St George Illawarra's Jamie Soward has been named in the side to take on the Rabbitohs this weekend. Picture: BRENDAN ESPOSITO
Dragons five-eighth Jamie Soward has been named to play this weekend’s crucial game against the Rabbitohs after missing one week with a back complaint.
Soward will return to the squad after sitting out Sunday’s hard-fought win over the Sharks, allaying fears he faced an extended stint on the bench.
The 27-year-old was restricted to light duties at Dragons training this morning, while team-mate Nathan Fien, who was also under an injury cloud, underwent rehabilitation exercises on an injured knee.
Fien has also been named to play.
Dragons coach Steve Price will have until an hour before kick-off to elect which member of his 18-man squad will be offloaded.
Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs are yet to confirm their plea for hooker Issac Luke, who was charged with a grade two dangerous throw in the side’s 24-22 win over the Roosters last night.
Luke faces several weeks on the sidelines if found guilty.
The Dragons must win five of their remaining seven games this year to be in contention for a finals berth.
The last time they played South Sydney, in round 11, Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds plotted an 81st minute field goal to cap a thrilling 19-18 golden-point win.
Dragons team
1 Jason Nightingale
2 Brett Morris
3 Chase Stanley
4 Matt Cooper
5 Daniel Vidot
6 Jamie Soward
7 Ben Hornby
8 Dan Hunt
9 Mitch Rein
10 Trent Merrin
11 Beau Scott
12 Ben Creagh
13 Dean Young
(Interchange)
14 Nathan Fien
15 Josh Miller
16 Jack de Belin
17 Matt Prior
18 Jake Marketo
Full story in Wednesday's Mercury