Cody Ramsey is set to play fullback for St George Illawarra in round 11

Through nine games this winter, the 21-year-old Molong product showed pundits what he is capable of on the flanks, but will now need to take on the challenge of playing fullback for Anthony Griffin.

It's a switch the youngster probably didn't anticipate, but a shoulder injury to regular number one Matt Dufty has prompted it, leaving Ramsey with an unprecedented level of responsibility in his side's derby showdown against Cronulla in round 11.

Not only is Dufty out for 2-4 weeks, left-side winger Mikaele Ravalawa is set to miss two matches with a suspension, adding to a jaw-dropping list of unavailable players for the Red V.

An adjustment like this is made a lot easier with support from your teammates, and that's exactly what Ramsey got from captain Ben Hunt this week.

"He trained a lot there during the pre-season, and played a bit in trial games and had flashes of excitement," Hunt told NRL.com.

"I think it is a good opportunity and it is good for the club to see what we have got in him."

Centre' Jack Bird also chimed in on the positional change, and while he knows it's going to give Ramsey a platform to showcase his skills, understands Dufty's shoes aren't easily filled.

"Dufty is going to be a massive loss for us, he is a great player and a great fullback, and he brings something different to our team but it is his [Ramsey's] opportunity to show what he can do," Bird said.

"It is just next man-up mentality. I am pretty sure Cody has always wanted to play fullback and this is his opportunity."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: