LOCK Cory Hill is motivated by proving a point as a Dragons pack rather than making a personal Six Nations statement in the festive derbies at Rodney Parade.

Bernard Jackman's men entertain Cardiff Blues on Boxing Day (kick-off 2pm) and the Ospreys on New Year's Eve (kick-off 5.35pm) in the Guinness PRO14.

That means that captain Hill will slug it out with his Test teammates Alun Wyn Jones, Seb Davies, Adam Beard and Bradley Davies.

The Dragons lock featured in all four autumn internationals at Principality Stadium to take his tally of caps to 10 and a strong end to 2017 would strengthen his case to be retained in Warren Gatland's squad for the Six Nations.

Hill, however, isn't getting bogged down by duels.

"There are personal battles but you try and keep it as a full eight to get a dominant scrum and a dominant maul, then we will be happy," said the 25-year-old.

"It's always nice to achieve personal goals and landmarks [in internationals] but we are in club rugby here and it's all about the team. If we can get one up on the opposition in these derbies then I will be really chuffed with that."

The Dragons haven't won a PRO14 derby since the Boxing Day win in the capital three years ago.

Hill came off the bench against his former side on that afternoon and started when the Blues were beaten in the European Challenge Cup quarter-final later that season, the region's last major win against Welsh rivals.

The skipper is hoping that a packed Rodney Parade will be treated to that streak being ended.

"We've got two home games, big derbies and the whole squad is excited about it. We have had a very good training week and we are all looking forward to it," said Hill, who played 16 times for the Blues after his debut in 2010.

"We know that it's going to be a big task against two quality sides but we are ready to take it on and put our front foot forward to welcome them to Rodney Parade.

"We've had a few ups and downs over the last few years in the derbies, hopefully we can put on a good show for the fans to enjoy the Christmas period.

"Rodney Parade will be packed and it will be buzzing. I am really looking forward to leading the boys out."

It has been a 2017 to remember for Hill, who not only established himself in the Wales squad but was called into the Lions squad as injury cover in New Zealand.

He then was named Dragons skipper and this week penned a two-year contract extension at Rodney Parade.

"It's an exciting place to be at the minute," said Hill. "Bernard coming in has been a breath of fresh air, the Union taking over, David Buttress coming on board as chairman.

"There are good guys in the right places looking to push the region on and we've made a lot of decent signings for next year and kept hold of the core of the squad.

"We are in a good place and hopefully we will have a good few years ahead of us. All of the boys are excited to be a part of it and everybody is buying in to Bernard's philosophy.

"Everyone is working extremely hard, we have gone up a couple of gears already this season and I think it's starting to show in performances."