Red V equation is simple: don't lose

An eighth-placed finish seemed all they could hope just two weeks ago but the Dragons could now finish as high as fifth if a chaotic end to the season continues.

At the top-end of the competition, the Roosters were left reeling by injuries to enforcer Jared Warea-Hargreaves and halfback Mitchell Pearce, while the Cowboys are without James Tamou and Michael Morgan for their clash with the Storm on Saturday.

The battle for the bottom four was also thrown open by Melbourne's shock loss to Newcastle last Monday and the Eels' upset win over Manly, who have been nipping at the Dragons' heels for the past four weeks.

South Sydney's chances of a top-four finish also took a hit with their 47-12 loss to Brisbane on Thursday, which saw Isaac Luke on report for a shoulder charge and John Sutton nursing a broken leg ahead of their final-round clash with the Roosters.

The Storm - currently two points clear of the Dragons and Bulldogs - face North Queensland in Melbourne on Saturday ahead of a final-round away trip to Brisbane.

Should Melbourne and Souths drop their remaining games and the Bulldogs lose to either the Eels or Warriors over the final two rounds, the Dragons could earn a home semi-final; a scenario unthinkable a matter of weeks ago.

They will need to win both remaining games to be in the hunt for a home semi-final.

It's a complex equation but Dragons interchange weapon Jack de Belin said his side can't afford to focus on anything but their clash with the Titans on Sunday.

"We've just focused on the Titans and upcoming game this weekend," de Belin said.

"We've always had a goal to make the finals and at the moment that's looking pretty optimistic.

"We were set there earlier in the year but we had that mid-season collapse which hurt us a little bit but we've regathered some wins now and we're back on track.

"We're not going to be happy unless we're playing finals footy."

The Titans are well out of finals contention but are coming off a 28-12 win over the Raiders and will be looking to upset the Dragons' finals charge in what will be their last home game of the season.

"They're a team that likes to offload the ball a lot and they've got some fast outside backs, so they won't be afraid to throw the ball around, " de Belin said.

"These games are crucial coming into the finals if we want to be there, so we're fully focused on Titans."