NRL arms race: Six months to sign rugby league’s biggest names

The Dragons could have a fight on their hands for the signature of explosive fullback Tyrell Sloan, as the clock ticks down on the contracts of some of the game’s biggest stars.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Tyrell Sloan of the Dragons runs the ball during the round eight NRL match between Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons at Allianz Stadium on April 25, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

It’s been just over six months since Tyrell Sloan wanted to be anywhere but Wollongong.

Sloan, at the time struggling to get a run in first grade, was desperately searching for an escape route out of the Red V, at least while Anthony Griffin remained at the helm.

How times have changed.

As the Dragons prepare to meet Canterbury at WIN Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Sloan has purchased his first home in Dapto, can’t speak highly enough of Griffin, and is eager to sign a new deal to keep him at the Dragons.

Revelations of his desire to stay will be music to the ears of Dragons fans, because Sloan is coming off one of his best games in first grade, albeit a loss to the Sydney Roosters on Anzac Day.

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Tyrell Sloan is eager to sign a new deal to keep him at the Dragons. Picture: Getty Images

He finally looks the part and more to the point, he is keen to extend his contract, which runs until the end next season.

Sloan will be able to officially sign with rival clubs on November 1, meaning the Dragons have six months to get his signature on a contract extension, or risk him signing with another club for the 2025 season.

Sloan is among a group of elite players who at midnight on Sunday, will be six months away from being free to ink deals elsewhere.

The group includes Tom Dearden, Jacob Kiraz, Tevita Pangai Junior, Josh Schuster, Tolutau Koula, Jaydn Su’A, Campbell Graham, Jai Arrow, Keaon Koloamatangi, Tevita Tatola, Angus Crichton, Brandon Smith, Luke Keary, Dylan Edwards, Jarome Luai, Liam Martin, Nick Meaney, Moeaki Fotuaika, Jayden Campbell and Adam Doueihi.

Others such as Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Stefano Utoikamanu, Api Koroisau have mutual options in their deals, which means they could hit the market, depending on the stance of their existing clubs.

Jacob Kiraz. Picture: Getty Images

Campbell Graham. Picture: NRL Photos

The clock is ticking, but the Dragons at least can take consolation in the fact that half the battle is won where Sloan is concerned – he wants to stay.

“I really want to stay at the club,” Sloan said.

“They have backed me in the past seven weeks and I want to show that faith. I just bought a house in Dapto where I grew up, which is a big achievement for myself and my family.

“So that is the main goal. I hope the club wants to keep me. I feel like I am doing the right things. My main focus right now is playing my footy and helping my team win.”

Tyrell Sloan in action for the Dragons. Picture: NRL Photos

The challenge for the Dragons is the ongoing uncertainty over the coach. Griffin is fighting for his future and the assumption is that he will be gone at season’s end, given the Dragons have won only two of their opening seven games.

“I am just a player here,” Sloan said.

“I love Hook (Griffin). I feel like he has done the right thing by me over these past 12 months.

“Everything he has put me through – I have probably put him through a bit as well. I back him 100 per cent.

“I feel like off the field I am very happy, on the field I am very happy and win, lose or draw, I want to keep turning up for my team with a smile on my face.”

Originally published as NRL arms race: Six months to sign rugby league’s biggest names