Dragons v Warriors preview - 2017 Round 4

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Breathing fire or out of puff: Are the Dragons the real deal in 2017?

Pulling off one of the upsets of the season with a 16-10 win over the defending premiers, the Dragons will be out to prove their consistency against a Warriors outfit struggling to make an impact. Returning to the scene of their Round 1 masterclass, the joint venture will be hoping for similar results on Sunday night as coach Paul McGregor retains the same squad that triumphed over the Sharks. Hosting the Warriors at Kogarah for only the third time in history, the Dragons will be looking to break the 1-1 deadlock at the venue in an effort to solidify their place in the top eight, against the odds of many pundits at the start of 2017. Among the other notable records between the two clubs, the Warriors have managed just five wins against the Dragons since 1999, only once crossing the Tasman to claim the two competition points 14 years ago.

Having been upstaged by a clinical Melbourne outfit a fortnight ago in torrential rain, the Warriors produced a trademark early season performance against the Bulldogs in Dunedin last Friday. Unable to penetrate the Canterbury defence due to a flaccid attacking performance that yielded a mere two tries despite a wealth of possession, the New Zealand outfit once again proved why they are the most frustrating side in the NRL. Receiving mixed news on the injury front, captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been named to make his return from concussion while seminal winger Manu Vatuvei has been ruled out through injury. In the other major selection by coach Stephen Kearney, high-profile signing Kieran Foran is in line to make his debut after being named as part of the extended bench following clearance by the NRL to return after his much publicised departure from Parramatta last year.

Last meeting: Round 9 2016 - Warriors 26 Dragons 10

Who to watch: He may be the oldest member of the Dragons squad, but despite his age Jason Nightingale remains one of the best finishers in the league. Celebrating a decade since his NRL debut for the joint venture at the same venue, the 30-year-old New Zealand international has experienced the highs of first grade rugby league consistently, but with his contract up at the end of the year time may be running out for the veteran to replicate the ecstasy of 2010. On track to become just the fourth Dragons try-scoring centurion, Nightingale will be hoping his good fortune against the Warriors continues on Sunday, having collected eight tries in eleven meetings.

When Warriors supporters think of the winger who produces the biggest impact on matches, few would look past the powerhouse efforts of the man affectionately dubbed ‘The Beast'. However in 2016, unheralded flyer Ken Maumalo has taken the shine away from Manu Vatuvei with a series of stellar performances over the opening rounds of the competition. Running for well over 100 metres per game, the Samoan international has taken his chance under new coach Stephen Kearney and reveled in the opportunity to cement a place in the Warriors backline. Despite his efforts on the field, try-scoring success has been hard to come by for the 22-year-old having managed just two tries from 21 appearances in first grade. Coming up against a Dragons side with an unknown potential, look for Maumalo to take the line on with every charge he takes.

The favourite: After shocking the NRL with a win over Cronulla, the Dragons are expected to get the best of a lacklustre Warriors outfit.

My tip: Despite considerable improvement on their 2016 form, the Dragons are a difficult prospect to endorse with any great confidence. At the same time the Warriors inability to perform one week can inspire performances in complete contrast the next. Both sides are capable of winning convincingly, there's also the very real possibility neither plays with the expectations of a first grade outfit. The Dragons should win, but in the face of all evidence to the contrary look for the New Zealanders to deliver. Warriors by 12.

1. Josh Dugan 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Euan Aitken 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Josh McCrone 8. Russell Packer 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jack de Belin 14. Tariq Sims 15. Leeson Ah Mau 16. Jacob Host 17. Kurt Mann

1. Roger Tuivasa-sheck 3. David Fusitua 21. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 2. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Shaun Johnson 15. Charlie Gubb 9. Issac Luke 10. Jacob Lillyman 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering 16. Sam Lisone 17. Bunty Afoa 18. James Gavet 20. Ligi Sao

Referees: Dave Munro, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Dave Ryan, Peter Gough; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Luke Patten;