NEWPORT Gwent Dragons can today make a statement which will reverberate around Europe and reach even far away South West France - that they mean business, that they are a real threat.

They have been presented with a Heineken Cup draw which though again lacking an easier Italian team is still not as difficult as some in recent years, and they have been given a home tie to start with.

That comes in the shape of Newcastle, not right up there among England's best two or three, at Rodney Parade today (1pm).

And Newcastle are without their talisman Jonny Wilkinson, struck down by another arm injury to remove a massive danger at a stroke, which ought to give the Dragons every encouragement.

The Dragons will benefit from the huge backing of a bumper capacity or near capacity 10,000 crowd for the first time, comfortably beating their previous best against Leicester last January.

That, ironically, was the last time the Dragons lost at home. Indeed, it's the only time they've been beaten at Rodney Parade as they have turned the ground into a fortress.

Despite the fact that they have a new coach yet again this season, and despite the fact that he's a former Australian rugby league coach with no experience of rugby union has made little difference.

Chris Anderson has his ways, he's forged a teak tough mentality, his demands are high and he's getting the rewards.

The Dragons are a better side than last season when they finished third in the Celtic League and even had a chance to win the title, even if Europe was a bit beyond them.

This time Europe should not be a bridge too far. Their group is not quite as difficult and they have far more variety and strength in depth which is so necessary to mount any lasting campaign. There may not be that much difference up front, but behind the Dragons backs are now a match for any.

With the greatest respect to the rest, Percy Montgomery fought almost a lone hand last year whereas after the demise of Celtic Warriors the Dragons now have more potential matchwinners in Gareth Cooper, Ceri Sweeney, Kevin Morgan and Gareth Wyatt.

Cooper is an absolute belter who is set for the British Lions tour to New Zealand next summer along with top forward Michael Owen.

On top of that Hal Luscombe has improved to become another major force while Sione Tuipulotu has been the surprise package at inside centre, a switch for which Anderson takes credit.

That represents a really potent back division which will have to be watched. Provided the pack supply the platform the Dragons can win their first three Heineken Cup games by beating Newcastle today, Edinburgh at Murrayfield next week and then top French team Perpignan at home in December, though the away leg will be a completely different matter.

It is vital the Dragons exploit their home advantage and get a big crowd behind them from the off today. Early points will also settle any nerves on and off the field.

If they can take the game by the scruff of the neck and get at Newcastle I can see them taking command, which is not to say the task will be a comfortable one.

For Newcastle have enough weapons behind in English trio Dave Walder, Wilkinson's replacement, Jamie Noon and Michael Stephenson while Matt Burke is a vastly experienced international, a former World Cup winner with Australia.

Stuart Grimes will present a threat up front with his ball winning ability while Colin Charvis will relish the battle on his return to Wales. He will have one heck of a personal duel with Dragons captain Jason Forster, and the battle on the floor will be decisive, particularly in the heavy, wet conditions.

They could spoil the match as a spectacle which would be just as unfortunate as the absence of Wilkinson. The Dragons would have wanted to beat the Falcons with their England hero in the team, but as Forster says they'll simply concentrate on their own game and take what's in front of them.

That ought to be enough for the Dragons. But if they are to make that major European statement they've got to really go for the jugular, not simply win but make it a big victory into the bargain.