Gamers, directors and renovators: St George Illawarra Dragons, 2010 premiership winning side
It’s been 14 years since the St George Illawarra Dragons outclassed the Roosters 32-8 to claim the joint venture’s maiden NRL title. We take a look at what the stars are doing now.
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It’s been 14 years since Wayne Bennett’s St George Illawarra Dragons broke through for the joint venture’s maiden title after they overpowered the Sydney Roosters 32-8.
Plagued by errors and trailing by two points at halftime, a rejuvenated Dragons sent Red V fans at Homebush into absolute raptures after returning serve with four unanswered second half tries.
With the NRL trophy up for grabs this weekend, we reached out to the proud club to find out what most of the 2010 stars are doing now.
DARIUS BOYD (FULLBACK)
Delivered the magic ball that sparked the Dragons’ second half resurgence, and after running 122m the Maroons Origin legend picked up the Clive Churchill Medal.
Spent another season at the Dragons before eventually pulling the pin on a 15-year NRL career at the Broncos. Now a wellbeing presenter, the former fullback also renovates homes and works alongside wife Kayla as a project manager.
BRETT MORRIS (WINGER)
The fan favourite’s 20 tries were the most by a Dragon in 2010. In all, the Kiama junior crossed for 112 four-pointers in the red and white before retiring at the end of 2021 following stints with Canterbury and the Roosters.
A 2019 premiership winner with the Tricolours, Morris has since picked up the clipboard as coach of the Roosters’ NSW Cup team.
MARK GASNIER (CENTRE)
Upon returning to the club after an 18-month stint playing rugby union in France, the Renown United junior spent the majority of 2010 easing through the gears. Although, he redlined when Saints needed it most, flying through the air to score the opening try after six minutes.
Played one more year at St George before completing commentary stints on radio and with Fox. The founder of non-contact rugby game Tri Tag, these days Mark works in close association with Rugby Australia.
MATTHEW COOPER (CENTRE)
Rated among the top defensive centres in the game, the Shellharbour Sharks junior was a deserving grand final winner in 2010.
The club’s leading try scorer with 124, Cooper was a notable absentee from the premiership team’s 2022 reunion following a public fallout with several members on the invite list.
JASON NIGHTINGALE (WINGER)
Within the space of 14 minutes, the Kiwi international flipped the script with a premiership winning double that put his side ahead 16-8.
A loyal clubman, Nightingale retired in 2018 with 110 tries in 266 games. Now a member of the club’s commercial team, he is also property management director at CNG Property Group.
JAMIE SOWARD (FIVE-EIGHTH)
Brought his kicking boots to the big dance. In an absolute clinic, the elusive playmaker landed six from seven in slippery conditions and delivered a pinpoint kick for the opening try.
Finished his playing days at Penrith, but his 977 points are still the most in the NRL for St George Illawarra. A prominent voice, he can be heard on 2GB and the Sweet and Soward podcast. Recently completed four seasons at the helm of the Dragons’ NRLW side.
BEN HORNBY (HALFBACK)
A proud Dragon, Hornby accepted the Red V’s first premiership trophy since 1979. In 13 seasons, he successfully transitioned from fullback to the No.7 jersey in a club record 273 games.
Now at the Rabbitohs, next year he will reunite with Wayne Bennett as assistant coach.
DEAN YOUNG (HOOKER)
The son of 1979 premiership winning skipper Craig, Dean Young broke the 31-year drought in style. When he plunged over with 17 minutes to play it was 24-8, and the Roosters were cooked.
Now in the coaching ranks, the former hooker returned to St George Illawarra as an assistant in 2024 following three seasons with the Cowboys.
MICHAEL WEYMAN (PROP)
Injury limited the former Canberra bookend’s time on the park in the decider, but the Aussie prop’s dominance throughout the 2010 campaign was crucial in the club’s charge towards the title.
Weyman now apparently owns half of Moruya and with four hardware stores, rumours suggest he’s making heaps of cash.
BEAU SCOTT (SECOND ROW)
In a trademark 80-minute performance, the backrower punched out 74m and made 35 tackles against the Roosters. Played six seasons at the Dragons before rounding out a 244-game NRL career at Parramatta in 2018.
Still plays games, although only of the video variety these days. A business owner of 1800 Arcade, the former Blues Origin star fits out and supplies gaming machines throughout Sydney.
BEN CREAGH (SECOND ROW)
Another one-club legend, Creagh delivered in his biggest game for the Dragons. The most productive middle on the park, his 163m were the most by any forward on either side.
Since retiring after 270 games in 2016, the former Blues forward has taken over as owner of GIO insurance in Wollongong.
INTERCHANGE
NATHAN FIEN
Among the best on ground, Fien’s impact off the bench will be long remembered by Saints diehards. Returned from a broken leg five weeks before the finals, and stamped his class on the grand final with a try and try assist.
Now a mortgage broker, the former No.9 doubles as the Dolphins’ assistant coach.
TRENT MERRIN
The former NSW forward played limited minutes in the grand final. In multiple stints at the Dragons, Merrin retired in 2021 after 151 appearances.
Know for his entrepreneurial skills, these days he continues to manage and pursue business opportunities.
JARROD SAFFY
The South African born backrower didn’t let anyone down in his 31 minutes off the bench. Headed to Melbourne the following season to play Super Rugby with the Rebels.
Now in the corporate world, Saffy is an investment adviser for Crestone Financial in Sydney.
COACH: WAYNE BENNETT
Fifteen years after coaching Brisbane to consecutive grand final victories over St George, the Supercoach headed south and was instrumental in guiding to merger club to it’s maiden title.
Well travelled, the 74-year-old has returned for another stint at South Sydney following two seasons coaching the Dolphins.
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