Head Coach Dai Flanagan will look to reenergise his squad after a frustrating run of results over the last six weeks.
Dragons kicked off 2023 with a 33-17 defeat at Scarlets that the Head Coach admitted was not a true reflection of the quality within the squad.
After two last-gasp home defeats before the New Year’s Day loss, Flanagan concedes it has been a mentally challenging period.
But with South African giants the Vodacom Bulls at Rodney Parade on Friday evening (kick-off 7.35pm) there is an immediate opportunity to right some wrongs and regroup.
“It is a short turnaround, but we have to deal with it,” said Flanagan.
“The boys have mentally taken a bit of a battering this period, especially with the highs and lows of the draw (in Europe) and then the two last minute losses.
“We’ve got to find some energy for the game on Friday evening. That is our challenge now because we must be better.
“There are certain players who know they are playing because we must reenergise the group,” he added.
“We are not a massive squad and that catches you out with tough turnarounds.
“But I do back the squad here and it’s great to see the youngsters, the likes of Brodie (Coghlan), Luke (Yendle) and Che (Hope), coming on and making a little bit of an impact for us.
“We must go to those guys again and it will be a great experience for them. It’s Rodney Parade at home on Friday night.”
One player who is set to miss the game at the end of the week is full back Angus O’Brien who was forced off during the first half at Parc y Scarlets.
However, Flanagan admitted that could yet open the door for a return for Jordan Williams.
“Jordan has been disappointed the last couple of weeks,” he said.
“He is a quality player, and he has been left out. It is a decision I have had to make, and it has been tough.
“Jordan is a great person, I have a great relationship with him, it is some of the toughest conversations you have as a head coach, but there will be opportunities for him.”
Tickets are on sale NOW for the home game with Vodacom Bulls this Friday evening. CLICK HERE or call 01633 670690.
We’ve got to find some energy for the game on Friday evening... That is our challenge now because we must be better...
