St George Illawarra prop James Graham is bullish about his side's ability to cover the loss of Tyson Frizell as they prepare to clash with South Sydney in the NRL.
The Dragons could be without representative forward Frizell for up to six weeks after he copped an accidental low blow in Saturday's 24-12 NRL loss to North Queensland and subsequently underwent testicle surgery.
Graham said the Dragons had no excuses as they sought to rebound against the Rabbitohs who are fresh off a win against premiers the Sydney Roosters.
With Jack de Belin stood down and Frizell out, the Dragons are without two of their fiercest defenders.
It's a position which is compounded by the unavailability of recruit Korbin Sims, who is likely to slot into the No.13 jumper but is still a week away from returning from suspension.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"He's a huge part of our team and our club and a massive leader for us but the door opens for someone else," Graham said of Frizell.
"I don't think we're going to dwell on it.
"We're a better team when he's playing, like any team like NSW and like Australia.
"It's just unfortunate sometimes that injuries happen in our sport."
During the pre-season, coach Paul McGregor spoke about the need to take lessons out of last year's semi-final near miss against Souths.
Without Paul Vaughan and after losing Gareth Widdop and Tariq Sims during the match, the Red V only lost by a field goal to the Rabbitohs, last year's best attacking team.
Josh Kerr is likely to come into contention for an NRL debut, although he did get a taste of top-flight football when he ran out for the Indigenous All Stars during the pre-season.
Graham said the Dragons were confident of the next man up getting the job one.
"That's why we've got a squad of 30 players that work hard during the pre-season," hesaid.
"The nature of sport tends to suggest you're going to get injuries, suspensions, etc.
"We just have to deal with it; we certainly won't be using it as an excuse, that's for sure."
