St George Illawarra Dragons NRL roster deep dive: Which positions need filling, which recruits they can target

With a host of NRL talent coming to the end of their contracts in 2024, the Dragons should be throwing the bank at securing some top quality players. See what positions need filling and which recruits coach Shane Flanagan should target.

Just under a fortnight ago, St George Illawarra decided to open talks to extend Tyrell Sloan’s contract.

But the talented 21-year-old’s stocks are now less clear after coach Shane Flanagan moved him from fullback to wing at halftime in the Dragons’ 30-10 loss to Newcastle on Friday night.

The major coaching decision was backed by Phil Gould, who declared Sloan is a “defensive target” for rival teams.

“I love Tyrell Sloan, I think he’s a real exciting player,’’ Gould said on Nine.

“Absolutely (time is on his side). I wouldn’t be giving up on him.

“It’s hard for young kids coming into first grade, particularly when you start to get targeted by experienced players.

“But there comes a time where you’ve got to stand up for yourself defensively.

“Everyone has to play both sides of the ball, in attack and defence.

Tyrell Sloan was moved to the wing against Newcastle. Picture: NRL Photos

“He’s an extraordinary attacking talent, but at that moment he’s a little bit of a target whenever they (opposition) see him on the line, they don’t miss him.

“And he’s got to learn to stand up to that.’’

There is a willingness from the Dragons coaching staff to continue to help develop the gifted ballrunner’s game.

However, he isn’t the only key roster recruit that Saints are focusing on.

In the wake of Zac Lomax’s impending departure at the end of the season, the Dragons still have a host of players fighting for their futures.

Jack de Belin is yet to be offered a new deal and will have to take a significant pay cut if he is to remain a Dragon.

The Dragons still have about 10 spots left to fill on their roster. They do so armed with more than $3 million worth of salary cap space. By contrast a host of clubs have a large chunk of their squad already linked in next year including; Tigers (26), Titans (26), Warriors (26), Bulldogs (25), Manly (24) and Sharks (24).

It comes as the Dragons remain locked in talks with Scott Fulton to join the club in recruitment.

The Dragons are confident Jadyn Su’A is close to extending his deal with the parties continuing talks since the club put in a contract offer before the start of the season.

Jack Bird’s future depends on a June 30 mutual option. Either Bird or the Dragons can extend his time at the club by a further 12 months at differing values.

At least one if not both of the Feagai brothers – Mat and Max – will leave the club either before the mid-season transfer window ends or at the end of the season. The Dragons may be keen to retain Mat although neither have played first grade this year.

Parramatta had been chasing young outside back Savelio Tamale but Lomax’s potential switch to the Eels could curtail those plans. The Dragons are yet to offer Tamala a new deal.

Others including Ben Murdoch-Masila, Jesse Marschke and Dan Russell are facing battles to be retained.

Tom Eisenhuth has impressed since joining from Melbourne and could be given another season while a one-year deal is on the table for Michael Molo which is expected to be accepted.

Outside backs Corey Allan and Cody Ramsay have top 30 years next season despite being unavailable this year.

The Dragons have a number of positions that need improvement. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

TARGET AREAS

The Dragons have a range of positions which need to be filled.

A half, hooker, prop and a player who can play fullback are among the major requirements.

St George Illawarra is expected to offer Panthers outside back Sunia Turuva a deal, which will be hard to knock back given Penrith’s tight salary cap situation.

Discussions with Mitch Kenny have ended now he has recommitted to the Panthers.

Wallaby Jordan Petaia has met with Flanagan but any deal is a long way away from being reached with no formal offer given.

They are aware of potential unrest involving Nelson Asofa-Solomona and will need to wait to see what contracted players end up leaving their clubs like they did with Luciano Leilua, Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Christian Tuipulotu.

Potential November 1 targets for 2026 includes; Kotoni Staggs, Selwyn Cobbo, Jeremy Marshall-King, Reece Robson, Reuben Cotter, Wayde Egan and Stefano Utoikamanu.

Expect them to also closely monitor star Melbourne duo Harry Grant and Ryan Papenhuyzen.

The Dragons have been linked with a host of players but realistically they missed out on one genuine top line talent – Addin Fonua-Blake.

The Dragons were confident they would get their man before Christmas with talks well progressed to make Founa-Blake the highest paid player at the club before the Sharks swooped in late.

They also had talks with Connor Tracey and Josh Curran before the pair opted to join the Bulldogs while Ronald Volkman was signed but injury curtailed his stint at the club before it even started.

Dylan Egan is a future Dragon the club has high hopes for. Picture: Supplied

THE FUTURE

The Dragons have high hopes for back-rower Dylan Egan who will join the top squad next year. He does so alongside Hamish Stewart. Stewart, a middle forward, has an option in his favour to remain at the club until the end of 2027.

St George SG Ball products Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga and Finau Latu have top 30 deals for next year. The young forwards have led a revitalised under-19 St George side to the SG Balls finals for the first time since 2013.

CLEAN-OUT

Flanagan wasted no time in putting a broom through the underperforming club as soon as he arrived. Jayden Sullivan (Wests Tigers), Zane Musgrove (Warrington Wolves), Jaiyden Hunt (Broncos), Paul Turner (Featherstone Rovers) were all fringe players who were released early from their contracts. Talatau Amone was deregistered by the NRL. Other underperforming players have also been put on notice.

Originally published as St George Illawarra Dragons NRL roster deep dive: Which positions need filling, which recruits they can target