But with the Dragons having a bye next week, the club's high performance manager Jeremy Hickmans admits the prospect of resting him for another fortnight appeals.

"He's pretty close, he's a possible this week," he said. "At the lower end of possible, it just depends on how he gets through this week.

"We have to make a judgment whether to push for him this week or save him for the week after (the bye).

"It's sort of bad timing in some ways, it would be nice to get him through the next two weeks and have him right for the following week.

"We'll make a decision during the week."

While the Dragons sweat on a decision about Smith, they are expected to regain centre Beau Scott, who has recovered from an elbow injury.

Dragons second-rower Matt Prior scored two tries playing in the centres in Friday night's 34-12 victory over the Roosters, but Scott is expected to slot straight back into the line-up.

"He's probably more possible (than Smith) for this week," Hickmans said.

"We will just make sure we get him in some contact work and just see how he feels."

The Dragons only other injuries are Michael Weyman (ankle), who won't return until round 23 and Mickey Paea, struggling with a back problem, likely to return in round 20.

Smith and Weyman, along with fullback Darius Boyd, were the club's major off-season signings following the arrival of coach Wayne Bennett.