RHYS Williams hopes answering Newport Gwent Dragons' injury SOS can help him fulfil his dream of becoming a professional rugby player.

The 26-year-old centre has signed from Carmarthen Quins on a month-long loan and is set to be thrown in at the deep end against Ulster in the Guinness Pro12 tomorrow evening.

Williams has put a new job as a carer for youngsters with mental health issues on hold to try and grasp an unexpected opportunity.

The Dragons are currently without centres Pat Leach (knee), Jack Dixon (wrist), Tyler Morgan (knee) and Ross Wardle (knee) while wing Tom Prydie, who has been deputising at 13, is on Wales duty for the autumn internationals.

Williams, who is from Llanelli, will get the chance to shine this weekend and in the LV= Cup and intends to catch the eye.

"I hope this can be a stepping stone to earning a professional contract," said Williams, who came through the Scarlets academy and has enjoyed a short spell with Nevers in France.

"I am here to help out and fill in while players are out but will give 100 per cent for the club and want to play a big part over the next month.

"The hope is that it will open a few doors and help me become a pro. If that doesn't happen here I'd like to think it will help me aim for somewhere else."

Williams was named in the Premiership Dream team for 2013/14 after scoring 12 tries in his first season with the Quins and has been hailed by Dragons director of rugby Lyn Jones as the best centre in the top flight of club rugby, quite a compliment given the quality of Cross Keys skipper Leon Andrews and Pontypridd powerhouse Dafydd Lockyer.

And the new boy heads into the game at Ravenhill in fine fettle after being a member of the Carmarthen team that toppled Leinster A in the British and Irish Cup.

"I'd like to think that I am a direct centre and that I put my tackles in," he said. "I've played 12 most of my career but can also slot in at 13.

"The step up from Premiership to British and Irish Cup is big and it will be the same again (from British and Irish Cup to regional rugby) but I am looking forward to it. It will be a big challenge at Ulster but I can wait and feel I am ready for it."