NRL market watch: Jaydn Su’A extends Dragons contract, de Belin, Bird and Sloan in limbo
The Dragons have locked away Jaydn Su’A on an extended contract freeing the club to now turn to a trio of other stars who have been in contractual limbo.
Dragons
Don't miss out on the headlines from Dragons. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Dragons have re-signed back-rower Jaydn Su’A on a two-year deal in a major blow for the rest of the player market.
St George Illawarra had been locked in protracted talks with Su’A but have now inked a deal which will keep him at the club until at least the end of 2026.
Su’A has been one of St George Illawarra’s most consistent players in recent weeks, thrusting himself back into State of Origin contention with his performances for the resurgent Dragons.
His retention will be a significant boost for the club and coach Shane Flanagan given they have struggled to land a big fish on the open market.
The Dragons will now turn their attention to keeping Tyrell Sloan.
DE BELIN PREPARES TO QUIT DRAGONS, BIRD’S CONTRACT TWIST
St George Illawarra forward Jack de Belin will have to walk away from the club if he wants to a secure a multi-year deal.
De Belin is part of a trio of Red-V stars – alongside Jack Bird and Tyrell Sloan – who are in the midst of contract talks about their futures beyond this season.
So far, veteran forward de Belin has been reluctant to take up St George Illawarra’s one-year offer.
At 33, the Dragons have not closed the door on de Belin playing beyond the next 12 months, but they only want to offer a rolling season-by-season deal.
It leaves de Belin with the very real prospect of joining another NRL club with a move to the Super League seemingly unlikely.
“I was looking for a long-term contract,” de Belin said. “They are keen to go year by year. We’ll see what happens. I still have another two or three years at least.
“It is frustrating but it’s a business. I can understand what the club is doing. That’s why you pay a manager good money.
“My preference has always been to stay in the NRL and be a one-club man. At the same time,
The NRL’s $10m shopping list as free agency deadline looms
my manager has to explore all avenues. I have a young family and I haven’t got long left. I need to make the most of it.”
De Belin is in the final year of a long-term deal after taking up an option in his favour to remain at the club this year on a contract which began in 2021. Only Ben Hornby, Ben Creagh, Jason Nightingale and Matt Cooper have played more games for St George Illawarra than de Belin.
He is now getting his head around the fact that this year might be his last at the club.
“I don’t want to say (that I won’t be here) for sure but at the same time I have to weigh up the options,” de Belin said. “If the club isn’t keen to keep you … I’ve always had the attitude that, if I play good footy, it will take care of itself.
“You can control the narrative (by playing good football). That’s what I’ve been trying to do.
“Initially it (frustrated me) when I didn’t feel like I was getting the same interest in the club wanting me here but at the same time it was good kick up the bum that you’ve got to play good footy.”
SLOAN, BIRD DEALS STILL IN LIMBO
De Belin is not the only Dragon yet to secure his long-term future. St George Illawarra are awaiting word from Tyrell Sloan to see if he will take up deals the club has put to them.
While Jack Bird is also in limbo with a potential one year offer available. Bird’s 2025 deal is a mutual option – meaning either party can take up the contract.
The Dragons have already indicated they won’t exercise their side of the option leaving Bird until June 30 to take up a contract on a significantly reduced rate.
Bird, 29, knows he needs to perform better to try and entice the club to hand him a multi-year deal.
“I still have an option to stay,” Bird said. “I need to start playing good footy if I want a good contract. “I don’t want to stay for that contract, I want to earn to get an extended contract. I need to pull my finger out and play a bit better and earn a longer contract.
“I haven’t spoken to the club yet. It’ll depend on how I play the next few weeks.”
Join the conversation
Dragons handed $40k fine over Volkman contract breach
The NRL have handed the Dragons a breach notice and a whopping $40,000 fine, over their handling of the Ronald Volkman’s contract farce.
Read more
Dragons part ways with CEO, shock replacement linked to role
St George Illawarra have announced CEO Ryan Webb will stand down from his position, with South Sydney boss Blake Solly sensationally linked to the role.
Read more