Boss Dai Flanagan has revealed summer signing Solomone Funaki is closing in on a first appearance for Dragons – but he will decide on when that debut is based on longevity.
Funaki made the move to the Men of Gwent during the close season from Moana Pasifika but had seen his start at Dragons delayed after a minor knee operation.
The 25-year-old has been slowly integrating into the squad and is now running as he targets game time.
And Flanagan admits he will now make a debut decision based on long-term impact the Tonga international can make.
“Funaki has had the setbacks with his knee, but he finally starting to run last week, and he will be touch and go for the end of this block.
“We thought that would make it comfortable, but with what has gone on it will be close.
“With Aaron (Wainwright) returning soon, we have to make sure we give him the right time to be firing into the next block and be fully healthy for us and the longevity of his time here."
Meanwhile, Flanagan confirmed George Nott would miss th remainder of this block after picking up a shoulder injury early in the defeat to Leinste in Dublin.
“We’ve had two tough games within six days, but bodies have been recovering this week ready to go again this weekend," he added.
“George is really the only casualty from last weekend, and he’ll miss this block. He doesn’t require surgery and he will be back firing in around four weeks.
“It’s not the nicest because you want to play, but thankfully it's nothing serious.
“Steve (Cummins) is close after breaking his hand against Hartpury.
“Elliot (Dee) had a clean out last week so he is still a few weeks away. Buy hopefully we’ll get him back before the end of this block.”
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Funaki has had the setbacks with his knee, but he finally starting to run last week, and he will be touch and go for the end of this block...
