France-bound prop Jason Ryles heads a hot field of contenders for the Dragons Medal, which will be presented tonight at the Lagoon Restaurant.

Ryles, who will move to France in November to play for English Super League club Les Catalans, could become the first three-time winner of the Dragons' player of the year award.

His toughest competition will come from Kangaroo Matt Cooper, last year's winner Ben Creagh, Jason Nightingale, Bulldogs-bound Josh Morris, Ben Hornby and Justin Poore.

Ryles, a Western Suburbs and Berkeley junior, previously won the Dragons Medal in 2001 and 2006. In the latter year, he shared the joint venture club's top gong with ex-captain Mark Gasnier, who is now playing with French rugby club Stade Francais.

Gasnier won't attend tonight's function - neither will his uncle, Reg Gasnier, or fellow Immortal Graeme Langlands.

However, John Raper will be on hand to present the Immortals Trophy, which Cooper won last year.

Also on offer is the Geoff Selby Memorial NRL Coaches Award - won by Beau Scott in 2007 - and the Red V Player of the Year, which last year went to Creagh.

The inaugural Paul McGregor Toyota Cup Player of the Year award will go to the Dragons' best under 20 player. The Mark Coyne Career Development Award will also be presented.