Dragons handed double boost

St George Illawarra will aim to make the most of halves Benji Marshall and Gareth Widdop when they look to end a three-game losing streak against North Queensland Cowboys.
The Dragons were without a win in June, putting a dent in their top-four hopes. But while both sides will be much-changed for the WIN Stadium clash, the home team do at least have Marshall and Widdop available.
Centre Peter Mata'utia says the Dragons won't under-estimate the Cowboys, despite the visitors being without State of Origin quartet Johnathan Thurston, James Tamou, Matt Scott and Michael Morgan.
"We'll play them as if Johnathan Thurston and co. are playing because we aren't looking at them that way," said Mata'utia. "It is a blessing though we get to keep our halves Benji and Gareth, they are a great asset to our team."
The Dragons, who are 1.78 to win the match, are without seven of their first-choice players, including Trent Merrin and Josh Dugan who are on Origin duty. Coach Paul McGregor has brought in Yaw Kiti Glymin for his NRL debut on the wing in place of the injured Dylan Farrell.
NSW pair Dugan and Merrin are replaced by Nathan Green and Jason Nightingale respectively. Hooker Mitch Rein is back after suspension, dropping Heath L'Estrange to the bench. Will Matthews and Jake Marketo form a new back row, with Joel Thompson and Tyson Frizell both out injured.
Cowboys coach Paul Green has brought Ray Thompson and Robert Lui into the side and they will line up in the halves, with Cameron King omitted and Rory Kostjasyn dropping to the bench.
Scott and Tamou are replaced by Ben Hannant and Sam Hoare, while Scott Bolton is back from injury to take a spot on the bench.
The Cowboys are 1.95 to win the game with a 1.5-point start.