The Dragons sit just one point behind the Warriors on the ladder and on the evidence of their win over Wests Tigers will rate themselves a big chance of springing an upset on home soil.
With Zac Lomax in rare form and Jaydn Su'A running amok on the left edge, the Red V proved too classy for Benji's boys to improve their record to three wins and three losses.
That's exactly where the Warriors would have found themselves had they not managed to fight back from 22-14 down with two minutes to go against Many to force golden point and come away with a draw, snaring a single competition point which could come in very handy down the track.
After matching motors with 311-gamer Daly Cherry-Evans in Round 6, Warriors maestro Shaun Johnson now comes up against Ben Hunt, a man with 318 games to his name and the smarts to drive the Dragons back into the finals in 2024.
The battle of the playmakers looms as one of many highlights in a clash that is sure to have WIN Stadium packed to the rafters as the Dragons look to make it two from two in Wollongong after upsetting the Sea Eagles 20-12 in Round 4.
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Team News
Dragons: A late switch an hour before kick-off with new recruit Fa’amanu Brown set to make his Dragons debut after being named as a late inclusion for Friday's clash with the Warriors. The hooker will replace Michael Molo who drops to 18th man. Jack Bird's absence sees Zac Lomax move to the centres, though he is expected to return to the wing once Bird is available for selection again.
Warriors: Paul Roache has been added to the bench an hour before kick-off following a midweek injury to Chanel Harris-Tavita. Roache will provide cover at hooker and in the halves. Centre Ali Leiataua drops out of the squad with prop Zyon Maiu’u the 18th man. Adam Pompey is the other new face on the bench, moving from 18th man last week to cover for Jazz Tevaga (hamstring).
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Stat Attack
- The Dragons have not won in consecutive weeks since 2022.
- The Warriors have won their last two games at WIN Stadium.
- Dragons fullback Tyrell Sloan has scored eight tries in nine games at WIN Stadium.
- Warriors prop Mitch Barnett will play his 150th NRL game.
- Dragons winger Zac Lomax will make his 100th NRL appearance.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.