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"Newcastle will be massive test" - Benjamin

Fresh from signing a new contract with the Dragons, back row James Benjamin is determined to keep the Dragons European challenge alive against Newcastle tonight.

Bernard Jackman's team nearly pulled off a thrilling victory at Kingston Park back in October with one of the better away showings this season, so tonight is an opportunity to set the record straight and keep the contest for top spot in the pool alive heading into the New Year. 

"Newcastle are a really good side," said Benhamin, "they had a great start to the season and testament to them in the Premiership they are improving as quick as anyone in that league, so it's going to be a tough test no doubt.

"We came close up there but lost by a try. Hopefully we can get more possession this week and be more clinical than we were against Enisei.

"Set piece is going to be massive for the two teams and whoever gains the most dominance there could determine the outcome.

"We need to try and win the game, we're not thinking about bonus points, just winning the game and taking qualification down to the home and away fixtures against Bordeaux.

"They scored a driving maul try against us in the first round and our discipline let us down a little bit in losing field position. Although we scored some nice tries from turnover but if we can keep the ball a bit better, play in the right areas and try to come out on top in the set piece that would put us good stead to score more points."

Benjamin is delighted to have signed a new contract to keep him living his dream at the Dragons until 2021 and is enjoying more regular first team opportunities this campaign following a long stint with Wales Sevens last year.

"I have supported the Dragons since I was little, since I first picked up a rugby ball my only goal has been to play for the Dragons.

"I've played a few more games than I have in the past and that's down to getting my head down in pre season.

"I enjoyed playing with the Wales Sevens squad it's a really brilliant environment with the coaches there and the squad. We started slowly in the Sevens this year, but going into the Commonwealths we're building nicely.

"The Sevens was a great experience, it refines your skills, you've got more time in attack, more space to defend in, so its a really good tool to progress you individually and of course you travel the world and play in front of stadiums with 60,000 plus people so it's an amazing experience.

"I've played at eight most of the time growing up through the age grades and probably got moved to seven because of my height. There's not much difference for me, you get a bit more ball at number 8 which is a good thing and have to be more defensive minded at openside but I'm just want to play.

"I dont want to stand still in my development. I've had a bit of exposure this season and I want to keep getting better. It's good that I am solely focused on playing 15s rugby now and physically I want to get more powerful, which is an individual goal for myself and to progress individually which is the same for everyone in the squad to move us forwards.

"Bernard is clear in that he knows everyone's strengths and will work a game plan around the team so I just play my own game. I like ball handling and decision making part of the game and if that's a positive input into the team I'm happy.

"Playing for the Dragons I've lived a dream the last couple of years so there was no doubt in my mind about staying, especially since we've got a really clear vision about where we are going as a team and we want to do something special now in the next couple of years. I'm excited for myself and for the squad for the future."

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