St George Illawarra coach Nathan Brown has warned his side not to get carried away with the return of star centres Mark Gasnier and Matt Cooper in Sunday's NRL clash with Canberra.

The Dragons, who are searching for a club record-equalling eighth straight win, welcome back Gasnier from a back injury and Cooper from State of Origin duty for the WIN Stadium clash.

But while acknowledging the having his Test stars back was an obvious boost, Brown has urged his young stars not to fall into the trap of getting complacent against a dangerous Raiders side.

"It (their return) doesn't do anything if all the other guys don't keep working hard," Brown said.

"We don't want to fall into that trap.

"... I think one of the keys (to the winning streak) has been how hard everyone has been working and contributing.

"So if we can get everyone still contributing like that and Gaz and Coops having a good work ethic as well, hopeful their natural talents will come out on the back of it.

"But bringing Coops and Gaz back doesn't achieve anything if all the other guys are going to think things are going to be a bit easier."

Gasnier and Cooper's return has forced Wendell Sailor into the Queensland Cup with Burleigh Bears but Brown was confident the dual international would soon return to the NRL.

The coach this week paid tribute to the form of front rowers Jason Ryles and Justin Poore, giving the duo most of the credit for the Dragons' sensational streak of wins.

"They're going outstanding, doing a great job and they're a big reason for why the club is where it's at," Brown said.

"They've probably put 12-14 really good games together and obviously it will be a bonus for us if they can keep that going."

The Dragons sit in fifth spot on the NRL ladder and are now targeting a top four spot after most pundits gave them little chance of making the top eight before the season.

Canberra meanwhile, are in 12th spot and in desperate need of a win if they are any hope of reaching the finals.

Raiders winger Justin Carney has overcome a calf injury and will play but the ACT side has lost hooker Glen Buttriss to a knee injury.

Ryan Hinchcliffe moves into the starting lineup.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP