The Dragons cross north of the border this week to Townsville to tackle a red-hot North Queensland Cowboys side. This is your Round 14 game day guide.
Origin aftermath
Will they or won't they? That’s the question rugby league pundits are asking everywhere with State of Origin kicking off on Wednesday night.
The Cowboys will feel the strain of Origin more so than the Red V with three players (Valentine Holmes, Jeremiah Nanai and Reuben Cotter) in Queensland's 17 and halfback Tom Dearden named at 18th man.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten has acted accordingly by naming all four in the reserves, and therefore the same 17 who beat out the Titans convincingly last weekend.
The Dragons have two Origin starters but the possible omissions of Tariq Sims and Ben Hunt would be a big double blow.
It would need to be a quick trip to the airport for anyone planning on backing up two days later.
Rep forwards inch closer to return
Mikaele Ravalawa will be feeling a little lonely in the Dragons' casualty ward this week.
The hamstrung Fiji international is the last man rehabbing with Jaydn Su'A (ankle) and Josh McGuire (groin) edging closer to returning after being named in the Dragons' wider squad to tackle the Cowboys.
Jayden Sullivan is the only other new face in the Dragons' 17 following their last start win over the Bulldogs prior to the bye. He has been named at the expense of Tyrell Fuimaono who is out of the squad altogether.
On the fringe
The NRL season is flying by. The Dragons have only 11 regular season games remaining this year and the annual top eight logjam is starting to heat up.
The Dragons are currently right on the fringe in ninth place, tied with the Roosters and Rabbitohs. The Sharks are one winahead while the Sea Eagles and Raiders are hot on the Dragons' heels.
A win against the third-placed Cowboys on Friday night will go a long way for the Dragons' current finals fortunes.
Captain's run member event
Attention all Townsville Red V members! The Dragons are holding an open training session this Thursday. Come and watch the captain's run before meeting your favourite players for an autograph and selfie.
The gates to Townsville Sports Reserve will open at 9:30am (Thursday, June 9) and is only available to members. Proof of Red V membership purchase is required to gain entry.
