The loss of star fullback Josh Dugan has been offset by the likely return of centre Euan Aitken for St George Illawarra's NRL clash against Manly on Saturday.
Aitken declared himself fit to take on the Sea Eagles after missing last week's win over Wests Tigers with a hamstring strain.
The right centre feared the worst when he picked up the injury against Cronulla in round three, however scans proved negative and only missed the one game.
"I pulled up a little bit tight and through the week we thought it was tendon pain. We just inflamed the area, so I pushed it thinking it was all sweet," Aitken told AAP on Tuesday.
"I ended up feeling a bit better towards the end of the game, but then we had it scanned, there was a bit of blood in the hammy and through the muscle.
"So they thought it was best to rest last week. It didn't feel right through the week so we just said we'd rather miss one week than miss anymore.
"I suppose in the long run if I ever did need to play on with an injury like that in a big game, there's potential for me to do it."
Aitken is expected to return to his role on the right flank, which was filled admirably by the versatile Kurt Mann against the Tigers.
Mann is likely to line up at fullback following confirmation Dugan could miss up to two weeks with his own hamstring injury he picked up against the Tigers.
The Dragons are the early-season surprise packets after picking up three wins on the trot, and face a Sea Eagles side also brimming with confidence on a three-win streak of their own.
Aitken said there was a noticeable difference in camp from the one that missed the finals last season and were considered wooden-spoon contenders in the pre-season.
While the futures of Dugan, Gareth Widdop and coach Paul McGregor has been a big focus early in the season, Aitken believes the club learnt from similar drama last year.
"It just seems like there's no off-field stuff happening anymore. Everyone's not worried about the off-field stuff," he said.
"Maybe there might be a bit more motivation for a couple of people with their contracts, but just the general feel of the club at the moment is really good."
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