Retiring at the end of the season, Woolford thought his NRL career was already over.

That his decorated 250-plus game career was destined to finish ingloriously, playing just a handful of games with Wollongong/University Bulls and having no further part in St George Illawarra's season.

That he would go out in his final year having made more coffees at his Coffee Guru franchise than passes thrown from dummy-half.

But after gaining a reprieve from coach Nathan Brown two weeks ago, Woolford believes he has plenty to offer to the Dragons in their bid for a finals berth.

"I must admit, coming back I was a bit apprehensive," he said.

"Having not played for so long I was a bit worried how the fitness levels were.

"With all due respect to the Bulldogs, they had a lot of players out that day, it was probably an ideal game to come back in."

Woolford was thrown a lifeline when he replaced Dean Young at hooker after Young had been struck down by a virus.

But his form was so impressive in the Dragons' 30-0 demolition of the Bulldogs, it earned Woolford a place on the bench against the Sharks last Saturday.

"On the weekend I was forced to defend a lot more and the legs felt it a lot more," he said.

"But the coaches were really happy from the feedback I've been given and I'm still there."

Woolford has been named on a five-man bench for the Dragons' crucial battle with Wests Tigers tomorrow night.

When asked yesterday if Woolford was a definite starter for the WIN Stadium match, Brown would only say that he was "a big chance".

The former Canberra Raiders captain believes his vast rugby league experience could be valuable as the injury-hit Dragons attempt to secure a finals place.

Props Jason Ryles (quad) and Justin Poore (dislocated kneecap) and second-rower Ben Creagh (quad) are all sidelined with injury.

"Every team needs experienced players in their team," he said.

"We are a young team, especially over the next couple of weeks with Rylesy and Benny Creagh and those guys (injured).

"I guess my experience is going to be a benefit."