NRL market watch: Dragons sign Sea Eagles forwards Alec Tuitavake and Viliame Fifita

MARKET WATCH: St George Illawarra have received a massive boost, with two of Manly’s most promising young forwards released to join the Dragons - possibly in a mid-season move.

Viliame Fifita was rated one of the most promising forwards on the Sea Eagles books. Picture: Getty

St George Illawarra have poached two of the Manly Sea Eagles’ most outstanding young forwards.

Front-rowers Alec Tuitavake and Viliame Fifita want to make an immediate switch to the Dragons.

They were both impressed after recently meeting coach Anthony Griffin.

Their signings help the Dragons edge closer to filling their 30-man roster.

Viliame Fifita was rated one of the most promising forwards on the Sea Eagles books. Picture: Getty

Tuitavake, 22 and Fifita, 22, are rated two of the best young middle forward prospects in the game.

They were part of Manly’s 30-man roster and were expected to have long careers on the northern beaches.

Their signings are a huge vote of confidence in Griffin, who also met their parents in recent days.

Tuitavake and Fifita will help the Dragons fill some of the remaining spots they still had available in their 30-man squad this season.

They are also seeking salary cap exemption for fullback Cody Ramsey, who has been ruled out of playing this season due to illness.

The Dragons did receive a boost when the NRL announced that half Talatau ‘Junior’ Amone would no longer be subject to the no-fault stand-down policy while he faces assault charges.

Anthony Griffin's Dragons have landed a double recruitment blow on Manly. NRL Imagery

Manly chief executive Tony Mestrov is denying the players have been given permission to go.

“There has been no release at this stage,” Mestrov said.

“At this stage it will go before our retention committee.

“His manager has put it in writing but we have a big game against Parramatta to think about.

“It will not destabilise us.

“And we certainly won’t be just handing them over for nothing.”