Dragons v Wests Tigers: Close eye on Origin trio; Olam back on deck

Boosted by an upset win over the Panthers that has them outside the eight on differential only, the Dragons will look to heap more pain on Wests Tigers, who are riding an eight-game losing streak.

In the absence of inspirational skipper Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax and Jaydn Su'A, the new-look Dragons side rallied from 10-0 down at half-time to pile on four second-half tries at BlueBet Stadium to chalk up their sixth win of the season.

The Tigers, meanwhile, were using their bye weekend to try and refresh and re-focus on the task of climbing out of the cellar and avoiding a third straight wooden spoon.

The loss of back-rower Isaiah Papali'i for eight weeks to an ankle injury is a massive blow for Benji Marshall's men, but they do welcome back experienced centres Justin Olam and Brent Naden from suspension.

When the two sides met at Campbelltown Stadium in Round 6 it was the Dragons prevailing 24-12, so the Red V have good reason to be confident as run out on home soil at WIN Stadium with a place in the eight beckoning.

Should Hunt, Lomax and Su'A back up 48 hours after the Origin series opener that would be a further injection of confidence for the Dragons.