DRAGONS boss Bernard Jackman says "rough diamond" tighthead Nicky Thomas is putting in the extras to grasp his chance at Rodney Parade.

The 23-year-old signed from the Scarlets in December on an initial loan, the latest in an already long list of chances for the strong-scrummaging former Wales Under-20s international.

Thomas came through the ranks at the Ospreys, moved to Gloucester and then the Scarlets, while earlier this season he enjoyed a short spell at Bristol.

The bulky prop is known for his set piece prowess but admitted in January that he needs to "pull his socks up" and become more mobile around the park.

"Throughout the whole of my career it's something that has held me back and something that I've always struggled with," he admitted.

"I've got to work harder on it, it's as simple as that."

Thomas has not featured in a matchday squad since the Anglo-Welsh Cup encounter with Worcester in February but has been heavily involved in preparations as a travelling reserve, staying on the pitch to do shuttle runs with conditioning coach Ryan Harris when his teammates head back to their changing room.

Jackman says that the front-rower is also grafting hard at the Dragons' Ystrad Mynach training base and the head coach is hopeful that he can succeed where others have failed by helping Thomas fulfil his potential.

"Nicky is clearly a rough diamond," said the Irishman. "For me he is probably as good a scrummaging tighthead as there is in Wales.

"What we are working hard on is the level of conditioning and match prep that will get him ready for us.

"Having the chance to work day to day with Nicky has been hugely beneficial and he is doing the extras that will get him to where he needs to be.

"He is such a good guy to work with and has a strong relationship with Ryan, who he worked with at Wales Under-20s.

"Nicky is working hard and he knows what he needs to do, because this is a massive move for him. He has got as much potential as anyone in the scrum but he needs to make this work."

Wales tighthead Leon Brown is out for the rest of the season, and also the summer Tests against South Africa and Argentina, after suffering a toe injury in the Guinness PRO14 loss to Southern Kings a fortnight ago.

Lloyd Fairbrother has enjoyed a fine campaign and is in pole position to wear 3 on his back in tomorrow's Rodney Parade clash against the Cheetahs with Thomas and Dan Suter battling to be his back-up.

Suter signed from the Ospreys last summer but has been limited to just one appearance, as a replacement for Thomas against Worcester, because of a pre-season foot injury.

The 24-year-old has been getting his match sharpness back with Bedwas in the Premiership.

The Dragons name their team at midday.