Sam Davies is determined to help fill any void left by the departures of senior duo Jamie Roberts and Richard Hibbard - as attention returns to the resumption of league action.
Centre Roberts has moved to Australia for personal reasons while hooker Hibbard has recently announced his retirement.
However, Davies – who made his 50th appearance for Dragons and 150th game in the United Rugby Championship last time out – insists others must step up.
And Dragons will look to show just that as they welcome league leaders Ulster Rugby to Rodney Parade on Sunday, February 20 (kick-off 2pm).
“Their Test experience, their Lions experience - they've completed rugby, so to speak!” said Davies.
“Especially the places Jamie's been and obviously Hibbz has been outstanding as well.
“There's a bit of a loss of experience, but there comes a point where boys have got to step up.
“We've still got the likes of Ross Moriarty, youngsters like Taine Basham, Ben Carter and Aneurin Owen, who are all quality players.
“With guys like Jamie and Hibbz leaving, it leaves a space for boys like that to fill.
“I'd like to think that I could step into a bit of a leadership role. I've been around a while now - 150 appearances in the URC will explain that.”
Davies says the opportunity to train and play with Roberts and Hibbard has been of huge value to the Dragons’ emerging crop of youngsters, particularly 21-year-old centre Aneurin Owen.
“Just watching Aneurin taking some of Jamie's advice on board, it's been really helpful for him and we're really starting to see Aneurin put some good performances in,” added Davies.
“He was doing so last year, but I think he's a more rounded player this season.
“They'll have learned massively from these boys who've been around and experienced it all. It's almost invaluable having two guys like that in your team.
“Luckily, we've got a crop of players now who have done their learning from these players and hopefully they can really push forward now and kick on and start to really make a name for themselves.”
