While many tipped both sides to push for a top four finish this season, the Dragons have largely exceeded expectations in being standalone competition leaders after 11 rounds.

With a bye to follow next week, Paul McGregor’s men could shoot four points clear at the top of the ladder with a win on Saturday heading into what will be a demanding rep season. 

With no less than 12 Origin hopefuls in action right under the nose of Blues coach Brad Fittler, it’s easy to forget there are two competition points on the line.

While the Origin audition may be the major talking point among fans, former Dragons and NSW centre Mark Gasnier expects both sides’ primary focus to be on that crucial two competition points.

“There wouldn’t be a happier man than Brad Fittler,” Gasnier, who’ll be part of Fox League’s coverage of the match, said.

“I’m sure he’ll be watching very closely to see how certain players handle the pressure in a big game, in a pressure situation, knowing they could potentially be picked to play Origin.

“He’ll be watching with interest but, I know when I played, you can’t get too far ahead of yourself so I don’t think the players will have that in their mind. 

“They’ll know it’s going to be a very, very hard game.”

Gasnier was part of winning series in 2004 and 2005 – the former alongside Fittler –  where in-form Sydney clubs dominated the Blues squad.

With the Dragons and Panthers running one and two, Gasnier believes Fittler’s squad for game one could see a return to that winning formula. 

“As long as it’s relevant to the team, club combinations, when those teams are winning, do help,” Gasnier said.

“There’s just that natural comfort, particularly in defence. If you’re defending on an edge, there’s a comfort in having your [club] teammate beside you.

“Even when you go into camp, there’s a comfort in having your teammates there.

“It all helps and Freddy will be ecstatic that the Dragons and Panthers are one and two will potentially provide a big chunk of players.”

The Dragons fell short in their last top-of-the table showdown against the Warriors in round seven, and Gasnier said they’ll need to go up a gear to knock off the Panthers at home. 

“I think it’ll be very physical and I expect the Panthers to throw a lot of line-speed at them,” Gasnier said.

“If you look at the two games the Dragons have lost to Warriors, and then again against Souths, they weren’t far off the pace.

“They weren’t far off at all, but the other team was really up for it because of how they’ve been going all year.

“This will be something similar. If the Dragons aren’t up another level with their intent and purpose, the Panthers will fancy their chances, particularly out at Penrith in front of a packed house.”