NRL: Dragons still hungry - Nightingale

The Dragons have suffered four straight losses. Photo / Getty Images

Kiwis international and St George Illawarra winger Jason Nightingale has rubbished claims the Dragons have lost the hunger to chase back-to-back NRL titles.

The Dragons' premiership hopes are teetering after four straight losses, and another defeat to ladder leaders Melbourne on Friday night could see them drop as low as seventh on the ladder.

Questions over the attitude of some players have been voiced by both the fans and coach Wayne Bennett, but Nightingale insisted on Tuesday the desire to defend the premiership was still strong.

"If anything, you get that feeling and the offseason comes around and you want it back again,'' said Nightingale.

He admitted it could be difficult for players to get themselves up late in what has been a long, hard season for many but did not believe it could excuse on-field lapses.

"It is (hard getting motivated), especially coming towards the end of the year, but that's yet another excuse,'' said Nightingale.

"We've done it, year in, year out. We're professionals now, there's not too many debutants in our team. We're used to the grind of the NRL.

"It's about finishing games off and we'd be in a much better position than we are now.''

There was certainly plenty of passion in Tuesday's training session, with Bennett putting plenty of emphasis on a defence which has leaked points like never before during his time at the club.

Centre Mark Gasnier (hip flexor) failed to train as he races the clock to be fit to face the Storm, while five-eighth Jamie Soward dispelled any fears he could miss the game as he trained strongly.

The NSW Origin pivot was clearly hampered by a back injury in Sunday's loss to the Sydney Roosters, and was taken from the field with 10 minutes remaining.

- AAP