Dragons v Wests Tigers preview

v BYE at

Top eight hopefuls square off in Sydney derby.

Having been embarrassed by the Gold Coast last Friday night, Dragons coach Paul McGregor has responded to his side's recent showings with a number of changes. Headlined by the addition of youngsters Adam Quinlan and Taane Milne, former Tiger Benji Marshall will also make his return on Sunday, in what will be his 250th appearance in first grade. Jack de Belin will also celebrate a significant milestone, playing his 100th game for the Dragons after debuting back in 2011. With four wins from the past six clashes against the Tigers, the Red V will be need to fire in attack on Sunday in order to counteract the unpredictable flair of their opponents.

Sitting behind the Dragons in 11th position, the Tigers will be out to establish a lead early on Sunday given the attacking deficiencies of their opponents. Amongst a host of sides fighting for the two vacant positions in the finals, coach Jason Taylor will be looking for a consistent showing from his side if they are to be genuine threats of challenging for the title. With their trio of stars returning from Origin, the Tigers will be full of confidence heading into Sunday's clash and fancy their chances of pressing for a top eight finish for the first time since 2011.

Last meeting: Round 26 2015 - Dragons 32 Tigers 30

Who to watch: Spending the past 18 months in the NRL wilderness, Sunday will mark a significant match for Dragons fullback Adam Quinlan. Featuring in just one game this season to date, the opportunity to press for a permanent position may be the remedy needed for the Dragons to overcome their recent slump. Having shown himself to be a capable ball player during his time in the halves, the former St. Helens utility will be out to make his mark felt and help the joint venture get their season back on track.

Among the host of promising youngsters at the Wests Tigers, backrower Josh Aloiai has flown largely under the radar in 2016. Joining from Parramatta, the 20-year-old has been a constant fixture for coach Jason Taylor this season, working his way into the starting pack with a series of impressive displays. Having featured in every game to date, Aloiai will be looking to showcase his attacking prowess against the Dragons and help the Tigers move a step closer to securing their first finals appearances in five years.

The favourite: Coming off the bye, the Tigers are fancied to prove too strong for the Dragons as a result of their flamboyant attack.

My tip: Coming up against one of the worst attacking sides in the competition, the Tigers should post plenty of points in an entertaining win. Tigers by 16.

1. Adam Quinlan 2. Kurt Mann 3. Euan Aitken 4. Taane Milne 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Russell Packer 9. Mitch Rein 10. Tariq Sims 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jack de Belin
Interchange: 14. Michael Cooper 15. Leeson Ah Mau 19. Tyrone McCarthy 17. Jake Marketo

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Jordan Rankin 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Dene Halatau 10. Sauaso Sue 11. Josh Aloiai 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. Tim Grant 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Joel Edwards 17. Kyle Lovett

Referees: Ashley Klein, Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Jason Walsh, Dave Ryan; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea, Matt Cecchin