MITCH Rein will return as Dragons hooker after serving his one-game suspension and winger Jason Nightingale is expected back from injury for this Saturday's round 17 clash against North Queensland at WIN Stadium, Wollongong.
The Dragons are fourth on 20 points after losing 16-12 to Parramatta on Saturday night at Pirtek Stadium.
Rein copped a one-week ban for a dangerous throw charge against the Roosters and Nightingale (ankle) and forward Jack de Belin (knee infection) were also missing after suffering ailments in the 19-14 Monday night loss at Allianz Stadium.
It was their third straight loss and they will enter the Cowboys game without fullback Josh Dugan and forward Trent Merrin, who will be away on NSW State of Origin duties.
The Cowboys will be missing three: Jonathan Thurston and Matt Scott (Queensland) and James Tamou (NSW). The third and final State of Origin game of the 2015 series is on Wednesday, July 8, at Suncorp Stadium.
Nightingale could even return in the No.1 jersey with Dugan unavailable.
There were several controversial refereeing and video decisions and the Dragons had three tries denied.
The Euan Aitken no try in the second half after winger Dylan Farrell leapt in the air and batted the ball back infield caused the most grievances from the players and fans. The ball was ruled to have gone forward.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor said he would go through the "proper channels" with referees boss Tony Archer.
"Which one, there was two of them," McGregor said. "It's very disappointing. I can't say much more than that.
"I've been going through the right channels the past couple of weeks and I'll keep doing that. I'm getting some answers but . . . I think most people [thought it was OK]."
Dragons have signed St Helens prop Mose Masoe for 2016-17 seasons.
Parramatta 16 (Semi Radradra 3 tries; Chris Sandow two goals) d
St George Illawarra 12 (Euan Aitken, Eto Nabuli tries; Gareth Widdop two goals).
Pirtek Stadium crowd: 15,046.
Leader man of the match: Josh Dugan.
