Clint Gutherson wants Lachlan Ilias and Kyle Flanagan to know he believes in their ability as St George Illawarra's untested and heavily scrutinised halves duo kick off a new era for the Dragons.
New halfback Ilias arrives at the Red V as a direct replacement for departed skipper Ben Hunt and will team up with Flanagan for the first time in Sunday's trial clash with the Sydney Roosters.
Ilias has had a testing three seasons in the NRL after being anointed as Adam Reynolds' long-term successor at South Sydney.
Last season was undoubtedly the 24-year-old Greek international's hardest; he was dropped to NSW Cup, suffered a horrific leg break in the lower grades and was then told he was free to leave by the Rabbitohs.
Five-eighth Flanagan has also had his share of detractors during an eight-year NRL career across four clubs.
But Gutherson, who was made co-captain with fellow new recruit Damien Cook before even donning the Red V, said it was his job to make the Dragons' new-look playmaking duo feel they belonged at NRL level.
"You've got to show them that you believe in them and that you trust in them," Gutherson told AAP.
"I think that's what us older guys do, they get the best out of their younger players.
"It showed in the scrimmage match with Manly, the belief we had in both our halves and it's about building on what we want to do as a team and let them take control of it.
"It's never going to be perfect … They're probably the two most scrutinised positions on the field and people are very quick to judge when they don't get instant success.
"I think Lachie was doing a great job at Souths and they were probably looking for someone to pin it (their failures) on and then with the injury it was just unfortunate.
"I think Kyle, people just want to see him down and out, but as captain, as a leader, you want to instil that you believe in what they're doing - that's something we've worked really hard on."
Ex-Parramatta fullback Gutherson and Cook have both been named to face the Roosters on Sunday at Jubilee Oval.
Gutherson said he and Cook, who was told he was no longer needed by Souths, didn't need any further personal motivation heading into the 2025 campaign.
"It's a blank canvas for a lot of us," Gutherson said.
"I've played with Cookie a little bit here and there and it's exciting.
"A lot of us have a point to prove (coming) from teams that didn't think there was a future for us.
"We're keen to build on our strengths and help push this team in the right direction."
