Scotland proved the surprise packets of the end-of-season tournament last year, holding the then world No. 1 Kiwis to an 18-all draw in what was there best result on the International scene and proved they belonged in elite company. 

It flew in the face of dire predictions for the Bravehearts, who blooded seven uncapped players at the tournament, and Aitken is confident the Dragons can do the same in 2017.

“It gives you a lot of confidence to come from a team like that, who no one expected to do anything in that competition, but had that draw with New Zealand and realistically nearly got the win,” Aitken said.

“It was a great feeling to come back here off the back of the Four Nations and it gives me confidence with the Dragons this year.  

“A lot of people don’t expect us to do much this year and I think we can prove a lot of people wrong with our team.

“There’s always criticism and people are always going to judge the Dragons pretty harshly. We’re a fantastic club with a proud history so we do get held to a pretty high standard.

“A few of the boys have spoken about that and we’ve addressed the fact as a group  that we’re not worried about what people say outside these walls.

“We’re going to just stick together tight, work hard together on and off the field and have each others’ backs and I’m sure the results will come.”

Aitken produced a solid sophomore season in the NRL in 2016, earning a maiden Country jumper as well as his first International cap, and plans on taking his game to another level this season.

“First and foremost I’m worried about playing well for the Dragons and winning games for the Dragons,” Aitken said.

“I hate losing and I want to put my best foot forward every week to try and win those games for the Dragons, whether that’s helping set up tries or scoring them, I want to be the guy who can create something for us.”

In other NRL news, Morgan Boyle will get his first chance at the big show when he lines up on the Interchange for the Titans on Saturday. 

Boyle was named on an extended Bench for the Gold Coast Club as they take on the Roosters at Cbus Stadium. Adam Elliott has also been named on the bench for the Bulldogs.