NRL Market Watch: St George Illawarra Dragons sign Emre Guler from Canberra Raiders

St George Illawarra’s 2025 recruitment drive continues to rumble, with the Dragons adding some experience and depth to their forward pack with a signing from the Raiders.

The most intriguing recruitment drive of the 2025 pre-season continues to rumble with St George Illawarra signing talented Canberra prop Emre Guler, effective immediately.

Bringing experience and depth to the Dragons forward pack, Guler has signed a two-year deal until the end of 2026.

With only three weeks until the Dragons’ first pre-season trial match against the Sydney Roosters on February 16, Guler, who has played 93 NRL games, is expected to join his new club for training on Tuesday.

“I’ve said consistently we need to bring another experienced middle into our roster for 2025,” Dragons Head Coach Shane Flanagan said.

“Emre certainly fits that bill. With his size and experience he will add plenty of value to our roster as well as help to mentor our emerging crop of middle forwards.”

Guler will link with fellow Dragons 2025 season recruits Clint Gutherson, Damien Cook, Valentine Holmes and Lachlan Ilias.

Emre Guler is joining the Dragons. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

A member of the Raiders’ 2019 grand final team, Guler required a release from his 2025 contract at Canberra in order to link with Saints.

With a powerful prop rotation of Josh Papalii, Joseph Tapine, Corey Horsburgh, Morgan Smithies, Ata Moriata, Pasami Saulo and Trey Mooney, the Raiders gave Guler the green light to join the Dragons.

With his size and capable footwork, the former Junior Kangaroos prop is a valuable signing by Saints, particularly with the club dealing with uncertainty over the future of prop Francis Molo, who has stopped training as he contemplates his future in the game.

Flanagan had been scouring the NRL for further experience and depth in his forward pack, which included discussions with journeyman prop Matt Lodge.

Flanagan has instead chosen Guler, who has always shown promise and at 27, is aiming to rediscover the form that saw him become a regular member of Ricky Stuart’s 2023 season forward pack.

The Dragons’ acquisition of Guler also allows Flanagan to take a patient approach to the blooding of several talented young forwards including Loko Jr Pasifiki Tonga, Finau Latu and Hamish Stewart.

Originally published as NRL Market Watch: St George Illawarra Dragons sign Emre Guler from Canberra Raiders