Since round eight the Dragons star recruit has been frustratingly forced to watch from grandstands and in the shadows of dressing rooms during his side's sensational march towards the minor premiership.

The ankle injury Smith (right) suffered against the Warriors at WIN Stadium was then compounded by a stress fracture in his foot.

The light at the end of the tunnel finally appeared before the rematch with the New Zealanders a fortnight ago, only for Smith to cop a knock at training before the game. He was forced to spend another fortnight on the sidelines.

Smith yesterday revealed he would make his comeback off the interchange in tonight's showdown against finals hopefuls Penrith at CUA Stadium.

The former Melbourne Storm lock and Kiwi international yesterday said the wait had been made easier by the Dragons' success this year.

"When they're winning it makes it a whole lot easier sitting on the sideline," Smith said.

"It's been pretty frustrating from my point of view, I want to be out there and living it up with the boys.

"There's no lost time though. The boys have been going so well and I haven't lost anything except for a bit of match fitness which I'm sure will come."

Smith was on light duties at training yesterday and did not take part in the team's final ball work session before they tackle the Panthers, but was adamant he would return.

Team-mate Matt Cooper is also set to play after taking part in yesterday's session, with Chase Stanley and Jon Green likely to drop off the bench.

"I was pretty keen to train, but they saw otherwise," Smith said.

The hard-running Dragons enforcer said he wouldn't waste any time in getting back into the thick of the action, declaring he hoped to return to his usual high work rate despite being out for the past three months.

"(Game time) is what I need leading up to the finals, I need a few games under my belt," Smith said.

"I don't think Benny (coach Wayne Bennett) wants me to take it easy. I'll be out there to stake my claim in the team."