Dragons centre Matt Cooper rates himself a 90 per cent chance of returning after three weeks on the sidelines for tomorrow's showdown with Penrith.
Cooper hasn't played since suffering a bruised heel during St George Illawarra's 48-18 hiding of Manly on July 12 and his comeback for the CUA Stadium tussle hinges on a fitness test today.
The 30-year-old and New Zealand lock Jeremy Smith - who has been out since May with an ankle injury - were named on an extended six-man bench for the round 22 game.
Full coverage of The St George Illawarra DragonsCooper was optimistic about his chances after a strong week on the training paddock.
"I'd give it a 90 per cent chance of being right," Cooper said.
"I ran on Tuesday and it felt all right - we'll see how it pulls up.
"The big test is tomorrow when I try and run. I'm pretty confident."
If passed fit, Cooper is expected to start in place of Melbourne-bound Chase Stanley, while Smith is likely to come off the bench.
Cooper admitted he was yearning to get back into the fray with the Dragons poised to clinch the joint venture's first minor premiership.
"It's hard sitting out when your team is going so well; you don't feel as big a part of it," he said.
"You sit out and don't get that sense of togetherness as if you were playing."
The 11-time NSW Origin representative was confident he would be able to slot straight back into the red-hot Dragons line-up, which is four points clear atop the NRL ladder and amid a six-game winning streak.
"In the past I've missed a couple of games and come straight back in; (this time) I've only missed two games. That's not too bad," Cooper said.
"I've been training pretty well with the medical staff and our trainers to keep myself up to speed."
Cooper was absent for the Dragons' last clash with Penrith - a 38-10 triumph at WIN Stadium in May.
"I'm just keen to get back out there and be part of the team on the field," he said.
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