Centre Fetuli Paea says that he feels he is returning to his best form after injury hampered his first year for the Men of Gwent.
The Tongan international had a blistering start to life at Rodney Parade, setting up one try and playing a big part in another during the 17-all draw with Hollywoodbets Sharks at Rodney Parade in October.
However, he also suffered a broken arm which ruled him out for several months.
After returning against Ospreys at the Brewery Field in January, Paea has been on the comeback trail and played a big part in Dragons’ dramatic quarter-final win against Zebre Parma.
“The first few games when I came back from injury was tough,” said Paea.
“I was trying to get my strength and my confidence back, the first few games.
“In the last couple of weeks, I feel not there yet, but I feel way better than when I first came back.
“I had a good game against Sharks, the boys made it easy for me to have a good game against the Sharks and I was gutted I’d broken my arm after it.
“I'm back out there now and I’ll make sure I’ll do my best for the last couple of weeks before the season ends.”
The game against Zebre in the Challenge Cup saw Paea return to his former side and after coming on early for Aneurin Owen, the 31-year-old played a key role, helping to set up Harrison Keddie’s second score.
Now Dragons head back to Parma to face the Italian side, this time in the league, looking for their third away victory in a row.
“It was good to go back to Parma,” said Paea. “I caught up with the boys for coffee and some Gelato as well.
“It's going to be a tough game, it was a couple of weeks ago and I know Friday they will turn up.
“I think it's their last home game as well, so we're expecting a tough game from them.
“This week we've been training really well, we connected really well and we’re ready for it.”
Dragons will be hoping to translate their European away form into the league before returning to Euro action against Montpellier in the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final.
“We’ve been close and a couple of times we should have won,” said Paea. “It's good to get this one into the semi-final next week.
“We're not looking for next week we’ll get this one done then and then think about next week.
“Next week is important, but we're going to make sure we turn up and ready and hopefully we get a win this week and celebrate this week and hopefully next week as well.”
Paea joined fellow Tongan international Fine Inisi in the centres last week with both players having signed for the Men of Gwent ahead of this season.
The pair are enjoying their time in Wales, mixing in with a strong Tongan community, having been spotted supporting Wales international prop Sisilia Tuipulotu last weekend at the Cardiff Arms Park.
“It's good to have Fine here with me,” said Paea. “There's a good Tongan community here which is good for us.
“Last week they messaged us and asked if we wanted to come watch the game and they sorted us out some tickets and me and Finn's came and supported.
“They’ve made us feel like we're home.”
Next week is important, but we're going to make sure we turn up and ready and hopefully we get a win this week and celebrate this week and hopefully next week as well...
