JOSH Dugan's stay at centre could depend on Dylan Farrell's availability at 7pm on July 21 for the clash against Manly at Jubilee Oval.
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Dugan has relished his switch from fullback to right centre since coach Paul McGregor took over as coach against Souths.
Former centre McGregor and Dugan's ex-teammate and top centre Matt Cooper, have helped "school" the NSW State of Origin star in the art of centre play in attack and defence.
Farrell tore his pectoral muscle against Melbourne in round six.
He had surgery to repair the muscle tear and his rehabilitation has gone well.
He was close to playing against North Queensland Cowboys but the coaching and medical staff decided to wait another fortnight with the bye last weekend.
The former Souths centre is the only specialist right centre in the club.
Kiwi international Gerard Beale plays left centre and with Farrell out and with new coach McGregor wanting to include the elusive Adam Quinlan in the team, he pulled a coaching switch and convinced Dugan to occupy right centre.
When Bulldogs centre Josh Morris was injured in the opening State of Origin game against Queensland, it opened the door for Dugan to play right centre in games two and three.
In fact, Morris returned for the third game from a knee injury and moved to left centre.
If Farrell returns against Manly he would mark the uncompromising Steve Matai.
And if Dugan switches to fullback, that would mean Adam Quinlan who also can play in halves could be used off the bench as a versatile interchange player.
Dragons forward Trent Merrin could be out for a month after damaging the AC joint in his right shoulder in NSW's 32-8 loss in Origin III at Suncorp Stadium.
On the bright side, the form of Samoan international Leeson Ah Mau, 24, in the back row has been a revelation in 2014.
He gets better with each game.
Can the Dragons beat competition leader Manly next Monday at Kogarah?
FAB FOUR REMAIN
Only four players from the Dragons 2014 squad are still at the club from the 17-man squad that won the 2010 grand final under coach Wayne Bennett. They are Ben Creagh, Trent Merrin, Jason Nightingale and Brett Morris.
MERRIN INJURY
Trent Merrin could be out for one month with a shoulder injury.
HOLDEN CUP
Dragons play Wests Tigers at 12.45pm on Sunday, July 27, at ANZ Stadium.
NEXT ROUNDS
After the Manly clash on July 21, Dragons tackle Wests Tigers on July 27.
TRIVIA
Who scored the Dragons first try in their 32-8 grand final win over the Sydney Roosters in 2010? Answer next week.
BIRTHDAY BOY
Centre Gerard Beale turns 24 this Friday.
