pressed on Friday suggested that would only be likely if there were injuries.
"We are going to have injuries in our squad, and Zac has that versatility," Flanagan said.
"I wouldn't have put him (on the wing) if I didn't think he could do the job. He can play centre, he can play fullback.
"Ask Zac, he can play any position on the footy field. That's the sort of kid he is. He's confident.
"His skill set is suited for our wing."
Flanagan had suggested in the pre-season Lomax and No.1 Tyrell Sloan could share the fullback role in games.
The premiership-winning coach implemented a similar role at times at Cronulla with Michael Gordon and Ben Barba rotating in game.
But Flanagan said any similar plan would not be enacted for some time at the Dragons.
"I just don't want to complicate it. Zac hasn't played a lot of wing and Tyrell is at the start of his career," Flanagan said.
"When I did it previously ... I was dealing with some players who had a lot more experience and could do it quite easily.
"Down the track we might do it a little bit more, later this year or further on."
Big winners in round one and heavy losers last week, the Dragons have handed 26-year-old Jesse Marschke a debut at hooker following Jacob Liddle's concussion.
Luciano Leilua will also start in the second row, while Raymond Faitala-Mariner's inclusion makes for three players in the side recruited since January.
"Around Christmas time our recruitment was questioned," Flanagan said
"Come round one I think we've done pretty well. Ray and Luc are big buys for us. They give us experience, a touch a class.
"And hopefully this is the start of Jesse's long NRL career."
