Hooker Brodie Coghlan will ‘get every ounce out of his talent’ if he continues his wort ethic, according to Head Coach Dai Flanagan.
And the Dragons boss believes the young front row should look to Wales legend Ken Owens for inspiration as his fledgling career continues to grow.
Coghlan, 23, is named among the replacements as the Men of Gwent go toe-to-toe with Ulster in Belfast on Saturday night (kick-off 7.35pm).
The Dragons Academy product – who has now made 16 senior appearances – will share front row duties with James Benjamin at the Kingspan Stadium.
“What's not to like about Brodie? He is making the most of his ability, he works extremely hard from Monday to Friday and will get every ounce out of his talent,” said Flanagan.
“We saw that in Glasgow – he is a tough, Gwent man who doesn’t take a backward step.
“He needs to build his game on what Ken Owens built his on,” added Flanagan, who worked with Owens at Scarlets before his move to Dragobs.
“If you said there was one Welsh hooker who Brodie could model himself on then it's Ken.
“He is destructive as a carrier, when he hits mauls they end. Ken has been a superb asset for Welsh rugby and I am sure Brodie will be the same for the Dragons.”
Meanwhile, Flanagan has urged his young Dragons to look to Wales rising star Cam Winnett as they prepare for action in Belfast.
Ewan Rosser sarts at full-back with Joe Westwood and Corey Baldwin on the wings, while they are backed up by Huw Anderson, who is set for a first Dragons appearance after starting all three games for Wales in the Under-20s Six Nations.
Centre Harri Ackerman, who is captaining the Welsh youngsters in the championship, is also on the bench along with lock Barny Langton-Cryer.
"It's super exciting,” he said. “Look at how Cam Winnett has taken his chance.
"I am sure there would have been a fear of putting him out there but he has taken every opportunity he has had at every level whether Cardiff RFC [in the Premiership], Cardiff Rugby or international rugby.
"We have high expectations for our youngsters, and this could be the first step of many."
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What's not to like about Brodie? He is making the most of his ability, he works extremely hard from Monday to Friday and will get every ounce out of his talent...
