DRAGONS boss Bernard Jackman says Gavin Henson has rediscovered his voice as he ponders whether to hand the former Wales and Lions playmaker the 10 jersey for the Guinness PRO14 opener, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 36-year-old is in pole position to start against Benetton at Rodney Parade tomorrow evening (kick-off 7.35pm) thanks to an impressive cameo in Gloucester last week.

Josh Lewis, a summer recruit from Bath, started all three friendlies but Henson, who had been suffering with a minor knee injury, came off the bench to guide the Dragons around Kingsholm, pulling the strings expertly in a late rally in the 40-31 loss.

With the region needing to get off to a flying start in the PRO14, head coach Jackman could well opt for the older head and has hailed Henson for being part of a strong leadership group this summer.

"We have the experience that we didn't have before – we had an average age of 22 last year, so things needed to be quite coach-led," said the former Ireland hooker.

"Now we have brought people like Richard Hibbard in, Ross Moriarty, Rhodri Williams, Josh Lewis and Gav is really really starting to take ownership again.

"I thought that last year he was quite quiet. He understands the game incredibly well and now he is actually starting to boss people around.

"When you see players looking to take ownership, you need to facilitate that. That's the way the game has changed a little bit; the better leadership group you have, the better your chance of being successful."

The Dragons are continuing to monitor Henson's knee issue ahead of their team announcement at midday but he is likely to feature, whether from the off or as a replacement.

"Gav came on at Gloucester and looked really good, so he definitely put his hand up. It's great to see him come back from a six-month injury and look so comfortable," said Jackman.

"He is delighted to be available for selection and will have a role to play, whether starting or off the bench."

The Dragons are set to feature eight debutants in their matchday squad – loosehead Ryan Bevington, hooker Richard Hibbard, lock Brandon Nansen, flanker Huw Taylor scrum-half Rhodri Williams, Lewis, wing Dafydd Howells and full-back Jordan Williams.

Former Springbok Zane Kirchner, who returned from South Africa for pre-season late because of a visa issue, is on standby to come into the 23 if Henson is not fit while a fitness test will dictate whether summer recruit Rhodri Davies (back) or Tavis Knoyle (calf) is back-up to Rhodri Williams.