Boss Dai Flanagan has revealed dynamic back row Ollie Griffiths is now closing in on playing return and his first appearance of the season.
After appearing in pre-season, Griffiths has been ruled out for the rest of this term to date after a back and then calf injury.
But the all-action 27-year-old from Newbridge is now back in contention as Dragons prepare to face Vodacom Bulls at Rodney Parade on Friday night (kick-off 7.35pm).
Argentina international scrum half Gonzalo Bertranou has also completed another week of training as he pushes for a comeback.
“Ollie is around the group and has had a full training week. He will be in and around selection, which is great,” said Flanagan.
“Gonzalo is a week closer and looks good so, as long as he can get through the next few days, he could be in this 23, which is a bonus.
“There are lot of fresh people able to come in. Players like Jordan Williams and Max Clark, who is busting for opportunity. Those type of players will freshen us up and bring some energy.
“When you lose someone like Harrison Keddie out of your back row, you lose leadership. Ollie can replace that in the everyday environment,” added Flanagan.
"I've known of Ollie since he was 16 and every time I have watched him he has been superb. To have the chance to coach him and see him on the field excites me.
“He loves the breakdown area of the game, is passionate about it and coaches people and leads the back rowers in their extras on that.
“Every time I have played against him it has been tough to get quick ball and sometimes our defence is built on collisions more than jackallers.
“Taine is learning that trade - he has other X-factor parts to his game that others wish they had - but if Ollie is around the ball then the opposition needs to make sure they protect it."
Meanwhile, Flanagan has revealed both Harrison Keddie (hamstring) and Rhodri Jones (calf) will miss the game while he makes a number of selection calls based on game time over a busy period.
“It’s going to be tough for Taine this week,” added Flanagan. “When you don’t play for a long time it’s a big ask to play two games in five days. We’ve got to be careful how we manage people.
“The same applies to Ashton Hewitt. It's a big block and he's come through injury very early. We’ve got to be careful how we manage Ashton and whether we cap his time.
“I'll always take a very individual approach with these players. It's important they're treated fairly, treated correctly and we trust the squad.”
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I've known of Ollie since he was 16 and every time I have watched him he has been superb. To have the chance to coach him and see him on the field excites me...
