Injury-hit St George Illawarra yesterday received a major boost, with captain Mark Gasnier named to take on Wests Tigers in Friday night's crucial NRL battle at WIN Stadium.
Gasnier has recovered from a hamstring injury and will take his place in the centres for the Dragons after missing last Saturday's loss to the Sharks.
His return comes as the Dragons forward pack has been decimated with props Jason Ryles (quad), Justin Poore (dislocated kneecap) and second-rower Ben Creagh (quad) all grounded.
Coach Nathan Brown yesterday thrust South African-born former junior rugby union international Jarrod Saffy into the front row, with Lagi Setu named in the second row and Stuart Webb at lock.
With Brett Morris sidelined with a shoulder injury, Kiwi international winger Jason Nightingale will switch to fullback, with Wendell Sailor overlooked for the remaining wing spot.
Chase Stanley will come on to the right wing, with Josh Morris expected to switch on to the left wing outside NSW Origin representative Matt Cooper.
After smashing the Bulldogs 56-4 at ANZ Stadium on Sunday, the Tigers yesterday named winger Beau Ryan on the wing, replacing Fijian World Cup squad member Peni Tagive.
Meanwhile, Cronulla replacement forward Kade Snowden has been banned for two weeks for a dangerous throw on Nightingale.
Snowden took the suspension with an early guilty plea, with Sharks hooker Isaac de Gois escaping a stint on the sideline for his role in the tackle.
In other NRL news, the Dragons' round 25 game against Parramatta at ANZ Stadium is on Saturday, August 30 at 7.30pm.
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