Dragons v Sea Eagles: Musgrove in for Bird; DCE hits 300

The Dragons are back in action at WIN Stadium on Saturday night looking to put a dent in Manly's finals hopes and spoil Daly Cherry-Evans' 300th game after both sides recorded victories last weekend. 

St George Illawarra secured a crucial two points against Wests Tigers which should all but help them avoid any thought of a wooden spoon at the club while the Sea Eagles survived a scare in Cronulla to stay within reach of the top eight.

Every week presents a new narrative for the Dragons ahead of Shane Flanagan's takeover next season and for the time being it seems winning after a bye week has help settling things down for the Red V. 

The Sea Eagles have to keep winning, particularly against sides like the Dragons who are lower than them on the ladder, if they want to reach the finals this year. 

It's the first time both sides will meet each other in 2023 with their only meeting last year ending in a 20-6 win to the Dragons a year ago - Ben Hunt scoring twice in a mouth-watering match-up ahead against Kangaroos teammate Cherry-Evans, who reaches 300 NRL games. 

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Team news

Dragons: No further changes on game day after Zane Musgrove joined the bench in place of Jack Bird on Friday. 22-year-old Connor Muhleisen will make his NRL debut off the bench in place of Moses Mbye, who was granted a release by the club to pursue an opportunity overseas. Ryan Couchman is 18th Man.

Sea Eagles: The Sea Eagles are 1-17 with no late changes. Key forwards Taniela Paseka (knee) and Josh Aloiai (shoulder) are out so Matt Lodge and Toafofoa Sipley will start the game and Ethan Bullemor joins the bench. Jake Trbojevic suffered a head knock against the Sharks but passed a HIA late and is ready to go in captain Daly Cherry-Evans' 300th game.