Dragons name
Palu in Cougar Sevens squad

Exciting Tongan recruit Wycliff Palu has been included in the St George Illawarra squad for this weekend's Cougar World Sevens rugby league tournament at Aussie Stadium.

He comes into the side for injured hooker and captain Mark Riddell, who was ruled out of the tournament over the weekend due to a bulging disc in his back.

Twenty-one-year-old Palu turned down a part-time rugby union contract with the NSW Waratahs and set his sights on breaking into the Dragons first grade squad.

Elsewhere, Dragons second-rower Lance Thompson has made a welcome return to training after being given a 12-day break by the club to resolve some personal problems.

Update, Dragons World Sevens squad: 1. Nathan Blacklock 2. Lincoln Withers 3. Reece Simmonds (c) 4. Nick Youngquest 5. Tony Jensen 6. John Olzard 7. Mathew Head 8. Justin Poore 9. Luke Roberts 10. Wycliffe Palu

11. Ben Creagh (standby)

Coach: David Barnhill