Dragons rookie Loko Junior Pasifiki Tonga set to sign contract extension, make NRL debut in 2025

He’s the 121kg phenom tipped for great things at the Dragons, with Shane Flanagan revealing the 19-year-old giant will play in the pre-season Charity Shield as he moves closer to an NRL debut.

He is the giant rookie with a giant name and he’s ready to re-sign with St George Illawarra and play in next year’s pre-season Charity Shield.

Rising front-rower Loko Junior Pasifiki Tonga is poised to sign a contract extension at the Dragons until the end of 2027, possibly 2028.

His current deal runs through until the end of 2026 with a new extension expected to be announced as early as Monday.

Pasifiki Tonga stands 196cm and weighs 121kg - he is a physical monster.

Given he was being discussed by multiple clubs, Pasifiki Tonga’s anticipated retention is a significant boost for Dragons coach Shane Flanagan, who continues building his playing roster into a finals unit.

Some club recruitment managers claim Pasifiki Tonga, 19, is the hottest young front-rower in rugby league.

Flanagan revealed Pasifiki Tonga would play in the Charity Shield and most likely make his NRL debut next season.

Dragons youngster Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga. Picture: NRL Imagery

“He has size and mobility – he’s a talented front-rower and good learner. He is a good kid with a good attitude,” Flanagan said.

“Pasifiki Tonga will definitely play in the Charity Shield and I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays a bit of first grade this coming season.

“He was still on contract for another two years but we want to extend him. Young front-rowers like him, you just can’t let them come off contract.”

Pasifiki Tonga has joined St George Illawarra’s NRL squad after last season year helping the club to their first SG Ball win in 32 years.

He then claimed selection in NSW under 19s State of Origin side.

“Pasifiki Tonga is training full-time this coming year. He is coming up against blokes who have played 100 first grade games and he’s doing a good job,” Flanagan said.

“He has the physical attributes but is also a smart kid who knows his footy.”

Pasifiki Tonga played his juniors with Bankstown Bulls and Chester Hill Hornets.

His family moved to Melbourne, pushing Pasifiki Tonga into rugby union, before returning to Sydney and rugby league through selection on the 2023 Dragons SG Ball side and Australian Schoolboys.

Loko Junior Pasifiki Tongan (R) during his time at Ipswich SHS. Picture: John Gass

Pasifiki Tonga also played in the NRL Schoolboy Cup State Titles with Ipswich State High School and Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup at the Dragons.

Asked about his team’s build-up to 2025, Flanagan said: “We are looking for a better year than we had last season, without a doubt.

“I’m not making any predictions but we will be better than 2024, that’s all I know.

“Our recruitment has been good. Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook have been outstanding and we know what we will get from Val Holmes, he is a class player. Lachlan Ilias, it’s all upside and positive around him.”

The TAB has St George Illawarra as $5 favourites to claim most losses for 2025.